**Chilled Cauliflower à la Grecque: A Refreshing and Flavorful Appetizer**
Experience the delightful flavors of the Mediterranean with Chilled Cauliflower à la Grecque, a refreshing and vibrant appetizer perfect for any occasion. This classic Greek dish combines the delicate crunch of cauliflower with a tangy and flavorful dressing made from olive oil, lemon juice, garlic, and fresh herbs. Served chilled, this dish is a symphony of textures and tastes that will tantalize your palate.
In this article, we present two variations of this beloved appetizer: the classic Chilled Cauliflower à la Grecque and a Roasted Cauliflower version for those who prefer a smoky and caramelized flavor. Both recipes are easy to follow and can be tailored to your taste preferences. You'll also find helpful tips on selecting the best cauliflower, achieving the perfect dressing balance, and storing leftovers for maximum freshness.
Whether you're hosting a summer gathering, preparing a light lunch, or simply seeking a healthy and delicious snack, Chilled Cauliflower à la Grecque is the perfect choice. Its vibrant colors, refreshing flavors, and versatility make it a crowd-pleaser that will leave your guests wanting more. So, gather your ingredients, put on your apron, and let's embark on a culinary journey to the heart of the Mediterranean with this delightful appetizer.
VEGETABLES A LA GRECQUE
Provided by Robert Irvine : Food Network
Categories side-dish
Time 25m
Yield 8 servings
Number Of Ingredients 16
Steps:
- In a large stainless steel bowl, mix the grapeseed oil and all of the vegetables and olives together. In a glass bowl combine the lemon juice, light olive oil, chili flakes, tarragon, rice wine vinegar, and salt and pepper, to taste.
- Combine the dressing with the vegetables and refrigerate for 4 hours, allowing the flavors to meld. When ready to serve, transfer the vegetables to a serving bowl and garnish with scallions.
- Cook's Note: Blanching is a form of cooking by which dropping raw vegetables into boiling salted water for 3 to 5 minutes and then immediately transferring to a bowl of iced water. When "shocking" with ice water, it instantly stops the cooking process.
VEGETABLES à LA GRECQUE
I wrote that I found these perfect - the ur-preserves - and then tasted them again. And I can only affirm it as a truth. They are richer than plain vinegar pickles, which lets them be their own hors d'oeuvre, in a small chilled bowl, with olives perhaps alongside. They are deeper tasting and more eloquent than crudité. They are piquant enough to awaken the appetite without sating it. I love them, and they are very simple to make.
Provided by Tamar Adler
Categories appetizer
Time 1m
Yield About 8 servings
Number Of Ingredients 17
Steps:
- In a pot, bring the liquids, spices and herbs to just below a boil.
- Cook each vegetable, separated by type, in the seasoned liquid. Start with the onion, then fennel, then cauliflower or mushrooms, then celery. Cook each until it can be pierced with a knife and tastes delicious. As each batch is done, scoop it out with a slotted spoon or a hand-held sieve. Place on a cookie sheet to cool.
- If spices or bits of herb stick to the vegetables, put what you can back in the pot and don't worry about the rest - everything will marinate together, so things will redistribute. When all the vegetables are cooked, layer them in a 1-quart Mason jar - it looks nice if you do mushrooms, then onions and so on. Pour all of the cooking liquid over them, without straining. The olive oil in the liquid will rise to the top and create a seal.
- Serve alone as an hors d'oeuvre, or as part of a salad, or on little buttered toasts. Or in an omelet. Or in a sandwich. Anywhere, really, but in a strawberry tart. Refrigerate for up to a month.
Nutrition Facts : @context http, Calories 290, UnsaturatedFat 23 grams, Carbohydrate 9 grams, Fat 27 grams, Fiber 2 grams, Protein 2 grams, SaturatedFat 4 grams, Sodium 708 milligrams, Sugar 4 grams
VEGETABLES à LA GRECQUE
Despite its name, vegetables à la grecque is a French dish. The vegetables are slightly pickled in a broth of vegetable stock and wine. Serve this as a first course or with an assortment of hors d'oeuvres.
