Test Kitchen: Cooking is fun with Cauliflower!
Cauliflower was not on my early list of favorite vegetables…
As we focus on culinary medicine and learn more about the health benefits various foods offer, cauli brings a new perspective. A quick internet search will reveal this modest veg has more than 8 science-based benefits.
It’s a source of many nutrients – it’s also;
High in fiber
Rich in antioxidants including Sulforaphane
High in Choline
A low-carb alternative to grains and legumes
Is easy (and cost-effective) to add to your diet
And, may aid in weight loss as it is low in calories.
Now how do you eat it? Nutritionists suggest it as an alternative to rice, also as traditional cauliflower cheese, roasted, as curry, or even cauliflower crust pizza. Canadian Living offers 15 inspiring recipes to try.
This month’s HealthyMe recipe is something a little different. It’s a savory Cheesy Cauliflower Cake. Yes – that’s right cake – or delicious bread. The recipe follows below the blog.
Food for the body, food for the soul - I had so much fun with this recipe. As I have a small oven, I used two loaf tins. I can also freeze one of the loaves for later in the week.
The subtle cheesy flavors provide a tasty alternative to mealtime bread. Or this dish can be jazzed up to include more spices and another veg. It would be equally yummy lightly grilled with cheese or as a starter with fish or liver pate.
We had our first slices alongside chicken liver peri-peri and broccoli. A touch of chili sauce made it scrumptious. I can imagine it is just as appetizing with bean or lentil stew, or a lovely warming veg curry. Can’t wait for tomorrow’s dinner!
Step-by-step of the cauliflower cake cooking method
The practical stuff:
I collected my ingredients and had everything to hand. (Cooks call this mise en place - for me, it makes life easier.) Lining the loaf tins made taking the bread out easy, and reduces the washing effort. I chopped the cauli into small regular-sized bits so they would cook evenly. I did not cook them beforehand. The cooking time will vary according to the dampness of your veg, check using a skewer if the mixture is cooked through. It took a bit longer than I was expecting. My bread shows brown as you might have noticed I use wholewheat flour.
Garnish and have fun. As you can see, I added mushrooms and paprika. Next time I may include other vegs (e.g. onion, garlic, celery, broccoli) in the mix or chop in a few more mushrooms. It’s easy, wholesome, and nutritious. As something a little different, why not make it and enjoy a great conversation starter when friends come over?
Next time: I might also keep some cheese or add a bit extra to sprinkle on the top for a crispy cheesy topping.
We’d love to hear how you made this hearty loaf your own. Please reach us at hello@psychclinicfsj.com
https://www.canadianliving.com/food/mediagallery/15-delicious-cauliflower-recipes
Cheesy Cauliflower Cake with sweet Chilli jelly
Adapted from the restaurant Pramil by petitsfarcis
Makes 12 slices (6-12 portions)
Background
Note from Petitfarcis: Since Alain Pramil's recipe was a little rich for my taste, I have adjusted the proportions to make it lighter, though you will still find this savory cake nice and cheesy.
I prefer mild to medium chili peppers for the jelly, which can easily become overwhelmingly hot - you can also use a store-bought chili paste or jelly.
There is no need to precook the cauliflower. Be sure to bake the cake long enough that the florets show no resistance when you pierce it with a knife or skewer.
Cauliflower cake prep time about 30 mins
Cook time 50 mins at 400F
Savory Cake ingredients
1 1/2 cups flour (200 g)
2 teaspoons baking powder
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon freshly ground white (or black) pepper
4 whole eggs
1/2 cup olive oil (120 ml)
3/4 cup whole milk (200 ml)
2 cups grated Emmental or Gruyère (6 1/2 ounces/180 g) (or use the cheese you prefer)
4 cups (about 15 ounces/400 g) cauliflower florets measuring about 1 inch/2.5cm
Butter, for the pan
Chilli Jelly ingredients – prep time over an hour
8 mild or medium-strength fresh red or green chili peppers, measuring about 2 inches (5 cm)
2 cups water (500 ml)
1/4 cup sugar (50 g)
1/2 teaspoon salt
Method for Savory Cake
Butter a loaf pan, and line it with parchment paper.
Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C) Gas mark 6.
Sift together the flour, baking powder, salt, and pepper.
Add the eggs and olive oil, and stir until the mixture is smooth, being careful not to mix more than is necessary.
Stir in the milk, and finally the grated cheese.
Stir the cauliflower florets into the batter.
Transfer the batter to the loaf pan and bake for 50 minutes, or until the tip of a knife inserted into the center comes clean and meets no resistance from the cauliflower.
Let the cake cool for 5 minutes before transferring it to a rack.
Serve warm or at room temperature with the chili jelly.
Method for Chilli Jelly
Remove the stems from the chili peppers but leave them whole.
Place them in a small saucepan with the water, sugar, and salt, bring to a boil, and cook at a gentle boil without the lid for 1 hour, stirring occasionally, so that the liquid forms a thick syrup.
Blend in a food processor or blender and set aside in the refrigerator to chill.
This jelly will keep in a sealed jar for at least one month.
With thanks to https://www.petitsfarcis.com/
