Best 2 Finnish Cauliflower Recipes

**Finnish Cauliflower: A Taste of Nordic Simplicity**

In the heart of Finland, where the air is crisp and the landscapes are serene, lies a culinary gem that embodies the essence of Nordic cuisine: Finnish cauliflower. This humble vegetable takes center stage in a symphony of flavors, offering a delightful journey for the taste buds. From the classic cauliflower casserole to the innovative cauliflower steak, each recipe presented in this article showcases the versatility of this cruciferous wonder.

**1. Finnish Cauliflower Casserole:**
This traditional Finnish dish is a comforting blend of cauliflower, rice, and a creamy sauce. The mild flavor of cauliflower harmonizes perfectly with the richness of the sauce, creating a dish that is both hearty and satisfying.

**2. Cauliflower Steak with Chimichurri Sauce:**
For those seeking a plant-based steak alternative, this cauliflower steak is a revelation. Thick slices of cauliflower are roasted until tender, then topped with a vibrant chimichurri sauce made from fresh herbs, olive oil, and a hint of acidity.

**3. Cauliflower Soup with Smoked Salmon:**
This creamy soup is a symphony of flavors that combines the delicate sweetness of cauliflower with the smoky richness of salmon. A touch of dill adds a refreshing herbaceousness, making this soup a perfect choice for a light and flavorful meal.

**4. Cauliflower Tabbouleh:**
This Middle Eastern-inspired salad gives a refreshing twist to the classic tabbouleh. Cauliflower florets replace the traditional bulgur, adding a delightful crunch to the mix of herbs, tomatoes, and a tangy lemon-tahini dressing.

**5. Cauliflower Pakoras with Tamarind Chutney:**
These cauliflower fritters are a delightful appetizer or snack. Cauliflower florets are coated in a spiced batter and fried until golden brown, served with a sweet and tangy tamarind chutney for a perfect balance of flavors.

Embark on a culinary journey with these Finnish cauliflower recipes, each offering a unique interpretation of this versatile vegetable. From the comforting classic to the innovative and globally inspired, these dishes promise a taste of Nordic simplicity and culinary delight.

Here are our top 2 tried and tested recipes!

ROASTED CAULIFLOWER

Roasted Cauliflower image

Cauliflower is an excellent blank canvas. You can steam or blanch it to keep its essential flavors intact, but by roasting or sautéing it, you can bring out its sweetness. Cauliflower will absorb the oil and seasoning, soaking up flavors much the way eggplant does. But it remains firmer. Roasted cauliflower can be served warm or at room temperature. It can be part of an antipasto of roasted vegetables. Or an accompaniment to a roast chicken or lamb. And though they aren't obvious choices, scallops and lobster, both naturally sweet themselves, are delicious with roasted cauliflower.

Provided by Amanda Hesser

Categories easy, quick, side dish

Time 30m

Yield 4 servings

Number Of Ingredients 4

Ingredients

1 pound cauliflower, about 1 medium-large head, trimmed and cut into 1/4-inch-thick slices
Extra virgin olive oil, to coat
Sea salt
Coarsely ground black pepper

Steps:

Preheat oven to 375 degrees. Place cauliflower in a large mixing bowl. Pour on enough olive oil to coat (a few tablespoons). Season generously with salt and pepper and toss gently until evenly coated.
Lay cauliflower pieces out on a baking sheet. Drizzle any remaining oil from the bowl on top. Bake, turning once, until caramelized on edges and tender, 25 to 30 minutes. Serve warm or at room temperature, as a side dish. You can also sprinkle it with a very good aged vinegar. Or, cut florets into smaller pieces and add to salads.

Nutrition Facts : @context http, Calories 43, UnsaturatedFat 1 gram, Carbohydrate 6 grams, Fat 2 grams, Fiber 2 grams, Protein 2 grams, SaturatedFat 0 grams, Sodium 268 milligrams, Sugar 2 grams

FINNISH CAULIFLOWER CUSTARD

Finnish Cauliflower Custard image

Cauliflower is a favorite in Finland. This is from Florence Schwartz's "Vegetable Cooking of All Nations" (a discarded library book full of recipe gems that I bought about 25 years ago at a library book sale for 50 cents :)

Provided by Acerast

Categories Cauliflower

Time 1h10m

Yield 4-6 serving(s)

Number Of Ingredients 8

Ingredients

1 cauliflower, separated into flowerets
1 1/2 teaspoons salt
2 tablespoons butter
3 tablespoons flour
1 tablespoon fresh parsley, minced
2 cups milk
3 eggs
1/4 teaspoon white pepper

Steps:

Preheat the oven to 350°F.
Place the cauliflower in a saucepan, cover with water, add 1/2 teaspoon salt and bring to a boil.
Reduce heat and simmer until cauliflower is just tender-crisp; drain.
Butter a 1-1/2 quart casserole and arrange the flowerets in it.
In a small saucepan melt the butter.
Stir in the flour, 1/2 teaspoon salt and the parsley, stirring until smooth (a roux whisk can be helpful).
Slowly add 1 cup of the milk, stirring to incorporate, and cook until thickened.
Pour mixture over the cauliflower.
In a mixing bowl, beat the eggs.
Into the egg mixture, stir in the remaining 1/2 teaspoon salt, white pepper and remaining milk.
Pour over the creamed cauliflower in the casserole.
Bake for 30-35 minutes or until the custard is set.
Serve hot.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 242.2, Fat 14.2, SaturatedFat 7.7, Cholesterol 191, Sodium 1069, Carbohydrate 18.2, Fiber 3.8, Sugar 3.8, Protein 12.3

Tips:

Choose the right cauliflower: Select a cauliflower with a firm, compact head and no signs of bruising or discoloration.
Prepare the cauliflower properly: Remove the outer leaves and cut the cauliflower into florets. Rinse the florets thoroughly under cold water and drain them well.
Use a variety of cooking methods: Finnish cauliflower can be boiled, steamed, roasted, or fried. Each cooking method results in a different texture and flavor, so experiment to find your favorite way to prepare it.
Season the cauliflower well: Finnish cauliflower has a mild flavor, so it's important to season it well. Salt, pepper, garlic, and butter are all classic seasonings that work well with cauliflower.
Serve cauliflower as a side dish or main course: Finnish cauliflower is a versatile dish that can be served as a side dish or main course. It's also a great addition to salads, soups, and stews.

Conclusion:

Finnish cauliflower is a delicious and versatile vegetable that can be enjoyed in many different ways. With its mild flavor and firm texture, it's a great addition to any meal. Whether you're boiling, steaming, roasting, or frying it, Finnish cauliflower is sure to please everyone at the table.