Cauliflower in Spicy Sauce
This cauliflower in sauce is a typical Romanian recipe, something we call “Mancare de ...”. The translation would be something like “Meal of...” and the possibilities are just endless.
Equipment
- Large skillet or sauté pan (12 inches wide, I prefer non-stick)
- large pot
- Colander
Ingredients
- 1/3 cup extra-virgin olive oil
- 1 clove garlic, minced
- 1 cup canned tomatoes (or a couple of fresh tomatoes, diced)
- 1/4 tsp salt
- To taste, hot chili pepper flakes (optional but recommended)
- 2 lbs cauliflower
- 2 basil leaves
Instructions
- In a large pot, bring salted water to a boil. Meanwhile, in a skillet or sauté pan, heat the oil with the minced garlic for about 1-2 minutes over high heat, until the garlic starts to sizzle. Add the tomato sauce or diced tomatoes and salt, stir and wait until it bubbles.
- Lower the heat and let it gently boil for about 10 minutes, stirring occasionally. (You may need a couple of more minutes if you have fresh, watery tomatoes, as you need the sauce to reach a thickened tomato-sauce consistency.) Add optional hot chili pepper to taste. Use a screen for splattering.
- Meanwhile, clean and dice the cauliflower into 1.5-inch cubes. Toss into the boiling water and cook for about 5-6 minutes, until still firm.
- Drain and toss into the previously prepared tomato sauce.
- Sauté the cauliflower over medium-high heat for about 7-8 minutes, until the sauce is almost absorbed by the cauliflower: the appearance will be juicy but not watery.Taste and season more if needed.
- Toward the end, toss in a couple of roughly cut basil leaves for a splash of color and pop of flavor,