Cauliflower in a tahini sauce

July 18, 2011  •  Category:

 

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.

  1. 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.
  2. 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.
  3. 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.
  4. Layer the goblets first with the croutons, then the cream, then the fried (or roasted) florets. Serve at room temperature.

 

Comments

23 Comments  •  Comments Feed

  1. sukanya says:

    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

  2. Sonia Rumzi says:

    OMG Joumana! That sounds amazing! have to share on Stumble Upon. You get so many hits. Your last recipe got 2000 views. Delicious.

  3. Devaki says:

    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

  4. sophia says:

    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.

  5. Rosa says:

    A lovely appetizer! A wonderful idea.

    Cheers,

    Rosa

  6. Amanda says:

    What an amazing dish, Joumana. I have recently done a brief post on cauliflower – I wish I’d seen this then!

  7. MyLittleExpatKitchen says:

    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…

  8. Nuts about food says:

    I love roasted cauliflower and totally agree: it is an underrated vegetable.

  9. Jumanah says:

    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!

  10. Joanne says:

    I love the name AND the presentation! It looks so creamy delicious.

  11. Caffettiera says:

    The name is not the most inviting ever indeed, but I cannot think of a better description as well. It looks really good anyway!

  12. Evelyne says:

    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.

  13. Chiara says:

    Heavenly! What a great recipe… I love cauliflower!

  14. Banana Wonder says:

    I love cauliflower and love your creative cocktail! This would be a stunning starter for a dinner party…mmmmm

  15. deana says:

    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!

  16. Adelina says:

    Perfect for hot days. Never had my cauliflower with lebni but I do think it would taste great!

  17. Doc says:

    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

  18. Riri-cuisine says:

    It looks so tasty 🙂

  19. Murasaki Shikibu says:

    Sounds wonderful. This would make delightful party food.

  20. Marisol Murano says:

    Very inspiring!! Love taste of Beirut.

  21. Susan says:

    I know I would love a cauliflower cocktail!

  22. domi says:

    Un délicieux cocktail plein de saveurs

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