HOW TO MAKE A PARISIAN-STYLE ASSIETTE

How to Make a Parisian-Style Assiette image

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An assiette (which means plate) is a meal composed of several simply prepared, aesthetically arranged components. In the vegetarian cafés of Paris, the protein is provided by seitan, tofu, or tempeh, prepared in uncomplicated ways. My favorite kind of plate features seitan, and for a homemade version, I recommend either Seitan and Mushrooms in Paprika Cream (page 68) or Cornmeal-Crusted Seitan (page 63). Tempeh Fries with Horseradish or Wasabi-Dill Mayonnaise (page 78) or Teriyaki Tofu Steaks (page 62) are two other possibilities for the protein portion of the plate.
Assiettes often feature grated raw vegetables, usually carrots, with the addition of either turnips or beets. Grated Daikon and Carrot Salad (page 174) works well, but you can simply grate a small amount of one or more of these vegetables, either mixed together or placed in separate mounds on each plate.
There is always a cooked vegetable or two, usually something green (most often zucchini, green beans, or broccoli). Next, a timbale-shaped serving of grain, either couscous or rice or a combination of grains like quinoa and bulgur, sits in the middle of the platter. (To create a timbale, just pack cooked grain firmly into a 1/2-cup measure and invert onto the plate.) Sometimes, a few wedges of tomato and three or four black olives adorn the plate.
Arrange all these components pleasingly on individual plates, and voilá-you've created a gorgeous assiette with an assortment of colors, flavors, and textures. This kind of meal might require a little more effort than many of the other express meals in this book, but not that much more. It's a lot of fun, though, and you can save it to serve on special occasions, like an intimate dinner for two (you'll likely have leftovers) or a lovely meal for two couples.