An elegant vegetarian dish: roasted cauliflower steaks atop a flavorful cauliflower purée. Good to eat and good for you!
The idea for this recipe came to me after I discovered an amazing documentary series on Netflix called Chef’s Table, which debuted last year. Each episode of the show focuses on a world-renowned chef and gives an intimate view of their life, their restaurants and their journey to mastering their craft. It’s beautifully done and so inspiring — I binge-watched the entire first season in just a few days.
One of the featured chefs on the series is Dan Barber, the chef and co-owner of Blue Hill in Manhattan and Blue Hill at Stone Barns in Pocantico Hills, New York. After learning about him, I was eager to try some of his recipes; a quick Google search led me to his Cauliflower Steak with Cauliflower Purée in Bon Appétit and Food52’s Genius Recipes column. The recipe goes along with Barber’s nose-to-tail, whole-farm eating approach, as he uses the center of the cauliflower to make the “steaks” and the remaining florets to make the purée. I love the idea as a way to jazz up the trendy cauliflower steak, so I decided to feature my own slightly adapted version here.
WHAT YOU’LL NEED TO MAKE CAULIFLOWER STEAKS
HOW TO MAKE CAULIFLOWER STEAKS
To begin, use a sharp knife to cut two 1-inch-thick slices from the center of the cauliflower. Cut the remaining florets into 1/2-inch pieces.
In a medium pot, bring the broth and 1/2 teaspoon of salt to a boil. Add the cauliflower and bring back to a boil.
Cover, reduce the heat to low and steam for about 15 minutes, or until cauliflower is very tender.
Use a slotted spoon to transfer the cauliflower to a food processor. Add 1/2 cup of the broth from the pot, along with the butter.
Process until smooth, then add the thyme and process until just combined.
Heat 1-1/2 tablespoons vegetable oil in a large ovenproof skillet over medium-high heat. Add the cauliflower steaks to the skillet, nice side down (whichever side is prettier), and then drizzle the cauliflower steaks with the remaining 1/2 tablespoon oil. Sprinkle each steak with 1/4 teaspoon salt and a few grinds of black pepper.
Cook until the first side is golden brown, 4-5 minutes. Flip the cauliflower steaks over and transfer the pan to the oven. Bake until tender, about 10 minutes.
Rewarm the cauliflower purée. Then, divide the purée between 2 plates, and top each with a cauliflower steak, nice side up.
INGREDIENTS
- 1 head cauliflower
- 1 cup chicken or vegetable broth
- Salt
- 3 tablespoons unsalted butter, cut into chunks
- Freshly ground black pepper
- 1 teaspoon chopped fresh thyme
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil, divided
INSTRUCTIONS
- Preheat the oven to 350°F. Using a sharp heavy knife and starting at top center of cauliflower head, cut two 1-inch-thick slices of cauliflower, cutting through stem end and leaving the leaves intact. Set the cauliflower steaks aside. Cut the remaining florets into ½-inch pieces.
- In a medium pot, bring the chicken or vegetable broth and ½ teaspoon salt to a boil. Add the cauliflower and bring back to a boil. Cover, reduce the heat to low and steam for about 15 minutes, or until the cauliflower is very tender. Using a slotted spoon, transfer the cauliflower to a food processor. Add ½ cup of the broth from the pot, along with the butter, and process until smooth. Taste and adjust seasoning with salt and freshly ground pepper. Add the thyme and process until just combined. Discard the remaining broth and transfer the cauliflower purée back to the pot.
- Heat 1½ tablespoons of the vegetable oil in a large ovenproof skillet over medium-high heat. Add the cauliflower steaks to the skillet, nice side down (whichever side is prettier), and then drizzle the cauliflower steaks with the remaining ½ tablespoon of oil. Sprinkle each steak with ¼ teaspoon salt and a few grinds of fresh black pepper. Cook until the first side is golden brown, 4-5 minutes. Flip the cauliflower steaks over and transfer the pan to the oven. Bake until tender, about 10 minutes.
- Rewarm the cauliflower purée over medium heat. Divide the purée between 2 plates, and then top each with a cauliflower steak, nice side up.
