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Steamed Cauliflower (without a steamer basket)

steamed cauliflower
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See note below recipe for microwave instructions*

Ingredients

  • 1 head cauliflower, leaves attached
  • Salt
  • Butter (optional)

Instructions

  1. Trim the leaves off your cauliflower, saving them.
  2. Prep the florets: Use a paring knife to separate each floret. Cut the florets into bite-sized pieces. Set aside.
  3. Evenly distribute the leaves in the bottom of a small saucepan. Place them hollow-side-down, so they look like little hills (rather than little bowls). The saucepan you choose must be narrow enough that the leaves cover the whole bottom.
  4. Pour water into the saucepan so that it comes halfway up the sides of the leaves. Do not add the florets yet. Bring to a simmer over high heat.**
  5. Once simmering, add the florets, cover, and reduce heat to medium or medium-high. Cook for about 4 minutes, just until the cauliflower is tender (test by inserting a paring knife or fork to see how much resistance there is).
  6. Lift the florets off the leaves and discard the leaves.*** Sprinkle the florets with salt and top with dabs of butter (if using) and enjoy.

Notes

*If you want to use the microwave instead:

  • Prep your cauliflower and leaves as described in the recipe above (steps 1 and 2).
  • Place the leaves in a microwave-safe heat-proof bowl hollow-side-down. Pour water into the bowl so that it comes halfway up the sides of the leaves.
  • Place the florets on top. Cover with a heat-proof plate.
  • Microwave for about 4 minutes (this will vary by microwave), until the cauliflower is tender.
  • Lift the cauliflower florets off the leaves and discard the leaves. Sprinkle the florets with salt and top with dabs of butter (if using), and enjoy.

** Don’t just let it simmer away or the water will evaporate. Add more water if you let it simmer too long before covering.

*** Cauliflower leaves are technically edible, but in my opinion way too fibrous and tough to enjoy. Here we’re just using them to keep the florets out of hot water.

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Find it online: https://cardamomandtea.com/86740/steamed-cauliflower/