Cauliflower and Leek Rice

Cauliflower

Pair these sweet over-wintered veggies with a grain or pasta for a delicious, healthy meal.

1 medium leek, finely chopped
1 medium head cauliflower, cut into 1-inch-wide florets
3-1/2 cups chicken or vegetable stock
1 1/2 cups water
3 tablespoons unsalted butter
1 cup rice (6 3/4 ounces)
3/4 cup finely grated Parmesan cheese

Wash leek well in a bowl of cold water, then lift out and drain. Blanch leek and cauliflower in a 4- to 5-quart pot of boiling salted water, uncovered, 1 minute. Drain in a sieve and transfer to a bowl of cold water to stop cooking. Drain well.

Bring stock and water to a boil in a 2- to 3-quart saucepan and keep stock at a bare simmer, covered.

Heat 2 tablespoons butter in a 4-quart heavy pot over moderately high heat until foam subsides, then sauté cauliflower and leek, stirring, 2 minutes. Add rice and cook, stirring, 1 minute. Add 1 cup simmering stock and cook at a strong simmer, stirring, until absorbed, about 2 minutes. Continue simmering and adding stock, about 1/2 cup at a time, stirring frequently and letting each addition be absorbed before adding the next, until rice is just tender and creamy looking, 20 to 25 minutes. (There may be leftover broth.)

Remove from heat and stir in cheese, remaining tablespoon butter, and salt and pepper to taste. Thin with a little remaining stock as desired and serve immediately.

I bet this could be made with orzo, instead of rice.

We thank epicurious.com for this recipe.

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Over-Wintered Cauliflower

cauliflower

Over-wintered cauliflower is oh-so-sweet!

Our cauliflower was planted in August and grew all winter. The cold weather made it sweeter than normal. You can eat the leaves, too! Prepare them as you would any other leafy green veggie.

Roasted Cauliflower: Combine cauliflower, cubed rutabagas, potatoes, and spring onions on a cookie sheet or baking dish. Drizzle with oil and season with thyme, basil, oregano, chili pepper flakes, and slat/pepper. Cover and bake at 400 degrees F for 25 minutes. Uncover, turn veggies and bake for 10-15 minutes more. Top with Parmesan cheese.

Steamed Cauliflower: Break cauliflower into florets and steam lightly. Drizzle with a puree of fresh berbs, garlic and oil before serving. Steam a combo of cubed cauliflower and rutabagas, then mash with lemon juice and fresh parsley.

Soup: Cube a leek, a medium head of cauliflower, garlic and a small potato or two. Boil in 8-10 cups of salted water or veggie/chicken stock until soft enough to puree in a blender. Return to soup pot and season with salt/pepper, thyme, and nutmeg (optional). Thicken by tossing in some lentils or rice.

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