Cauliflower "Steak" with Cashew Cream Sauce

Personal Anecdote and Strange Tangent

So, let's talk about cauliflower "steak." It's a peculiar concept when you think about it – turning a humble vegetable into a substantial main course that can stand on its own. It's like giving a tree the ability to walk or turning a goldfish into an opera singer. The idea of a cauliflower "steak" might seem absurd, but hey, why not? After all, life is often made interesting by the unconventional. Imagine if clouds were made of cotton candy, or if we could communicate with animals through interpretive dance. Ah, the possibilities!

Ingredients and Special Touch

Let's take a closer look at the star ingredients that make this dish truly special:

• Cauliflower: A versatile vegetable that takes center stage in this recipe. When sliced into thick "steaks," the cauliflower magically transforms into a hearty and satisfying main course. It's like the chameleon of vegetables, ready to adapt and be delicious no matter how you prepare it.
• Cashew Cream Sauce: This luscious sauce adds a velvety smoothness to the cauliflower "steak." Made from soaked cashews, it's a dairy-free alternative that brings a delightful nutty flavor and creamy consistency. It's like a whispered secret in the culinary world, revealing the wonders of plant-based deliciousness.

Ingredients

To make this intriguing cauliflower "steak" with cashew cream sauce, you'll need:

• 1 large cauliflower head
• 1 cup raw cashews, soaked overnight
• 1 tablespoon lemon juice
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
• 1/4 teaspoon paprika
• 1/4 cup vegetable broth
• 2 tablespoons olive oil

Instructions

1. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. Remove the leaves and trim the stem of the cauliflower, keeping the core intact.
3. Cut the cauliflower into 1-inch thick slices, resembling a steak.
4. In a small bowl, mix together the olive oil, minced garlic, salt, pepper, and paprika to make a marinade.
5. Generously brush both sides of each cauliflower slice with the marinade, ensuring they are well-coated.
6. Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat and add the cauliflower steaks. Cook for about 3 minutes on each side until golden brown.
7. Transfer the cauliflower steaks to a baking sheet and bake in the preheated oven for 15-20 minutes until tender.
8. Meanwhile, drain the soaked cashews and place them in a blender or food processor.
9. Add the lemon juice, vegetable broth, and a pinch of salt. Blend until smooth and creamy.
10. Once the cauliflower "steaks" are done, serve them hot with a generous drizzle of cashew cream sauce on top.
11. Enjoy this whimsical creation that combines the familiar with the unconventional in a scrumptious and adventurous way.

Embrace the unconventional and let this cauliflower "steak" with cashew cream sauce transport your taste buds to a realm of culinary delight. Bon appétit!