First of all let's talk a bit about this peculiar vegetable that attracted my attention at the store, the green cauliflower or also called broccoflower. I was intrigued right away when I saw it and wanted to know more... is it a kind of cauliflower or a mix of cauliflower and broccoli?? Turns out to be cauliflower.
Unlike the white ones that grow wrapped in thick leaves avoiding the chlorophyll to develop and therefore keeping its "florets"white, this another type did have contact with sunlight, and have that green colour as a result.
It is considered very healthy since it contains fibre, vitamins and folic acid apart from being diuretic and low in calories.
In this recipe we will be using the cauliflower (either green or white) in a different and funny way as a substitute for the traditional couscous made of wheat semolina, thus giving it an astonishing resembling look.
This genius idea was one of the multiple culinary discoveries of the great Ferrán Adriá and there are different easy ways of making it that you will find below along with the elaboration steps.
To give it an exotic touch I used a mix of 35 Moroccan spices (yes, 35!) similar to Ras el hanout, if you don't have it you can make your own by mixing the basics: black pepper, cumin, paprika, cardamom, nutmeg, cinnamon...
So here's the recipe for this vegan cauliflower couscous with sautéed tofu! Enjoy! ;)
INGREDIENTS (for two):
· 1 cauliflower
· 1/2 medium onion, chopped
· 2 garlic cloves, chopped
· Tofu, cut into thick slices
· 4-5 dried apricots
· Handful of goji berries
· Handful of almonds
· 1 lemon
· Mix of spices:black pepper, cumin, cinnamon, cardamom, nutmeg, paprika...or Ras el hanout
· Extra virgin olive oil
· Salt
· Water
· Chopped chives
PREPARATION:
1. Discard the cauliflower leaves and cut the stems just keeping the tips or "florets"(stems can be used for a soup or purée). The couscous can be made using any of these methods : - Grind with a food processor for a few seconds (I used the Thermomix) - Cut with a knife and chop well after - With a grater...
2. Once it is well chopped, in a pan with olive oil, sautée the onion and garlic and add the cauliflower along with some water. Cover and leave for 5-8 minutes stirring from time to time.
3. Meanwhile in another pan without oil at medium heat roast the almonds until they look golden and set aside.
4. Use the same pan to put the spices mix (amount to taste) add some oil and fry the tofu until it gets brown.
5. Remove the cauliflower from the heat and add the apricots, goji berries, roasted almonds and season with salt and some more spices mix to taste.
6. Add some lemon zest and chopped chives.
7. Mix it all well and serve with the fried tofu.
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