Fried Cauliflower Sandwich, food52

2014-0923_fried-cauliflower-sandwich-010

  • 1/2 head cauliflower
  • cups lacinato kale (or similar)
  • cloves garlic
  • tablespoons olive oil (approximately)
  • Salt, to taste
  • ciabatta rolls (or similar good, crusty white bread)
  • tablespoons pickled banana pepper rings
  • slices provolone cheese
  1. Trim the cauliflower, leaving the core intact, and cut into 1/4-inch slices (don’t worry if they don’t stay perfectly intact — as long as the have a relatively “flat” side they should brown up nicely). Set aside.
  2. Slice the kale into thin ribbons and peel and mince the garlic. Set aside.
  3. Pour enough oil in a heavy fry pan so that it completely coats the pan’s bottom and will slightly edge up the sides of the cauliflower pieces when you add them. Heat the oil over medium-high heat. When it’s very hot, add the cauliflower slices and let them sizzle, untouched, for 4 to 5 minutes (you may need to adjust heat so that they cook long enough to get brown and cook through). Flip the slices and cook them for another 3 to 4 minutes. Remove to a plate and sprinkle with a little salt.
  4. Turn off the heat and add the kale and garlic to pan. Cook in the residual pan heat for a minute or two until the greens are wilted, then scrape onto a plate.
  5. Turn the oven broiler on. Split and toast the ciabatta rolls. Take the two bottom halves and layer on the fried cauliflower slices, then the greens, and lastly, the peppers. Top with 2 slices of cheese and broil in oven just until melted. Top with the other ciabatta halves and enjoy.
  6. Note: I highly recommend using a cast-iron skillet if you have one. If you don’t, they cost about $12 at your local hardware store. Otherwise, choose a very heavy pan so you get a nice crust on the cauliflower.  Makes 2 sandwiches