November 9, 2009

Seasonal Highlight: Romanesco Cauliflower

Ever seen one of these?

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I never knew Romanesco cauliflower even existed until I came across it in the farmer’s market this year. Sure, I’ve seen purple and orange cauliflower, but the Romanesco’s dinosaur-ish shape really caught my eye.

What makes it so interesting is the fact that each of its little peaks is a perfect replica of a whole Romanesco cauliflower. Apparently, if you were to magnify the little points, you would be able to see the fractal pattern repeating itself over and over. An infinite vegetable! I like it.

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I incorporated my mini head of cauliflower into dinner via a giant roasted salad, which included turnips and brussels sprouts as well.

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It never ceases to amaze me that a simple toss with coconut oil, salt and pepper makes for the most delicious veggies on earth. One of these days someone’s going to slip some tree bark in there and see if I still love it. Chances are high.

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A little drizzle of my simple miso-tahini dressing made it all the more interesting.

As for the bread, it’s the second time I’ve made the oat groat bread recipe that I found via HEAB. Still easy. Still amazing.

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I’m aware that I’ve failed to acknowledge the heaps of spread piled upon the bread wedges. That was deliberate. The recipe’s a secret, but only for tonight! I’m just waiting for the right moment, bwahaha…

In the meantime, check out Katie’s amazing giveaway! You could win a Magic Bullet OR a spiralizer OR a hand blender! Jump on it—you should be clicking around her site as much as possible, anyway, in support of Operation Chocolate-Covered Kindness.

I’m off to nurse a food baby made of roasted vegetables. Have you discovered any fun new-to-you produce items this season? Now is the time!

19 comments:

chocolate-Katie said...

Ya know, I don't think I've ever tried one of those things... but I did just buy a purple cauliflower that I'm planning to demolish tomorrow :)

katherine said...

It's the perfect nerd vegetable! I love it!!

Olga @ Healthing It said...

Wow! That looks like some sort of sea creature! :)

The Purple Carrot said...

Whoa! That's looks awesome! I love food.

melissa (fitnessnyc) said...

wow! crazy cauliflower! way to show it who is boss

emily said...

I seriously think I have the hots for a veggie, that thing looks amazing!!

Amelia said...

Wow I've never seen that kind of cauliflower before. So cool! I agree with Olga's comment - totally looks like a sea creature!

BroccoliHut said...

what a wacky lookin veggie!
I've discovered delicata squash!

Mama Pea said...

I'm pretty sure I would think that was a cactus if I saw it! You are a brave brave woman.

Devan said...

what a great looking veggie!! haha love it!

LizNoVeggieGirl said...

Romanesco to me is like a turnip to you - blech! ;)

Gina; The Candid RD said...

I've seen this crazy stuff before, but never tasted it. I'd like to though! I love trying new things. This season was the first time I tried spaghetti squash (yeah, I know, crazy!) So now I'm addicted and I don't want fall/winter to ever end!

Anna said...

i saw this thing this past weekend for the first time in my life. should try it one day, too

GF Gidget said...

THAT IS CRAZY!!!!!!!!!!!! My new produce finds have been the fruit called the Delicious Monster and white sweet potatoes!

Missy said...

Crazy cauliflower but you made it look very good! Love discovering all these new veggies on here!

Marissa said...

OOOH! I roasted a Romanesco last year and it was SO good! Thank you for reminding me! I need to look for it at the Market this weekend :-)

Gena said...

I love romanesco! And I actually think it tastes slightly more interesting than regular cauliflower.

chrystad72 said...

wow! awesome! I love new veggies! I dont think ive seen this type before...cool find!

Unknown said...

i haven't tried that cauliflower, but i will next time i see it :)