Cauliflower is a vegetable from the cabbage family. The head is made up of inflorescences which can be white, purple, green or orange. It has a mild flavor and can be used as a substitute for broccoli or potatoes. You can steam them, boiled, mashed, roasted, or browned.
Steps
Method 1 of 3: Part 1: Buying Cauliflowers
Step 1. Look for a compact cauliflower
The inflorescences must have no spaces and the leaves must extend beyond the top. White cauliflowers have no color because the leaves cover the flowers from the sun's rays.
Step 2. Choose according to whiteness
Avoid heads that are darker or have spots. It means they've been on the shelves too long.
- If you buy purple, green, or orange cauliflowers, check for spots on the leaves or the base of the head.
- The greener it is, the better.
Step 3. Buy pre-sliced fresh cauliflower if you want to save time in preparation
You can buy only the inflorescences instead of the whole head. The flowers will deteriorate faster than whole cauliflower, so use them within two days.
Step 4. Place the cauliflower in an open plastic bag or leave it in its packaging until you cook it
It will keep for 5-7 days.
Step 5. Sear the cauliflower if you cannot cook it within 2-5 days
Put a pot of water to boil. Put the cauliflower and boil for 3 minutes.
- Remove the buds and soak them in ice water. Remove them, drain them and put them in the fridge or freezer.
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Seared cauliflowers can be kept for up to one year.
Cook Fresh Cauliflower Step 5Bullet2
Method 2 of 3: Part 2: Prepare the Cauliflowers
Step 1. Turn your head to one side
Cut where the stem meets the head.
Step 2. Also use the stem and leaves if they are fresh
They can be used in place of broccoli, spinach, or other bitter vegetables. Discard them if they are not fresh.
Step 3. Place the cauliflower upside down on the cutting board
Insert a 45-degree peel knife and apply a circular motion. Discard the woody heart after separating it from the buds.
Step 4. Cut the stem of each flower cluster with the knife
Cut where the stem joins the buds. Cut in a circular direction, removing the small bunches from the head.
Step 5. Divide the flowers from each other with your hands
Separate the sapling-shaped clusters into small pieces. If they are hard to peel off, use the knife.
Step 6. Place the flowers in a colander
Rinse them well.
Method 3 of 3: Part 3: Cooking Cauliflowers
Step 1. Steam
Bring a little water to a boil in a pan. Place a steaming tray in the pan, then pour in the cauliflower.
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Cover the pan. Cook for 5 minutes if you have a few, 10 minutes if you have more.
Cook Fresh Cauliflower Step 12Bullet1 - You can also cook the whole head by cooking it for 15 minutes.
Step 2. Boil and mash the cauliflowers
Without cutting the cauliflower, cut an X at the end of the stem, about 1 centimeter deep. Bring a medium-sized saucepan to a boil.
- Put the head of the cauliflower in the water. Boil for 20-25 minutes.
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If you are using only the inflorescences, let it boil for only 5-10 minutes.
Cook Fresh Cauliflower Step 13Bullet2 - Drain the water, add milk, butter and seasonings.
- Mash the cauliflowers with a potato masher. Serve them as a puree.
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Puree the cauliflowers in a blender instead of mashing them. Use the puree as a base for soups or dips.
Cook Fresh Cauliflower Step 13Bullet5
Step 3. Put the cauliflower in the sauce, stews or soups
The inflorescences alone will be cooked after 15-20 minutes in these recipes.
Step 4. Brown the cauliflowers
Heat a tablespoon of olive oil, add a clove of chopped garlic. Place the cauliflowers and sauté until soft and golden.
- Consider adding a squeeze of fresh lemon juice and some chopped thyme before serving.
- You can add some lemon juice and some thyme before serving.
Step 5. Roast the cauliflowers
Heat the oven to 200 degrees. Sprinkle the cauliflowers with a tablespoon of olive oil, salt, pepper and cumin seeds.
- Pour them into a baking dish and put them in the oven.
- Roast them for 20 minutes or until golden brown.
