Cauliflower with Leeks & Carrots

Leeks can be a late summer or early fall vegetable, but since they store so well I tend to leave them for the winter when choices are few, or even the spring, as they overwinter successfully in the garden. I couldn't resist them with some lovely cauliflower, though! They go together so well, and if you then throw in some carrots you have some really good eating. 

4 servings
30 minutes prep time

3 large leeks
2 large carrots
3 tablespoons unsalted butter
1 cup chicken or vegetable broth
2 bay leaves
1/2 medium cauliflower (3 cups florets)
1/4 teaspoon celery seed
1/4 fennel OR dill seed
1/2 teaspoon salt
freshly ground black pepper to taste
1 teaspoon sweet Hungarian paprika
1 teaspoon arrowroot or cornstarch
2 tablespoons chicken broth or water

Wash, trim, and slice the leeks into 1" pieces. Rinse them again and drain them well. Peel and trim the carrots, and cut them into thin slices lengthwise, then into 1" pieces.

Put the butter, chicken broth, and bay leaves into a goodish sized pot. Add the leeks and carrots, and bring up to a boil. Simmer for 10 minutes, stirring occasionally.

Meanwhile, wash and trim the cauliflower, and cut or break it into florets. Grind the celery seed and fennel or dill seed together and mix with the salt and pepper. Mix the paprika, arrowroot or cornstarch and broth or water in another little bowl.

After the leeks and carrots have cooked for 10 minutes, add the cauliflower and the mixed seasonings. Cover and cook for 5 to 7 minutes more, until the cauliflower is done to your liking. Stir once or twice. Just one minute before the cauliflower is done, stir in the paprika and starch mixture. Cook for another minute or so, stirring constantly, until the remaining cooking liquid (there shouldn't be too much by this time) thickens slightly. Turn out into a serving dish and remove and discard the bay leaves. Serve at once.




Last year at this time I made Sausage or Ham & Cheese Eggplant Casserole. Staaaaale bread! Get'cher staaaaale bread here!

Posted in: Ontario Food