Cauliflower with Leek "Ash"

Name: Cauliflower with Leek "Ash"
Yield: Makes 4 servings
Ingredients: 1 medium leek, white and palegreen parts only, halved lengthwise; 1 small head of cauliflower, cut into large florets, trimmings reserved; 4 cups whole milk; Kosher salt

By Ola Rudin and Sebastian Persson

January 6, 2013

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Photo by Ditte Isager

Burning the leek in this recipe lends an aromatic charred note, adding balance to the raw and poached cauliflower.

Recipe information

Yield
Makes 4 servings

Ingredients

1 medium leek, white and palegreen parts only, halved lengthwise

1 small head of cauliflower, cut into large florets, trimmings reserved

4 cups whole milk

Kosher salt

Preparation

Step 1
Preheat oven to 500°F. Set vents to high and open a window for adequate ventilation. Place leek on a foil-lined baking sheet. Roast until blackened, dry, and crisp, 70-90 minutes. Let leek cool. Break into shards. DO AHEAD: Leek ash can be made 3 days ahead. Store airtight at room temperature.
Step 2
Using a mandoline, thinly slice 3 large cauliflower florets lengthwise (reserve trimmings); set aside.
Step 3
Bring milk and 1 cup cauliflower trimmings to a boil in a large saucepan; reduce heat and simmer until cauliflower is tender, 20-25 minutes. Let cool slightly, then transfer cauliflower mixture to a blender or use an immersion blender in the pan and purée until smooth.
Step 4
Return cauliflower purée to saucepan, add remaining cauliflower florets, and season with salt. Simmer until florets are just tender, 8-10 minutes. Using a slotted spoon, transfer florets to a medium bowl (rinse off any purée on florets).
Step 5
Strain purée into another medium bowl. Divide florets among shallow bowls; spoon purée over. Garnish with reserved cauliflower slices; sprinkle with leek ash.