Provided by Martha Rose Shulman
Categories pickles, appetizer
Time 1h
Yield 6 servings
Number Of Ingredients 17
Steps:
- In a 3- or 4-quart saucepan combine vinegar, wine, olive oil, garlic cloves, shallot, bouquet garni, coriander seeds, fennel seeds, peppercorns, kosher salt and 3 cups water. Bring to a simmer over medium heat and cook 15 to 30 minutes while you prepare vegetables.
- Add carrots to the broth and simmer 5 minutes. Add cauliflower, bring back to a simmer, and cook another 15 minutes, until carrots and cauliflower are tender but not mushy. Using a slotted spoon, remove vegetables to a bowl. Some of the broth and seeds can come along with them.
- Add mushrooms to broth and simmer 5 minutes. Remove to bowl with carrots and cauliflower.
- Stir broth and ladle 11/2 cups plus some of the coriander seeds into a small saucepan. Set aside.
- Add artichoke hearts to the pot in which you cooked the other vegetables and simmer 25 to 30 minutes, until tender. Transfer to bowl with other cooked vegetables. If using artichoke leaves, steam them now. When finished, discard this broth.
- Bring reserved broth in the small saucepan to a boil and cook until liquid reduces to 1/2 cup. Pour over the vegetables, add lemon juice and fleur de sel and toss. Taste and adjust seasoning. Leave at room temperature until ready to serve (for best flavor, let vegetables marinate for a few hours), or refrigerate for up to 3 days. Just before serving, garnish with herbs and, if you wish, with steamed artichoke leaves, which can be dipped into the marinade. Serve on small plates with the reduced marinade spooned on top.
VEGETABLES A LA GRECQUE
A great Greek dish that can be served cold or hot. The dish is best when fresh new vegetables are plentiful.
Provided by Mini Ravindran
Categories Lunch/Snacks
Time 25m
Yield 6 serving(s)
Number Of Ingredients 11
Steps:
- Warm the oil in a large saucepan over moderate heat; add the fennel and onion.
- Cover and cook for 5 minutes.
- Add the garlic, coriander seeds, and tomatoes and cook, uncovered, until the vegetables are tender and any liquid has disappeared.
- In a separate pan steam the cauliflowers and green beans until just tender.
- Once the fennel and tomato mixture is ready, add the mushrooms and cook gently for 3 to 4 minutes.
- Stir in the cauliflowers and green beans, and season with salt and black pepper.
- Remove from the heat and set aside.
- Sprinkle with parsley and serve warm or cool.
Tips:
- Choose fresh, firm cauliflower: The best cauliflower for this recipe is one that is compact and heavy for its size, with tightly packed florets. Avoid heads that have any brown or yellow spots, or that feel soft or mushy.
- Cut the cauliflower into even-sized florets: This will help them cook evenly. Aim for florets that are about 1-2 inches in size.
- Blanch the cauliflower before marinating: Blanching helps to remove the cauliflower's raw flavor and make it more tender. To blanch the cauliflower, bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the cauliflower florets and cook for 2-3 minutes, or until they are tender but still have a slight crunch. Drain the cauliflower and immediately transfer it to a bowl of ice water to stop the cooking process.
- Use a flavorful marinade: The marinade is what gives this dish its delicious flavor. Be sure to use a combination of herbs, spices, and acids (such as lemon juice or vinegar). Some good options include olive oil, garlic, oregano, thyme, and red pepper flakes.
- Marinate the cauliflower for at least 30 minutes: The longer you marinate the cauliflower, the more flavorful it will be. You can marinate it for up to 24 hours if you have the time.
- Serve the cauliflower chilled: This dish is best served chilled. You can either refrigerate it for a few hours before serving, or you can serve it immediately and let it chill in the refrigerator for a bit before eating.
Conclusion:
Chilled cauliflower a la grecque is a refreshing and flavorful side dish that is perfect for summer gatherings. It is easy to make and can be prepared ahead of time, making it a great option for busy weeknights. With its bright flavors and textures, this dish is sure to be a hit at your next party or potluck.
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