Spiced Cauliflower Steaks With Coconut Dhal Recipes

SPICED CAULIFLOWER DHAL

Steps:

• Heat the oven to 190°C/170°C fan/gas 5. Give the cauliflower florets a wash and, while still wet, arrange them in a baking tray. Scatter over the sumac, cumin seeds and some salt and pepper, then toss to coat - the water will help the spices stick and will steam the cauliflower a little as it cooks. Cook in the oven for 30-40 minutes; keep an eye on the florets and shuffle them around in the tray every now and then so they cook evenly.
• Meanwhile, start the dhal. Fry the onion in a saucepan with a little water over a medium heat for about 8 minutes until soft and translucent. Be careful that it doesn't get too dry - splash in a little water if needed. Add the ginger, chilli and the dry spices. Stir for about 30 seconds, then add the lentils. Stir to coat in the spice mix, then pour in 450ml water, along with the almond milk. Bring to a bubble, then simmer for about 30 minutes until the lentils are soft and the liquid has reduced.
• When the lentils are cooked, stir in the spinach. Let the leaves wilt for a minute, but don't overcook as spinach can turn a bit slimy. Serve the dhal with a squeeze of lemon juice, with the roasted cauliflower on top.

COCONUT CAULIFLOWER STEAKS WITH SPICY SAUCE

Steps:

• Preheat the oven to 200 degrees F.
• Using a large knife, cut the cauliflower vertically through the core into 3/4-inch-thick steaks, then carefully cut the steaks in half through the core to form mini steaks (you should have 6 to 8 mini steaks). Reserve any remaining cauliflower for another use.
• In a shallow dish, spread the flour and season with salt and pepper. In a medium bowl, beat the eggs with a pinch each of salt and pepper. In another shallow dish, mix the panko with the coconut and season well with salt and pepper.
• Dredge one cauliflower steak in the flour, then dip in the egg, turning or using a spoon to coat. Finally, dredge in the panko mixture, pressing to help it adhere; transfer to a wax paper-lined baking sheet. Repeat with the remaining steaks.
• In a large, deep skillet, heat 1/2 inch vegetable oil over medium-high heat until glistening. Working in batches, fry the cauliflower steaks over medium heat, turning once, until golden and crisp-tender, 6 to 8 minutes; adjust the heat as needed. Transfer to a wire rack set over a baking sheet and keep warm in the oven while you fry the remaining steaks.
• Meanwhile, in a bowl, whisk the sour cream with the mayonnaise and habanero sauce; season with salt and pepper. Transfer the cauliflower steaks to a platter and serve with the sauce, lime wedges and cilantro leaves.

SPICED CAULIFLOWER STEAKS WITH COCONUT DHAL

Steps:

• To make the dhal, heat the oil in a casserole dish or saucepan. Add the onion, along with a pinch of salt, and fry over a medium heat for 10-12 mins or until turning golden and sticky. Add the garlic and ginger and fry for 1 min more.
• Add the spices and fry, stirring, for 1 min. Add the lentils, tomato purée, coconut milk and 450ml water, as well as a good pinch of seasoning. Gently simmer, uncovered, for 15-20 mins. Add a splash more water if it starts to stick to the pan.
• Heat the oven to 200C/180C fan/gas 6 and line a flat baking sheet with baking parchment. Rub the cauliflower slices with the oil, spices and some seasoning. Lay on the prepared baking sheet and roast for 25-30 mins, or until golden around the edges and cooked through.
• Spoon the dhal onto two plates and top with cauliflower steaks. Scatter over the coconut flakes and coriander, and serve with a dollop of yoghurt alongside.

CRISPY SPICED CAULIFLOWER STEAKS

Steps:

• Line a baking sheet with a wire rack or paper towels, and set aside.
• Finely grind cinnamon, coriander, fennel, peppercorns, cumin and cloves in a spice grinder, spice mill or mortar and pestle.Transfer to a bowl, and stir in cayenne and 2 tablespoons plus 2 teaspoons salt. Set aside.
• In a large bowl, whisk both flours until combined. Whisk in lime and lemon juices, then gradually whisk in enough water until the mixture is the consistency of thin pancake batter (about 1 1/3 cups). There is no gluten in either flour, so don't worry about overmixing.
• Stir in turmeric and the spice mixture. Taste, and adjust salt as needed.
• Working with 1 or 2 steaks at a time, push the cauliflower steaks into the batter, turn to coat and allow to marinate for at least 3 minutes.
• Heat a large cast-iron skillet over medium high. Add coconut oil to a depth of 1/3-inch, and heat until hot. Carefully drip a few drops of batter into the oil to test that it's sufficiently hot. The batter should immediately sizzle and expand. Slip the steaks one at a time directly from the batter into the pan. Don't overcrowd the pan - the steaks should never touch.
• Cook until golden brown on the bottom, 8 to 12 minutes, rotating the steaks around the pan after 6 to 8 minutes to ensure even browning. Use a thin metal spatula to carefully flip the steaks. Continue cooking until the second sides are golden-brown and the cores are tender when pierced with a knife, 4 to 6 minutes. Transfer steaks to the prepared baking sheet, and allow to drain. Season with salt. Repeat with the remaining steaks and any remaining smaller pieces of cauliflower, adjusting the heat as needed to prevent the steaks from browning too quickly.
• Serve hot or reheat in an oven at 400 degrees until hot and crispy, about 5 to 7 minutes. Top with a dollop of Greek yogurt and a shower of chopped cilantro, if desired. Serve with lemon wedges for squeezing on top.