Sorry, I could not think of a better title. This is a cauliflower “cream” made with steamed (and still a bit crunchy) cauliflower and goat yogurt labneh. You can use Greek yogurt with fine results (and goat cheese if you like the taste), just add a slice of bread to give the cream more body. I used some cumin and Aleppo pepper and of course enough mashed garlic for some zing.
The taste is very fresh and light. Cauliflower is really an under-appreciated vegetable, don’t you think?
This cocktail is topped with fried (or roasted) florets. All of it sitting on a carpet of toasted pita croutons.
INGREDIENTS: 4 to 6 servings
- 1 Head of cauliflower
- 1 1/2 cups of labneh, preferably goat yogurt labneh; substitute Greek yogurt.
- Spices: 1 teaspoon of cumin, 1/2 teaspoon of Aleppo pepper
- 3 cloves of garlic, mashed in a mortar with salt till pasty
- 1 or 2 slices of bread, as needed to give the cream more body
- Oil, to fry the florets
- 1 pita bread, split and toasted in a 250F oven till crisp and golden
METHOD:
For a labneh method (super easy), click here.
- Toast the pita and when cool, break into small croutons; set aside. Steam or boil the cauliflower a few minutes till tender, but not mushy. If still crunchy in some parts, it is OK, the cream will taste fresher.
- Break the cauliflower into florets, and place half in a food processor with the labneh, garlic and spices; process till creamy, adding a piece or two of bread if necessary. Taste and adjust seasoning.
- Heat several tablespoons of oil in a skillet and fry the remaining florets till golden on all sides. Watch them carefully, they will spatter (careful for burns!) and need to be thoroughly golden-brown on all sides to be at their tastiest.
- Layer the goblets first with the croutons, then the cream, then the fried (or roasted) florets. Serve at room temperature.
22 Comments
wow this is absolutely new to me, never tried cauliflower this way, but am sure with greek yogurt they will be a hit.
loved your banana blossom shrimp salad, do chk the roundup.
btw u have a lovely blog, will visit often
cheers
OMG Joumana! That sounds amazing! have to share on Stumble Upon. You get so many hits. Your last recipe got 2000 views. Delicious.
Hi Joumana – I adore cauliflower and I know will love this for a weeknight dinner. Must make this soon
Very creative and much needed break from the regular
chow! Devaki @ weavethousandflavors
Hee hee, I think the name is very catching. And I love the presentation of it. Actually, you know I love all your presentation. You can make any old goop look like 5-star quality.
A lovely appetizer! A wonderful idea.
Cheers,
Rosa
What an amazing dish, Joumana. I have recently done a brief post on cauliflower – I wish I’d seen this then!
Yes, I agree that the cauliflower does not get the attention it deserves. It’s such a versatile vegetable. I love what you did with it Joumana. Such a great idea!
I have to find me some labneh to try…
I love roasted cauliflower and totally agree: it is an underrated vegetable.
I love cauliflower this way! And I must agree with you- cauliflower is totally under appreciated! I also love it roasted and topped with a garlic lemon sauce! Yum!
I love the name AND the presentation! It looks so creamy delicious.
The name is not the most inviting ever indeed, but I cannot think of a better description as well. It looks really good anyway!
I love the name. This is on my bottom list of favorite veggies but the ‘soup’ does sound very good and the golden pan fried pieces I know I would eat right up.
Heavenly! What a great recipe… I love cauliflower!
I love cauliflower and love your creative cocktail! This would be a stunning starter for a dinner party…mmmmm
there is a cauliflower recipe… I think thomas keller’s , that I have made for ages with a combination of creamed and fried cauliflower… it’s out of this world. Love the cooler combo with the labneh… a summertime version of a great dish…. thanks Joumana!
Perfect for hot days. Never had my cauliflower with lebni but I do think it would taste great!
Thank you thank you! As walways you inspire and now I have a perfect side for the flounder dish tonight! Genius, sheer delicious genius you are!
Cheers,
Doc
It looks so tasty
Sounds wonderful. This would make delightful party food.
Very inspiring!! Love taste of Beirut.
I know I would love a cauliflower cocktail!
Un délicieux cocktail plein de saveurs