Whole Roasted Cauliflower with Pistachio Crumble and Green onion Cremè Fraiche

Description

Whole Roasted Cauliflower with Pistachio Crumble and Green Onion Crème Fraiche by Nancy Silverton.

Ingredients

Pistachio Paste:

• ¼ cup / 55 g blended olive oil
• ¼ cup / 30 g whole pistachios
• 3 garlic cloves, smashed
• 1 each, zest of lemon, peeled with peeler
• 2 tablespoons / 3 g fresh oregano, finely chopped
• 1 teaspoon / 1 g fresh thyme, finely chopped
• ½ teaspoon / 3 g kosher salt

Green Onion Crème Fraiche:

• ½ cup / 120 g crème fraiche
• ¼ cup / 30 g scallions, minced
• ¼ cup / 30 g shallots, minced
• 1 garlic, grated with Microplane®
• 1 teaspoon / 6 g kosher salt
• ½ lemon, juiced

Whole Roasted Cauliflower: 

• 1 each cauliflower, leaves intact
• Kosher salt for seasoning cooking water / as needed
• 3 tablespoons / 20 g olive oil blend
• 1 teaspoon / 5 g kosher salt

Pistachio Topping:

• 3 tablespoons / 20 g extra virgin olive oil
• ½ teaspoon / 3 g flaky sea salt, such as Maldon sea salt
• 3 tablespoons / 20 g pistachios, coarsely chopped
• 1 tablespoon /3 g Micro Cilantro

Instructions

Pistachio Paste:
In a small sauce pot, combine oil, pistachios, garlic, and lemon zest and cook over medium heat until the garlic is light golden brown, and the nuts are toasted. Allow the mixture to cool to room temperature. In a food processor, add the mixture, oregano, thyme and salt. Pulse the mixture until the lemon zest is broken down and the nuts are chopped. Mixture will be like a chunky paste.

Green Onion Crème Fraiche:
In a small bowl, combine all ingredients, combine and set aside.

Whole Roasted Cauliflower: 

1. Adjust the oven rack to the lowest position. Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. Fill a large stock pot with water and bring to a boil. Add kosher salt until the water tastes like the ocean. Place the whole cauliflower into the water. The cauliflower will float, and the leaves will stick out of the water. Cook for about 7 minutes. Using tongs, flip the cauliflower so the leaves are submerged and cook for another 3 minutes. Remove the cauliflower from the water and place onto a baking sheet. Allow to cool to room temperature. Pour off any excess water that had accumulated on the sheet pan and wipe dry. Drizzle the cauliflower with olive oil blend and sprinkle with 2 tsp (5 g) kosher salt.

Assembly:
Spread the pistachio paste evenly over the cauliflower. Place into the oven and roast for 12-15 minutes until golden brown and some spots have a slight char. Place on a plate or wooden board. Drizzle with the extra virgin olive oil, sprinkle flaky sea salt, chopped pistachios and Micro Cilantro. Serve with a side of the Green Onion Crème Fraiche.