Make Ahead

Rustic Cauliflower Noodles

by:
October  1, 2010
0
0 Ratings
  • Serves 2
Author Notes

We have often shaved the stem of the cauliflower to make thin but irregular and delicious "noodles." Often we serve these under stroganoff (see also the recipe for cauliflower, mushroom, and beef stroganoff with honey bourbon on this site), my second photo. These noodles are really great on their own, too. I seem to get about 2 servings from one cauliflower head. If you are going to serve these under stroganoff, you can skip the cream and just add enough water to cook them through so they are tender and moist. I estimate the cauliflower to be about 1 cup cooked to about 1 oz of liquid. Feel free to make these as wide as the stems. —Sagegreen

What You'll Need
Ingredients
  • 2 teaspoons sweet Hungarian delicate paprika
  • 1-2 tablespoons olive oil
  • shaved core of one large cauliflower
  • 1 clove of garlic, smashed and minced
  • splash of zinfandel wine
  • 1/4-1/2 teaspoons honey, optional
  • splash of heavy cream
  • kosher salt to taste
  • fresh milled black pepper to taste
  • 1 tablespoon chopped chives, dill and flat leaf parsley
Directions
  1. To a heated saute pan, add the paprika, stirring it. Next add the oil. Add the minced garlic and continue to stir.
  2. Add the thin cauliflower shavings from the stem with a dash of salt and pepper. When caramelized, add a splash of zinfandel to deglaze the pan. Add the optional honey at the same time if the stems taste too bitter.
  3. Add a splash of heavy cream and stir until slightly thickened. Cook until tender. (Use plain water if these are going under a stroganoff sauce of its own). Keep the liquids minimal.
  4. Plate while hot and serve with fresh chopped herbs on top.

See what other Food52ers are saying.

  • nannydeb
    nannydeb
  • JoanG
    JoanG
  • monkeymom
    monkeymom
  • TiggyBee
    TiggyBee
  • dymnyno
    dymnyno

26 Reviews

filetmignon October 8, 2010
I think I'm going to have to try it.
 
Sagegreen October 8, 2010
Thanks! Please let me know what you think. They are really light, but delicious, I think.
 
filetmignon October 8, 2010
What a creative idea!
 
nannydeb October 8, 2010
How did I miss this one? It sounds delicious!
 
Sagegreen October 8, 2010
Thanks. Nannydeb, I have been missing more and more recipes as these weeks seem to get busier and busier at work!
 
omarston October 8, 2010
mmmm... I just had dinner, and I'm already hungry again!
 
Sagegreen October 8, 2010
Thanks! These could really make a great second dinner...especially since they are both hearty and light at the same time.
 
JoanG October 7, 2010
What a fabulous creation! Can't wait to try it.
 
Sagegreen October 7, 2010
Thanks! I love making these.
 
monkeymom October 5, 2010
I made this and loved it! So delicious. I only wish I could get more cauliflower noodles out of a cauliflower! They have a wonderful texture and the whole recipe is so easy. Thank you Sagegreen!
 
Sagegreen October 5, 2010
Thanks, monkeymom! It is always a great honor when someone makes your recipe and also reports back. I love how these noodles are deliciously all cauliflower! They are really precious: Because you don't get too many from a single head, you savor each portion all the more!
 
TiggyBee October 3, 2010
I love this!!! : )
 
Sagegreen October 3, 2010
Thanks, TiggyBee!
 
dymnyno October 2, 2010
Gotta try this!
 
Sagegreen October 2, 2010
You will no doubt make a very elegant version. I still remember your gorgeous zuccaghetti!
 
adamnsvetcooking October 2, 2010
This looks great Sage! I have lots of cauliflower and a free weekend.... hehehe
 
Sagegreen October 2, 2010
Thanks, adamsvetcooking. If you try this, let me know what you think! I hope you will like it!
 
Sagegreen October 2, 2010
I just posted a version of my stroganoff recipe on this site.
 
monkeymom October 2, 2010
Sagegreen, I love this! You are so creative. I can't wait to make it.
 
Sagegreen October 2, 2010
Thanks so much, monkeymom. Please let me know how you like it!
 
monkeymom October 2, 2010
The stroganoff looks delicious as well...I hope you share that recipe too!
 
Sagegreen October 2, 2010
Thanks! I will be happy to share the stroganoff recipe, tomorrow. It's super easy!
 
halfasiangirl October 1, 2010
Wow, fantastic idea to make "noodles" from the cauliflower stem. The sauce sounds nice too.
 
Sagegreen October 1, 2010
Thanks, halfasiangirl. This made a great dinner tonight.
 
gingerroot October 1, 2010
What a beautiful and creative use of the cauliflower stem. Thanks for the recipe!
 
Sagegreen October 1, 2010
You're welcome, gingerroot. I hate wasting this part otherwise! I simply use a carrot peeler to make these.