Zesty Spiced Cauliflower with Aromatic Herbs

Ingredients

Estimated total cost: €9.46 · €2.36/serving

• 1 large head of cauliflower, separated into large florets with some stalks intact (blanch in boiling water for a few minutes before stir-frying)Est. price €1.80–€3.50
• 3 tablespoons of premium extra virgin olive oil (use a high-quality oil for better flavor)Est. price €0.45–€0.90
• 3 green Thai chiles, finely minced (wear gloves when handling chiles to avoid irritation)Est. price €0.30–€0.60
• 1 (3-inch) piece of lemongrass, outer layers removed and finely minced (bruise lemongrass with the back of a knife to release its aroma)Est. price €0.60–€1.20
• 4 makrut lime leaves, finely chopped (roll up the leaves tightly before slicing for easy chopping)Est. price €0.40–€0.80
• 1/4 cup of artisanal fish sauce (adjust amount based on saltiness preference)Est. price €1.50–€3.00
• 1/4 cup of freshly squeezed lime juice (use a citrus reamer for maximum juice extraction)Est. price €0.50–€1.00
• 1/4 cup of glutinous (sticky) rice (toast the rice in a dry skillet until golden before grinding)Est. price €0.15–€0.30
• 5 scallions, thinly sliced on a bias (separate white and green parts for different uses)Est. price €0.50–€1.00
• 2 cups of hand-chopped pea shoots (tendrils) (pat dry with paper towels to remove excess moisture)Est. price €2.00–€4.00

Steps

1. 1

   Begin by preheating the oven to 450°F. Coat cauliflower with oil on a rimmed baking sheet. Roast in the oven, stirring occasionally, until it is tender and nicely browned, which should take around 35-45 minutes. Once done, allow the roasted cauliflower to cool slightly before chopping it into small pieces resembling peas. Transfer the chopped cauliflower into a spacious bowl. Incorporate chiles, lemongrass, lime leaves, fish sauce, and lime juice into the bowl with the cauliflower and mix thoroughly until well combined.

2. 2

   Begin by placing the rice in a medium skillet and heating it over medium heat. Toast the rice, continuously shaking the pan to ensure even browning, for about 10 to 15 minutes. Once browned, transfer the rice to a plate and allow it to cool before grinding it into a semifine powder using a spice mill.

3. 3

   Combine scallions, pea shoots, cilantro, and mint with cauliflower mixture. Sprinkle 2 tsp of toasted rice powder over the mixture and season with salt. Present alongside cucumber, lettuce, and the rest of the rice powder for assembling lettuce cups.

Full steps, exact amounts, and Cook Mode are available after sign-in.

• Cultural note

  Zesty Spiced Cauliflower with Aromatic Herbs is a fusion dish that combines Thai flavors with a modern twist. The use of ingredients like lemongrass, makrut lime leaves, and fish sauce showcases the influence of Southeast Asian cuisine.

• Seasonal note

  Cauliflower is best in the fall and winter months, while herbs like cilantro and mint thrive in the spring and summer. This dish can be enjoyed year-round by sourcing ingredients from various seasons.

• Health note

  This dish is a nutritious choice, providing a good source of vitamins A, C, and K, along with fiber and protein. However, the high sodium content from fish sauce and kosher salt should be considered for those monitoring their salt intake.