Cauliflower Romanesco Food

ROASTED ROMANESCO

Steps:

• Preheat oven to 425 degrees F (220 degrees C). Line a baking sheet with aluminum foil.
• Spread Romanesco onto the prepared baking sheet; drizzle with olive oil and season with salt, black pepper, garlic powder, and paprika.
• Roast in the preheated oven until tender, 15 to 20 minutes.

PASTA WITH GREEN (ROMANESCO) CAULIFLOWER

Steps:

• Bring a large pot of water to a boil over high heat. Add the cauliflower and cook for about 10 minutes, until just tender. Use a Chinese skimmer or slotted spoon to transfer the florets to a bowl. Reserve cooking water to thin the final sauce (see below).
• When the water returns to a boil, add 4 teaspoons of salt. Add the pasta and cook according to package directions, or until al dente, stirring once or twice. Drain, reserving 1/2 cup of the pasta cooking water for the sauce.
• While the pasta is cooking, heat the oil in a large skillet over medium-low heat. Add the crushed red pepper flakes and the garlic; cook for a few minutes until the garlic is lightly browned but not burned.
• Add the anchovies, stirring until they dissolve, then the cooked cauliflower. Reduce the heat to low and cook for 2 or 3 minutes to let the cauliflower "take in" the flavors.
• Add just enough of the reserved cooking water to thin the sauce (making it less sticky). Add the drained pasta to the skillet, then immediately transfer to a large bowl. Toss well and serve.

MARINATED ROMANESCO AND CAULIFLOWER SALAD

Steps:

• Prepare the dressing in a non-reactive bowl by whisking the ingredients together. Taste and adjust seasoning if necessary. Set aside.
• Lightly blanch the romanesco and cauliflower in a large pot of boiling water, only until the romanesco is brightly colored. Immediately plunge into cold water to stop the cooking process. Drain well.
• Transfer the blanched vegetables, carrots (and chilies if using) to a salad bowl and pour the salad dressing over them. Cover.
• Best if salad is prepared several hours in advance to allow the vegetables to marinate.
• *Important*: stir in the cilantro leaves just before serving.

ROAST ROMANESCO WITH ANCHOVIES, CAPERS & CURRANTS

Steps:

• Put the currants in a small bowl and cover with boiled water. Leave to soak for 1 hr. Heat the oven to 190C/170C fan/gas 5.
• Arrange the romanesco in a roasting tin in a single layer. Add 2 tbsp of the oil, season and toss to combine. Roast for 20 mins until tender (keep an eye on it as it cooks more quickly than cauliflower), tossing halfway through to make sure it's evenly coloured.
• Meanwhile, cook the shallots in the remaining oil over a medium heat for about 10 mins until golden. Reduce the heat and add the garlic, chilli flakes and anchovies and cook for 2 mins more. Gently press the anchovies with the back of a wooden spoon to help them dissolve. Drain the currants and add to the pan along with the capers, nuts, herbs and lemon juice. Toss with the roasted romanesco and transfer to a serving plate.