Rich And Nutty Roasted Cauliflower Purée Food

ROASTED AND PUREED CAULIFLOWER

Steps:

• Preheat oven to 350 degrees F.
• On a sheet tray, spread 1/4 of the florets with the oil, season with salt and bake until caramelized, about 25 minutes. Meanwhile, combine remaining cauliflower, milk and half a teaspoon of salt in a medium saucepan over medium heat. Bring mixture to a simmer, cover, and cook until cauliflower is tender, about 20 to 25 minutes. Strain cauliflower from milk mixture, reserving both. Transfer cauliflower to a blender. Add remaining 1/2 teaspoon of salt and butter to the blender. Add half of the reserved milk liquid. Secure top on blender and puree mixture until smooth. If mixture is too thick, thin by adding some of the remaining liquid. Season, to taste. Serve in a large serving bowl topped with caramelized florets and chives.

SMOOTH AND SILKY CAULIFLOWER PURéE RECIPE

Steps:

• In a large saucepan, melt butter over medium-high heat. Add onion and garlic and cook, stirring often, until softened and translucent, about 5 minutes; lower heat as necessary to prevent browning.
• Add cauliflower, cream and/or stock, and thyme. Cover, bring to a simmer, and cook, adjusting heat to maintain simmer, until cauliflower is tender, 5 to 6 minutes. Uncover and continue to simmer, stirring occasionally, until liquid is reduced by about three-quarters, about 20 minutes. Discard thyme sprig.
• Using a blender or immersion blender, blend cauliflower and liquid to form a very smooth purée. Season with salt. (You can adjust purée consistency as needed: Thicken by cooking down further while stirring often over low heat in a wide nonstick skillet, or thin by whisking in liquid, such as stock, cream, or water.) Serve warm.

ROASTED CAULIFLOWER AND GARLIC PUREE

Steps:

• Toss the cauliflower florets and peeled garlic cloves in the olive oil until coated (I guess on the amount of olive oil, and probably use more than the specified amount).
• Sprinkle with salt to your taste. We use a creole salt or spice.
• Roast in oven at 375 degrees until the cauliflower is cooked and a fork pierces the stems easily. The timing will depend on how large you leave the cauliflower pieces, but it usually takes about 20 minutes. Don't let the cauliflower burn, but I think the slightly browned edges add character and flavor. The garlic should also be very soft by now.
• Put the roasted cauliflower with the garlic cloves into a food processor along with the butter (optional) and the sour cream. Pulse-puree until the mixture is smooth. Adjust seasonings as necessary and serve warm.