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.

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.

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Total Time 25 mins

Course Side Dish

Cuisine Italian

Servings 4

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,