ROASTED CAULIFLOWER WITH ANCHOVY, CAPERS, AND FRESH THYME

Roasted Cauliflower with Anchovy, Capers, and Fresh Thyme image

Provided by Tyler Florence

Number Of Ingredients 15

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2 heads cauliflower (preferably different colors)
Extra-virgin olive oil
Kosher salt and freshly cracked black pepper
Olive oil, for frying
3 garlic cloves, thinly sliced
1 tablespoon extra-virgin olive oil
3 oil-packed anchovy fillets, finely minced
2 garlic cloves, finely minced
1 tablespoon salt-packed capers, rinsed and drained
4 sprigs fresh thyme, leaves only
1/2 cup heavy cream
1/4 cup grated Parmigiano-Reggiano
1/2 lemon
Freshly cracked black pepper
Shaved Parmigiano-Reggiano

Steps:

Roast the cauliflower: Preheat the oven to 450 degrees F. Remove the green leaves from the cauliflower and reserve. Cut the cauliflower heads in half, then into bite-size florets. Cut the stalks into bite-size pieces also. Place the florets and stalk pieces in a roasting pan, and drizzle with olive oil and season with salt and pepper. Roast until golden and tender, about 20 minutes. Transfer to a platter lined with paper towels to drain.
Make the garlic chips: Pour 1/4 inch of oil into a small saucepan. Add the garlic and set the pan over medium heat. Heat the oil until the chips are golden and crisp, about 1 minute. Drain on paper towels and set aside.
Make the anchovy sauce: Set a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the olive oil and fry the anchovies, garlic, capers, and thyme, stirring with a wooden spoon to break up the anchovies and infuse the oil. Cook for 3 to 4 minutes, until fragrant. Add the cream and Parmesan, and bring to a simmer. Just before serving, add the roasted cauliflower pieces and fold in the reserved leaves. Finish with a squeeze of lemon juice, and top with the fried garlic chips, cracked black pepper, and shaved Parmesan.