Meatless Mondays: those two words can either sound daunting or refreshing. Kinda like the two words that make up cauliflower steak.
Interested vegetarians are going to perk up. Red meat lovers might frown…at first.
So let’s just get this out there: I’m not claiming that the cauliflower will taste exactly like a hunk of beef. But it can give the illusion of a steak, especially when the texture is just right. If you really wanted to try to get a bit more “steak” flavor, definitely use the grill and try adding a little BBQ seasoning along with the mustard.
The creamy polenta and garlic mushrooms are dreamy while the crunchy, salty, fried capers top off the plate.
Enjoy your next Meatless Monday, courtesy of Fat and Happy.
Cauliflower Steak with Sun Dried Tomato and Kale Polenta and Garlic Mushrooms
- 1/2 head cauliflower
- 2 tablespoons grainy mustard
- 2 pinches red pepper flakes
- 1/2 polenta
- 2 1/4 cups broth
- 2-4 sun dried tomatoes, chopped
- 2 cups of chopped kale
- 2 cups of sliced mushrooms
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- Olive or coconut oil
- 1/4 cup white wine
- 1 tablespoon butter (optional, but highly recommended)
Cut two thick slices of cauliflower out of the middle of the head, spread one side with mustard and sprinkle with red pepper flakes. Cook mustard-side down over a greased medium hot grill or in a pan. Cook until browned, flip and brown the second side. The cauliflower should have some bite to it but be tender.
Cook the polenta: Chop the sundried tomatoes, place in a medium size pot over high heat with the broth. Whisk in the polenta, cover and turn the heat to low. Cook until tender (5-15 minutes). Stir often.
Saute the kale over medium heat with a spoon of coconut oil and half of the chopped garlic until the kale begins to soften. Toss the kale in with the cooking polenta. Add the mushrooms and remaining garlic into the same pan used for the kale. Saute about 5 minutes. If needed, add in a little more oil.
Add the wine and a pinch of salt and pepper to the mushrooms. If you are eating dairy, add in a pat of butter. Simmer for another few minutes to create an easy sauce while the mushrooms finish cooking
Place a scoop of the polenta on a plate, top with the grilled cauliflower steak and a scoop of mushrooms. Add a good drizzle of the wine sauce. Enjoy.
Bonus topper: Fried capers
Place a few spoons of capers on a napkin. The goal is to dry slightly to avoid massive sputtering when you put them in the oil
Heat a tablespoon of coconut oil over medium high heat and carefully add the capers. Fry until they begin to brown. Watch the capers closely, it should just take a minute or two to fry up. Remove from oil and top plates.
Fat and Happy Food Blog Tips and Techniques: This may look complicated, but it really comes together quite easily and quickly. I served 2 two people with leftover polenta, and I didn’t use all the cauliflower–though this could easily serve 4. I would just add in a few more shrooms and garlic to round it out.
For more recipes, go to Monique’s blog: FatandHappyBlog.com