Food & Wine
Simple tasty cauliflower with crispy crumbs
The crispy golden topping in this simple side dish is usually made by frying the breadcrumbs in a generous quantity of butter. This version uses a modest portion of olive oil and fresh herbs to flavour a topping that tastes good with all steamed or boiled vegetables.
Ingredients:
- 1 cauliflower, trimmed and broken into florets
- 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
- 1¼ cups (100 g) fresh breadcrumbs
- salt and pepper
- 1 tablespoon chopped fresh thyme
- 1 tablespoon chopped fresh tarragon
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh flat–leaf parsley
- sprigs of fresh herbs to serve (optional)
Preparation:
- Prepare a saucepan of boiling water with a steamer on top.
- Steam the cauliflower for about 15 minutes or until tender but not soft.
- Meanwhile, heat the oil in a non–stick frying pan or saucepan.
- Add the breadcrumbs and stir well to coat the crumbs as evenly as possible with oil.
- Cook over a moderate heat, stirring often, for about 10 minutes or until the crumbs are well browned and crisp.
- As the crumbs cook, the oil will seep out of those that absorbed it initially, allowing the rest to become evenly crisp.
- Transfer the cauliflower to a warm serving dish.
- Season the crumbs to taste and mix in the thyme, tarragon and parsley.
- Sprinkle the crumb mixture over the cauliflower.
- Garnish with sprigs of herbs, if using, and serve.
This article first appeared in Reader’s Digest. For more of what you love from the world’s best-loved magazine, here’s our best subscription offer.