Tuesday, December 1, 2009

Roasted Cauliflower Puree

Shrimp Over Roasted Cauliflower Puree

Last year I developed a deep and undying love for roasted cauliflower. I have been patiently waiting for cauliflower to be in season again and a few weeks ago, I got to put a different spin on it. I am not a fan of mashed potatoes, but I do love roasted squash or parsnips turned into a simple mash and then topped with some kind of protein. In this case, I decided to try my hand at mashing up the cauliflower and then added some simply cooked shrimp to the mix. Despite me eating many of the roasted cauliflower florets right off the pan, I still got enough to make the puree. I wanted to be simple and low calorie and fat, so instead of using cream, I just pureed them in a bit of water. Chicken or vegetable stock is a great alternative to the water. As always, roasting the cauliflower gives it a delicate, nutty flavor that just works perfectly with the light seafood, but I imagine this would be great with chicken or even a hearty meat instead of mashed potatoes.

Roasted Cauliflower Puree
(By Esi)

1 head cauliflower, cut into florets
Olive oil for coating
Salt and pepper to taste
Water as needed (or chicken stock or vegetable stock)

Preheat the oven to 400 degrees and line one or two baking sheets with foil.

In a bowl, toss together the cauliflower, enough olive oil to coat, and salt and pepper to taste. Spread the cauliflower onto an even layer on the baking sheets.

Roast 20 minutes. Using tongs turn the cauliflower on to the other side and roast another 15-20 minutes until browned.

Once the cauliflower has cooled slightly, turn it out into a food processor. Mash until you get a thick puree, adding water as needed. Serve warm.


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20 comments:

Kelly said...

I have the same love affair. I love the minimalistic presentation of your dish.

Thistlemoon said...

This looks so good! I too am a lover of the stuff! :)

Erica said...

Mashed cauli is fabulous! I make mine with skim milk and red pepper for a little kick. If we want it a little more naughty- we add cheese! Fantastic

Veggie Belly said...

sounds yummy! ive had cauliflower pureed with cream (like mashed potatoes)but never roasted and mashed like this. i'm going to try this one. i'll probably add some caraway seeds :)

Shelley Kubitz Mahannah said...

This looks awesome. :)I didn't like cauliflower for the longest time and now it's a must in my household. great presentation.

Jenn said...

Yum!! I haven't had cauliflower in such a long time. I'm bookmarking this one. I'm still in a veggie roasting mood.

Diana said...

I feel in love with cauliflower puree after using it on a certain open-faced sandwich. I'll have to try it with roasted cauliflower next time!

Mary Bergfeld said...

I will have to try this method. I've never pureed roasted cauliflower. It should be delicious. Thanks for the idea.

Unknown said...

roasted cauliflower is amazing! love the puree here, especially with shrimp :) hope you ate more than 4!

vanillasugarblog said...

I still haven't made this, yet. And you know what? Today at whole foods I saw a turnip puree that looked so good with balsamic onions on top. I need to try this eventually. Looks good darling.

Chef Fresco said...

This is very interesting. I love cauliflower but have never had it roasted. I am impressed, very creative!

angela@spinachtiger said...

A perfect way to cut the calories and no one misses them.

La Cuisine d'Helene said...

I never make cauliflower puree. Sounds so good.

Reeni said...

I just love cauliflower but have yet to roast it. I do love a good mash though. This looks delicious with the shrimp!

Maria said...

I have never tried this, what is wrong with me?

Sippity Sup said...

I imagine it would be great all alone! GREG

Faith said...

I've had mashed cauliflower and roasted cauliflower but I never thought of mashing roasted cauliflower...this is such a great idea, I'll be trying it soon!

Esi said...

Thank you everyone! Those who haven't tried roasting cauliflower...do it soon. It's incredibly good!!

Kerstin said...

I keep seeing cauliflower purees on Top Chef and have been meaning to try making one - yours looks great!

Alicia Foodycat said...

I love cauliflower mash - what a great idea to roast it first!