Recipe: Spiced Cauliflower

Recipe Source: The Silver Spoon.  Phaidon Press, New York, 2006 p. 440

This is a recipe that is absolutely perfect for those hot, sticky days when what you really want is to order pizza because it means you don't have to heat up your kitchen.  Why is it so perfect for those days?  Because there is no cooking involved.  None.  It is very easy, and very quick, and that was what I wanted when I was racking my brains looking for a quick and easy recipe that would use up that cauliflower in the back of my refrigerator. 

I did make a couple of changes.  First, I omitted the carrots.  I didn't have any.  I would have omitted them anyway of course, as I don't actually like carrots.  I used garlic powder instead of mincing fresh garlic; minced jarred garlic wouldn't have worked raw, and I was in a bit of a rush.  I omitted the oil, because I wasn't sure that it was really necessary, and I used ground cumin instead of cumin seeds.  I liked the dressing just fine, but the raw cauliflower wasn't exactly my cup of tea.  Still, I'm glad I tried it, and if you like raw cauliflower then this one's for you.

Spiced Cauliflower (serves 4; approx. $1.25/serving)

1 small cauliflower, cut into florets

1 tablespoon garlic powder

Juice of one lemon

1 tablespoon dry white wine

1/2 teaspoon ground cumin

Pinch of paprika

Pinch of cayenne pepper

Kosher salt to taste

Equipment:

• Small bowl
• Whisk

1. Put the florets into your serving bowl.
2. Whisk the remaining ingredients together in the small bowl.
3. Pour the dressing over the cauliflower.
4. Serve.

Comments

[Alisa - Frugal Foodie]

It sounds interesting. I'm not sure about raw cauliflower either, but still might be worth a try.

[noble pig]

I have a head of cauliflower in my fridge that I normally roast but it's 100 degrees so I haven't. This is a great alternative.

[Fearless Kitchen]

Noble - Well, it's certainly better than letting it go bad :) It's definitely not been 100 degrees around here, but we'll get there.

Alisa - It's definitely an... acquired taste. My husband really liked it. I was less enthusiastic.

[Sophie]

MMMMM....looks lovely & real Indian insoired!

[Fearless Kitchen]

Sophie - Thanks!