Braised Cauliflower With Tomatoes Recipes

BRAISED CAULIFLOWER AND TOMATOES

Steps:

• NOTE: I use one 2 inch long medium hot jalapeno, but I am not very daring when it comes to chilis.
• Wash and cut cauliflower into small flowerets, about 1x2 inches. Peel ginger, cut into thin matchsticks. Cut jalapenos into thin strips. Wash and cut tomatoes into eight wedges each.
• Heat oil in a large non-stick skillet over medium to medium high heat.
• When hot add ginger, jalapenos, cumin and mustard, cook until mustard pops and cumin has darkened a few shades, about 1-2 minutes.
• Add coriander, salt and turmeric, stir once, add cauliflower and stir-fry until cauliflower is slightly browned, about 5 minutes.
• Reduce heat to low, add tomatoes and water, stir once and cover. Cook covered for 15-20 minutes until cauliflower is just tender. Shake pan occasionally to avoid sticking, don't stir.
• When done, uncover and evaporate excess liquid on high heat, stirring carefully.
• Serve sprinkled with herbs and garam masala.

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.

CAULIFLOWER WITH GARLIC AND TOMATOES

Steps:

• Cut the cauliflower into florets and cut the florets in half or quaters to creat 1-inch pieces.
• Heat 2 tablespoons of the olive oil in a skillet over medium heat.
• Add the cauliflower and cook, stirring occasionally, until the cauliflower begins to brown.
• Add the other half tablespoon of olive oil, tomatoes, garlic, pepper flakes, and basil.
• Cover and simmer until the cauliflower is tender but still has some resistance when sampled, about 6-8 minutes.
• Add salt and pepper to taste.