CAULIFLOWER RECIPES TAHINI RECIPES

Steps:

• Preheat the oven to 400 degrees. Meanwhile, bring a large pot of water to a boil, and fill a bowl with ice water. When the water comes to a boil, salt generously and add the cauliflower. Blanch for two minutes, and transfer to the ice water. Drain and blot dry. Transfer to a baking dish.
• Season the cauliflower with salt and pepper, and toss with the olive oil. Place in the oven, and roast for 30 to 40 minutes, stirring from time to time, until tender and lightly browned.
• Puree the garlic cloves with 1/4 teaspoon salt in a mortar and pestle. Transfer to a bowl, and whisk in the sesame tahini. Whisk in the lemon juice, beginning with the smaller amount. The mixture will stiffen up. Gradually whisk in up to 1/2 cup water, until the sauce has the consistency of thick cream (or runny yogurt). Stir in the parsley. Taste, and adjust salt and lemon juice. Serve with the cauliflower. You will have some sauce left over.

Steps:

• *** TO PREPARE THE CAULIFLOWER ***.
• Place a large pot with 8 cups water and the salt over high heat. Cover and bring to a rolling boil. Meanwhile, remove all the leaves from around the stem of the cauliflower. Cut the florets off the central stem into 2- 3-inch pieces, keeping them consistent in size.
• Place the florets in the boiling water. Return the water to a rolling boil and cook uncovered, stirring a couple of times, for 5 minutes. Drain, then evenly spread the florets over a flat tray and cool for 30 minutes uncovered. The steamed florets must cool prior to frying or they will fall apart.
• Heat the oil in a medium saucepan over medium-high heat to 375°, using a candy/fry thermometer for accuracy. The oil should be about 1 1/2" deep. Fry 4 to 5 florets at a time until golden brown and the edges are crispy. Remove them with a slotted spoon to a paper towel-lined dish. Make sure the temperature of the oil remains at 375° so that the florets fry evenly. Fry the remaining pieces of cauliflower. If you prefer, you can serve the cauliflower steamed.
• *** TO PREPARE THE TAHINI SAUCE ***.
• In a small bowl, mash the garlic and salt to a pulp using a pestle. Add the tahini, lemon juice and water. Whisk until smooth and creamy; the consistency will be like pancake batter.
• Use a spoon to mix in the parsley. Cover and refrigerate until needed. Tahini sauce may thicken once refrigerated. Thin it with lemon juice or water.
• TO SERVE *** Place the tahini sauce in a small bowl in the center of the platter. Arrange the warm or room-temperature cauliflower around the tahini.