How to Cut Up and Puree a Cauliflower

Little trees. When I was a kid we called these white things on our dinner plate little trees. Nowadays we enjoy eating lightly boiled cauliflower paired with a tasty cheese sauce.

But how do you prepare a cauliflower? Is there a right way? Well I don't know if there is a right way or not, but today we are showing you how we boil and puree a cauliflower. We'll then use puree in our Fish and Cauliflower Souffle.

Step 1: Cutting Off the Leaves

We're using a knife...at all times keep it sharp and keep your fingers clear!

Before you start you are going to need:

1. a big knife
2. a big chopping board
3. a big cauliflower

Once everything is ready start by chopping off the large base stalk. Angle the knife into the inside of the cauliflower to make the cut. The central stalk is attached to the leaves so removing this will also remove the outer leaves.

Step 2: Cleaning Up

With the stalk and leaves now off, roll your cauliflower onto it's base and cut off any blemishes (but don't be too fussy).

Step 3: Half Time

Get a steady grip on the cauliflower and cut it down the center. With the middle now exposed it is easy to see each individual stalk (tree). Cut these off and chuck them into the pot. You can also use the thick center stalk but it is a little more fibrous. Otherwise discard or ideally compost it.

Step 4: Salt

Fill the pot with enough water to cover the cauliflower and sprinkle in a pinch of salt. (I once made some ice-cream which required "a good pinch of salt" I thought the pinch I had put in was on the small side so I put in another one for good measure. However when the tasting time came...)

Lesson learned - use only ONE pinch as directed.

Step 5: Drying Time

Bring the cauliflower to the boil for 20 minutes or until al dente. The cauliflower is now ready to serve if you are having as a side dish to a main meal.

However we want pureed cauliflower for our special souffle. Drain the cauliflower then carefully place the cauliflower on to a cotton cloth or drying tea towel and pat dry.

Step 6: Time to Puree

When the cauliflower has dried out a bit place it back into the pot and use a stick blender to puree. You can go on to use it in our souffle or freeze it for use at a later time.

I hope you check out our Fish and Cauliflower Souffle to see how well this recipe works.

Thanks for watching.

Comments

[Ghostryder_ca]

I've never boiled cauliflower in my life. I've always steamed it. Suggested alternative to your method would be to steam until cooked, then lift steamer insert out cauliflower & all, and set aside to drain. Dump the water out of the pot. Then just dump the cauliflower from the steamer back into the pot.

[flour on my apron]

That's a good alternative, thanks