Spicy Cauliflower With Braised Tomatoes Recipes

TOMATO BRAISED CAULIFLOWER

Steps:

• Pull off the cauliflower leaves and cut out the core. Break the cauliflower head into florets.
• In a large casserole, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the onion and garlic and cook until wilted, about 4 minutes. Add cauliflower, bay leaves and peperoncino and season lightly with salt. Cook for 5 minutes, stirring occasionally. Meanwhile, crush the tomatoes coarsely by hand.
• Add the tomatoes to the cauliflower and cook, covered, until the cauliflower is very tender and most of the liquid has been absorbed, about 30 minutes. Check the cauliflower after about 20 minutes: There should be just enough liquid to lightly coat the cauliflower. If there is more, finish cooking the cauliflower uncovered. Season with salt and serve hot.
• Serve on top of pasta or rice, or dip fresh bread into the sauce, enjoy!

WHOLE POT-ROASTED CAULIFLOWER WITH TOMATOES AND ANCHOVIES

Steps:

• Position a rack in the center of the oven and heat to 450 degrees.
• Trim any wilted leaves and brown bits off the cauliflower, but leave healthy leaves. Put the cauliflower on its side on a cutting board. As if coring a tomato, core the base of the cauliflower: insert a small sharp knife about 1 inch into the base of the stem, make a circular cut to loosen the cone-shaped core, then pry it out and discard.
• In a deep, heavy ovenproof pot (with a lid), large enough to hold the whole cauliflower, heat the oil over medium-high heat. Add the cauliflower cored side up; it should sizzle. Brown the exterior, turning it occasionally with tongs for even browning. This should take about 5 minutes; reduce the heat as needed to prevent scorching. Carefully turn over and brown the other side lightly, about 2 minutes.
• Remove the cauliflower to a plate and add garlic, anchovies and rosemary to the pot. Stir until garlic is golden, about 30 seconds. Add tomatoes, white wine, chiles and salt. Stir well and bring to a simmer. Return cauliflower to pot, cored side down. Baste with the tomato liquid and pile some of the solids on top. Simmer, uncovered, 5 minutes to thicken the tomatoes.
• Cover the pot, place in the oven and roast until tender, 30 to 45 minutes; a knife will go into the thick stems with almost no resistance. Check on the tomato sauce every 10 minutes or so; it should be punchy and intense but not too thick, so add a glug of wine if it seems to be getting too dry.
• Transfer the cauliflower head to a serving plate or shallow bowl and cut in half, quarters or thick slices. Spoon on all the tasty stuff left in the pot. Add a drizzle of olive oil and a sprinkle of herbs. Serve immediately or at room temperature, passing salt and red pepper flakes at the table.

PASTA WITH CAULIFLOWER, SPICY TOMATO SAUCE AND CAPERS

Steps:

• Bring a large pot of water to a boil while you core the cauliflower and break it into florets. Add a generous amount of salt to the water and blanch the cauliflower for 5 minutes, or until tender. Use a skimmer or strainer to scoop the cauliflower from the water and transfer to a bowl of cold water. Drain and chop the florets into small pieces. Keep the water at a simmer.
• Heat the oil over medium heat in a wide, heavy skillet and add the garlic and chili flakes. Cook, stirring, until the garlic is fragrant, about 30 seconds, and stir in the puréed tomatoes, a pinch of sugar, and salt to taste. Add the capers and cauliflower and simmer 10 to 15 minutes, until the tomatoes have cooked down and smell fragrant. Taste and adjust seasonings.
• Bring the water in the pot back to a boil and add the perciatelli. Cook al dente, usually about 7 or 8 minutes. Add about 1/2 cup of the pasta water to the pan with the cauliflower and stir. Drain the pasta and add to the pan, along with the parsley and the pecorino. Stir together and serve.

SPICY CAULIFLOWER WITH GINGER, CUMIN AND TOMATOES

Steps:

• Place the cauliflower in a steaming basket above 1 inch boiling water. Cover and steam for 1 minute. Lift the lid and allow steam to escape for 15 seconds, then cover again and steam for 5 minutes, or until the cauliflower is just tender. Remove from the heat and refresh with cold water. Quarter the larger florets and set the cauliflower aside.
• Heat the oil in a large, heavy nonstick skillet or wok above medium heat. Add the ginger, cumin seeds and chiles and stir-fry for 1 minute. Add the cauliflower and stir-fry for 2 to 3 minutes. Stir in the tomatoes, ground coriander, cayenne, turmeric, and 1/2 teaspoon salt. Cook, stirring, for 5 minutes, until the tomatoes have cooked down and the mixture is fragrant. Taste and adjust salt. Stir in the cilantro, stir for another 30 seconds, and serve, passing lime wedges for squeezing.