Not everyone is a fan of the humble cauliflower. I get that. But we’ve enjoyed a good number of tasty cauliflower recipes together over the years, no? My hope is that the cauliflower curry or the lemon-zested sauté converted at least a few of you who were on the fence? If not, maybe this next recipe will. It’s no joke. Imagine a skillet of caramelized onions cooked down with fragrant cumin, ginger, garlic, sesame seeds and chiles. Add cauliflower and cook until tender. Vibrant, spicy, sweet earthiness all on one plate. (more…)

Coconut Custard
4 eggs
½ cup sugar
1 cup fresh coconut milk (more…)

eep in mind that different Thai curry pastes have differing strengths. Start with a teaspoon to start and then build from there until the soup has a level of spiciness and flavor that works for your palete. Top with toasted pumpkin seeds.

2 acorn squash, pumpkins, or other smallish winter squash
3 tablespoons unsalted butter, room temperature
1 14-ounce can coconut milk
1 teaspoon (or more) red Thai curry paste
water
2 teaspoons fine grain sea salt (or to taste)

Preheat the oven to 375 degrees and place the oven racks in the middle.

Carefully cut each squash/pumpkin into halves (or quarters). Slather each piece of squash with butter, sprinkle generously with salt, place on a baking sheet skin sides down, and place in the oven. Roast for about an hour or until the squash is tender throughout.

When the pumpkin/squash are cool enough to handle scoop it into a large pot over medium high heat. Add the coconut milk and curry paste and bring to a simmer. Remove from the heat and puree with a hand blender, you should have a very thick base at this point. Now add water a cup at a time pureeing between additions until the soup is the consistency you prefer – a light vegetable stock would work here as well. Bring up to a simmer again and add the salt (and more curry paste if you like, I used just shy of 6 teaspoons but the curry paste I use is not over-the-top spicy).

Serves six.

Mae Ploy Thai Matsaman Curry Paste
Galengal
Fresh Lemon Grass
Thai Coconut Milk (shake it before opening to mix)
Chicken/Pork/Beef (Cubed)
Green/Yellow Beans, Broccoli, Spinach (Choose one or all)
Tomatoes or onions (optional)
Peanut Oil

In a Wok or sauce pan pour peanut oil. Heat to med, add 3-4 tablespoons of Curry Paste. With a spoon chop/mix the curry with the oil as it heats. Thinly slice 1 inch of lemon grass, dice into tiny pieces and add to curry. Chop galengal to taste and add to curry. Add meat in 1/2 cubes, stir to coat and cook.

When browned remove from heat and put heat on low. Return pot to heat and add coconut milk. Cover and warm milk slowly. Add vegatables. Serve when vegtables are cooked to liking.