Finnish Cauliflower Food

FINNISH CAULIFLOWER CUSTARD

Steps:

• Preheat the oven to 350°F.
• Place the cauliflower in a saucepan, cover with water, add 1/2 teaspoon salt and bring to a boil.
• Reduce heat and simmer until cauliflower is just tender-crisp; drain.
• Butter a 1-1/2 quart casserole and arrange the flowerets in it.
• In a small saucepan melt the butter.
• Stir in the flour, 1/2 teaspoon salt and the parsley, stirring until smooth (a roux whisk can be helpful).
• Slowly add 1 cup of the milk, stirring to incorporate, and cook until thickened.
• Pour mixture over the cauliflower.
• In a mixing bowl, beat the eggs.
• Into the egg mixture, stir in the remaining 1/2 teaspoon salt, white pepper and remaining milk.
• Pour over the creamed cauliflower in the casserole.
• Bake for 30-35 minutes or until the custard is set.
• Serve hot.

BEST ROASTED CAULIFLOWER RECIPE

Steps:

• Preheat the oven to anywhere between 450 to 475 degrees F (or 250 degrees C)
• Place the cauliflower florets on a large baking sheet. Drizzle extra virgin olive oil and toss to make sure florets are coated, add more EVOO as needed but don't overdo it!
• Combine the cumin and harissa in a small dish. Season cauliflower with the spice mixture and a generous pinch of salt and black pepper. Toss again to combine. Spread cauliflower florets well on the baking sheet so that they are in one layer.
• Cover the baking sheet with foil and place on the middle rack of your heated oven. Roast covered for 15 minutes, then carefully remove the foil and return the baking sheet to the oven. Roast for another 20 to 30 minutes or so, occasionally rotating the baking sheet and turning cauliflower florets over, using a pair of tongs. (Cauliflower should be so tender and caramelized or even charred in some parts).
• If serving with tahini, use the roasting time to make tahini sauce according to this recipe.
• Remove from heat and carefully transfer roasted cauliflower to a serving dish. Immediately add the lemon juice, a little drizzle of tahini (if you like), toasted nuts and a little fresh parsley for garnish. If you're like me and want even more flavor, sprinkle a bit more harissa spice.
• Serve the tahini sauce in a bowl on the side for dipping.

CAULIFLOWER GNOCCHI

Steps:

• In a 6-qt. stockpot, place a steamer basket over 1 in. of water. Place cauliflower in basket. Bring to a boil. Reduce heat; steam, covered, until tender, 8-10 minutes. Drain. When cauliflower is cool enough to handle, wrap in a clean kitchen towel and squeeze dry., Puree ricotta in a food processor until smooth, 20-30 seconds. Add cauliflower and egg yolk; process until smooth. Add 3/4 cup flour and pulse until mixture forms a soft dough, adding additional flour as needed. Divide dough into 4 portions. On a floured surface, roll each portion into 1/2-in.-thick ropes; cut into 1/2-in. pieces. , In a large saucepan, bring water to a boil. Cook gnocchi in batches until they float, 30-60 seconds. Remove with a slotted spoon. Melt butter in a large skillet. Add gnocchi and cook over medium heat until gnocchi start to brown, 3-4 minutes. Garnish with sage, if desired. Serve immediately.