Oven roasted Violeta, Cheddar & Romanesco Cauliflower with Cinnamon & Cumin, Fig Puree, Poached Currants, Pepitas
This is an incredibly simple vegan-friendly starter or side dish utilizing 3 different types of cauliflower that you don't usually see outside of a farmer's market. They get their different colors from an abundance of specific substances; beta carotene for the cheddar and anthocyanin (prevents heart disease) in the violeta. And the green romanesco cauliflower, aside from being delicious and healthy, are cool to look at evoking one of Mandelbrot's fractal images. I got all of these from Tom who runs Culton Organics.
I sliced out chunks of each type of cauliflower and tossed them in olive oil, cinnamon and cumin. I roasted them in a 400 degree oven until they softened up and the edges got crispy and caramelized. Alternatively I chopped some florets into small pieces resembling a colored couscous, seasoned them the same way and roasted them off as well.
I cooked dried mission figs in balsamic vinegar and water with a touch of honey. Once soft I pureed them into a fine paste. This will keep in your refrigerator for months so it's a good thing to make a lot of at one time. I also rehydrated some currants in rice wine vinegar, mirin and soy. I scattered these on the plate along with some pepitas. Pepitas are roasted shelled pumpkin seeds.
I sliced out chunks of each type of cauliflower and tossed them in olive oil, cinnamon and cumin. I roasted them in a 400 degree oven until they softened up and the edges got crispy and caramelized. Alternatively I chopped some florets into small pieces resembling a colored couscous, seasoned them the same way and roasted them off as well.
I cooked dried mission figs in balsamic vinegar and water with a touch of honey. Once soft I pureed them into a fine paste. This will keep in your refrigerator for months so it's a good thing to make a lot of at one time. I also rehydrated some currants in rice wine vinegar, mirin and soy. I scattered these on the plate along with some pepitas. Pepitas are roasted shelled pumpkin seeds.