Cauliflower, Pumpkin Seeds, Breadcrumbs from splendid table

  • vegetable stock 2 cups/480ml
  • cauliflower 2 lb 2 oz/1kg
  • olive oil
  • fresh white breadcrumbs
  • ⅔ cup/50g
  • parsley leaves ½ cup/10g
  • pumpkin seeds 3 tablespoons
  • fresh horseradish 1 tablespoon

Bring the vegetable stock to a boil in a medium saucepan. Trim the cauliflower, then cut into “steaks” about ¾ inch/2cm thick. Lower these into the boiling stock, then decrease the heat so that the stock simmers. Partially cover the pan with a lid and let cook till the cauliflower is soft enough to pierce effortlessly with a skewer — a matter of fifteen minutes or so.

While the cauliflower cooks, warm 3 tablespoons of olive oil in a shallow pan, then add the breadcrumbs and cook till golden, constantly stirring and tossing so they color evenly. Roughly chop the parsley and pumpkin seeds, and fold into the breadcrumbs with the horseradish. Season with salt and pepper and set aside.

Blend half the cauliflower steaks to a smooth cream in a blender or food processor with approximately half the hot stock, seasoning as you go.

Warm a glug or two of olive oil in a frying pan, lower in the reserved, cooked cauliflower slices, carefully drained, and fry till golden. Gently turn and cook the other side till lightly crisp around the edges. They may fall apart a little, no matter. Divide the cauliflower purée between two plates, slip the fried cauliflower on top, then season with the crumbs and seeds.

Tips and tricks: 

  • Keeping the slices of cauliflower on the thick side will help the slices hold together. The pieces that stand proud in the stock and cook in the steam are the ones to fry. Those that cook under the liquid are the ones to purée. They will absorb some of the flavors of your stock.
  • Snippets of crisp bacon, pancetta, or pork crackling could be introduced to the breadcrumb and parsley crumble. A trickle of cream and a handful of grated Pecorino would be a worthwhile addition to the cauliflower purée. The sauce, topped with a little grated Parmesan, could be spooned over the cauliflower and broiled, to create a toasted crust.

Lulu’s crab supreme

for the white sauce
4 tbsp butter
2 tbsp flour
1 c milk
1 tsp mustard
1/2 tsp worcestershire sauce
1/2 tsp horseradish
salt
2 tsp lemon juice
1 tbsp mayo
1 lb crab
for topping
1/2 c fresh bread crumbs
2 tbsp melted butter

Preheat oven to 400. Lightly butter a shallow 2 qt baking dish.
White sauce: melt the butter in a small sauce pan. stir in the flour and cook stirring constantly for 1-2 min. Slowly wisk in the milk bring the mixture to a boil and cook until mixture thickens (2-3 min) Remove from the heat and stir in mustard, wor sauce, horseradish, salt, lemon juice and mayo.

place the crab in the prepared dish.pour in white sauce and stir gently/

in a small bowl toss the bread crumbs with butter. sprinkle over the casserole. bake in oven for 10 min NO Longer.