Cauliflower with mayonnaise and garlic

Cauliflower with mayonnaise and garlic - A delicious and comforting recipe

Who doesn't love the fresh and wonderful taste of cauliflower, especially when combined with creamy mayonnaise and garlic? This simple yet flavorful recipe is perfect for moments when you want to impress guests or simply indulge yourself.

A brief history of the recipe

Cauliflower is a versatile vegetable that has been appreciated over time for its delicate taste and high nutritional values. It is rich in vitamins C and K, as well as fiber, making it an ideal choice for a healthy diet. Mayonnaise, on the other hand, has origins that date back to ancient times, being an emblematic sauce of gastronomy. The combination of cauliflower, mayonnaise, and garlic not only provides an explosion of flavors but also brings a touch of nostalgia for family meals.

Preparation time

- Preparation time: 15 minutes
- Cooking time: 20 minutes
- Total time: 35 minutes
- Number of servings: 4-6

Necessary ingredients

- 1 cauliflower of about 1 kg
- 4 egg yolks
- 2-3 tablespoons of mustard (preferably Dijon)
- ½ liter of oil (sunflower oil or olive oil, depending on preference)
- 3-4 cloves of garlic (adjustable to taste)
- Salt and pepper to taste
- A handful of fresh parsley, finely chopped

Step by step - How to prepare cauliflower with mayonnaise and garlic

1. Preparing the cauliflower: Start by cleaning the cauliflower. Remove the green leaves and cut the cauliflower into small florets. Wash them well under a cold water stream to remove impurities.

2. Boiling the cauliflower: Fill a large pot with water and bring it to a boil. When the water starts to boil, add the cauliflower florets. Put a lid on the pot and reduce the heat to low. Let the cauliflower boil for 18-20 minutes until it becomes tender but not overly soft. It is ideal to keep the crunchy texture.

3. Preparing the mayonnaise: While the cauliflower is boiling, you can prepare the mayonnaise. In a tall plastic bowl, separate the yolks from the whites (you can save the whites for another recipe). Add the yolks to the bowl along with the two tablespoons of mustard. Using a hand mixer, start incorporating the oil gradually, adding one tablespoon of mustard every 5 minutes. It is important to mix constantly to achieve a smooth mayonnaise.

4. Finalizing the mayonnaise: Continue to add oil until you have used almost ½ liter, and the mayonnaise becomes creamy and well-emulsified. This process can take between 20 and 30 minutes, but the result is worth the effort!

5. Draining the cauliflower: After the cauliflower has boiled, remove it with a slotted spoon and place it in a colander to drain the water. Let it cool for a few minutes.

6. Mixing the ingredients: Once the cauliflower has cooled, chop the florets finely using a knife or a chopper on a cutting board. Place the chopped cauliflower in a large bowl, add the mayonnaise, salt, pepper, and the chopped or crushed garlic cloves. Add the chopped parsley and mix everything well, so the ingredients are evenly distributed.

7. Serving: If you have guests, you can arrange the salad on a platter and decorate it with a ring of mayonnaise and a few parsley leaves. If not, you can store it in any container and let it chill completely. Ideally, you should leave the salad in the fridge for about an hour before serving to allow the flavors to meld.

Useful tips

- Vegan option: If you want a vegan version of this recipe, you can use aquafaba mayonnaise (the liquid from chickpeas) instead of eggs.
- Enhancing the salad: You can add chopped green or black olives, or even some pieces of bell pepper for an extra splash of color and flavor.
- Serving: This dish is delicious alongside fresh bread, but can also be an excellent side for grilled meats or fish.

Frequently asked questions

- Can I use store-bought mayonnaise?
Yes, if you don't have time to make mayonnaise at home, you can opt for the store-bought version, but the taste won't be as intense.

- How long can the salad be stored?
This salad keeps well in the fridge for 2-3 days, but the taste is best when consumed fresh.

- What other recipes pair well with cauliflower with mayonnaise?
You can serve this salad alongside grilled chicken, fish, or with a fresh green salad. Also, a glass of white wine or fresh lemonade can perfectly complement the meal.

Calories and nutritional benefits

A serving of cauliflower with mayonnaise and garlic (about 150 g) contains on average 250-300 calories, depending on the amount of mayonnaise used. This recipe is an excellent source of vitamin C, fiber, and protein, thanks to the cauliflower and eggs.

In conclusion, cauliflower with mayonnaise and garlic is a recipe that brings together culinary tradition and innovation, offering you a tasty, healthy, and easy-to-make meal. I invite you to try this recipe and enjoy every bite! Bon appétit!

 Ingredients: - 1 kg cauliflower - 4 egg yolks - 2-3 tablespoons of mustard - 1/2 liter of oil - 3-4 cloves of garlic - salt, pepper - a handful of chopped parsley