Tuesday, January 25, 2011

How to Curry Favor

I had a head of cauliflower sitting in my refrigerator for a few days.  The problem for me was not a lack of ideas for preparation, but a wealth of ideas.  I couldn't choose just one way to use this winter vegetable.  So, it sat...until yesterday...

It has been really cold and dreary here in DC.  While, I am grateful we have not been bombarded with snow as we were last winter, it still is not that pleasant to me.  I needed something soothing and warming, and I needed that refrigerator space.

Curried Cauliflower Puree
Serves 6

1 2-lb head of cauliflower
2 Tbsp unsalted butter, softened (can add more, if desired)
2 1/2 tsp hot curry powder (I used Penzey's)
1/2 tsp salt
1/2 tsp ground pepper (white looks prettiest, but black is okay)
1/4 - 1/3 cup heavy cream, optional

Trim the leaves and cut out the central core of the cauliflower.  Break the cauliflower into small florets.  You can peel the core and slice crosswise or discard.


Add the cauliflower pieces to a large pot and cover with water.  Bring to boil.  Cook the cauliflower, covered, until tender.  It will probably take about 5 minutes.

Drain the cauliflower pieces, reserving the cooking liquid, and place in a food processor.  Add butter, curry powder, salt, and pepper, and 1/4 cup of the reserved cooking liquid.


Puree to desired consistency, adding more cooking liquid or more butter, if desired.  I added about 1/4 cup of heavy cream which added a lovely richness to the puree.  Taste and adjust seasonings, if necessary.


Serve immediately while still warm, or pour into a baking dish and reheat in a 250-degree oven when you want to serve.


Curried Cauliflower Puree

13 comments:

  1. I love mashed cauliflower! I never think to do curry though. I will try that next time I make it!

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  2. Hi, Dawn! My husband wasn't so sure about me adding curry, but he ended up really liking it.

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  3. Thanks, blackbookkitchendiaries! It is hard to photograph mushy whitish food, so I appreciate the compliment.

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  4. quite interesting! we make mashed cauliflower with garlic and mayonnaise.

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  5. Thanks, something good! Your version sounds tasty, too.

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  6. Mmmm curry....great flavor choice.

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  7. Thanks, briarrose! I appreciate you stopping by.

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  8. I bet this would be good with a drizzle of olive oil and scooped up with warm pita just like hummus

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  9. I'm embarrassed to admit I've never heard of pureed or mashed cauliflower, but I love it cooked with curry so I want to try this. Question - what do you serve it with, or on top of? Is it like a dip or a sauce?

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  10. No need for embarrassment, Nicole, that's a great question. I serve it as a side dish, and I particularly like it with chicken or pork. Thanks for stopping by!

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  11. WOW! This Curried Cauliflower Puree looks amazing, cant wait to try it! Thanks for posting!
    ~Kim~
    http://inspiredbythemediterranean.blogspot.com/

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  12. Thanks, Kim...it is a great side dish.

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