Alex Guarnaschelli Coconut Cauliflower Recipe Recipe Cards

CAULIFLOWER GRATIN WITH GARLIC BREADCRUMBS

Steps:

• Preheat the oven to 375 degrees F.
• Prepare the filling for the gratin: Heat a large, heavy-bottomed pot over low heat. Add the olive oil, apples, onions and curry. Season lightly with salt and pepper. Cook over low heat until the apples and onions become tender and translucent, 3 to 5 minutes.
• Place a steamer basket over a pot of boiling water (or, if you have a steamer, simply use that) and steam the pieces of cauliflower until they are tender, 8 to 10 minutes. While the cauliflower is still warm, add it to the pot with the apple/onion mixture and stir to blend. Allow the vegetables to simmer gently on the stove until they are tender but still hold their shape, 15 to 20 minutes. If there is not sufficient liquid, add a little water to the pot so nothing burns as it cooks. Stir in the cream and allow the mixture to "rest" on the stove with the heat off, 5 to 10 minutes. Taste and adjust the seasoning, if needed.
• Prepare the topping: In a medium skillet, melt the butter and stir in the garlic. Cook for 1 minute, stirring, and season with salt. Add the garlic powder and breadcrumbs and stir to blend.
• Pour the cauliflower mixture into a gratin dish and top with half the breadcrumbs. Place in the oven and bake until hot and bubbly, 10 to 15 minutes. Remove and top with the Parmesan and the remaining breadcrumbs. Serve immediately.

CAULIFLOWER FRITTERS

Steps:

• In a medium bowl, combine the flour, 2 teaspoons canola oil, coriander seeds, and red pepper flakes. Stir to blend. Whisk in the beer. Set aside in a warm place for 15 to 20 minutes. It will puff up slightly, like bread dough.
• Gather the cauliflower in a medium-size bowl and use a small strainer to sprinkle it with an even layer of the paprika. Toss to blend.
• In a large pot, heat the remaining 6 cups oil to 375 degrees F.
• Line a baking sheet with paper towels and place the florets on the tray as they come out of the oil.
• Stir the batter slightly. To test the consistency of the batter and the temperature of the oil, put a couple of pieces of cauliflower on a slotted spoon and submerge them in the batter. It should coat the pieces lightly. Cook's Note: If the batter is too thick, add a little water to thin it out. If the batter is too thin, sift and whisk in a little more flour.
• Drain the excess batter and lower the cauliflower into the oil. It should bubble slightly and the cauliflower should gradually rise to the top. Fry until light brown, about 3 to 5 minutes and then transfer them to the prepared baking sheet. Fry the cauliflower in small batches. Season with salt, sprinkle with the cilantro and serve immediately.