29 October 2012

Vegan Stuffed Savoy Cabbage



Looking for what else to do with falls bounty of cauliflower, carrots, cabbage?  Totally vegetarian and vegan cabbage rolls....

I'm still using the massive cauliflower I bought at the farmers market!  I decided to cook it until tender, mash it and use it incorporated into a stuffing for savoy cabbage leaves.  You can make a quick red sauce and place these on top of that in a pan to cook, but I placed these on a bed of sliced onions and carrots to roast.
Savoy cabbage is more tender than the typical cabbage so if you are using another type just blanch a bit longer.

19 October 2012

Eggplant Polenta Stacks

I have been asked many times how to use eggplant.  Often in the checkout line at a grocery store and most always I hear that people tend to make it fried or fried then baked in eggplant parmesan. 
I love eggplant and it can be used in so MANY ways!  I roast it very often when in a hurry.  Sliced, cut in chunks or in long wedges until it becomes creamy inside and golden outside.  I grill it, thinly slice and marinate it in balsamic and to things with that, use in casseroles.  This is a short list.
Here I have made it two ways for this dish--I roasted some and then pureed that for between the polenta rounds and a small amount (barely visible) I put on top the stack.  Then that is topped with thinly sliced and marinated eggplant.  But you could use sliced grilled or roasted eggplant chunks on the top.
This makes a large appetizer, I would probably make them smaller for that, or a good side dish.  Maybe serve with a simple white fish like tilapia.
I had the last of the basil that was still holding on after being moved inside after summer ended, now it is gone--but was so appreciated!

15 October 2012

Cauliflower Steaks Siciliano


The cauliflower at the markets and stands seems like its gotten pumped up on steroids.  They are huge, and if you buy one for a family of 2, well you have to find lots of ways to use it before it browns.  Don't get me wrong, some of the slight discoloration on the florets can be cut off, and that will especially happen if you wash the whole head and only use part.
This was inspired by flavors I associate with Sicily: tomatoes, olives, capers, fennel and raisins.  And of course garlic, feast on....