Anne Willan

Preparing Cauliflower

Appears in
top 1000La Varenne Pratique
La Varenne Pratique

By Anne Willan

Published 1989

  • About
Cauliflower can be cooked whole or separated into florets, which may be molded back into a cauliflower shape for serving.
  1. Cut off all the outer leaves from the cauliflower and trim the stem near the base of the head.

  2. With a paring knife, cut around the core to remove it.

  3. If separating into florets: break the cauliflower into pieces, then cut into florets.

  4. To reshape cauliflower florets: pack the cooked florets into a buttered bowl, stems inward. Fill the center with more florets, press lightly with a plate and leave for 5 minutes in a warm place.

  5. Carefully unmold the cauliflower on to a serving plate. ALTERNATIVELY, both cauliflower and broccoli florets can be used.