Author Laura B. Russell helps even the kitchen novice demystify the many delicious ways to prepare this extremely healthy class of vegetables in Brassicas (Ten Speed Press, 2014). Russell offers a diverse range of recipes for leafy greens, cauliflower, broccoli, kale, and more in one easy access location. The following excerpt combines cumin-roasted cauliflower, date and honey in a delicious mizuna salad recipe.
You can purchase this book in the Mother Earth Living store:Brassicas.
You get a double dose of brassicas in this North African-inspired salad that calls for both mizuna and cauliflower. My husband loves mizuna, a mildly peppery salad green, so we tend to eat a ton of it when it shows up at the farmers’ market in early spring. If you cannot find it, baby arugula (another brassica) makes an ideal substitute. Don’t forget to add the dates; their honeyed sweetness creates a perfect balance of flavors with the cumin-laced cauliflower and greens. Find fresh dates in the produce section or dried chopped dates near the raisins. I like the taste of honey in the dressing, but for a vegan-friendly version, substitute agave nectar.
Mizuna Salad Recipe with Cumin-Roasted Cauliflower
• 1 small head cauliflower, cored and cut into bite-size florets (about 4 cups)
• 5 tablespoons olive oil (divided)
• 3/4 teaspoon kosher salt (divided)
• 1 3/4 teaspoons ground cumin (divided)
• 1 tablespoon freshly squeezed lemon juice
• 1 teaspoon honey
• 1/4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
• 1 large bunch mizuna, large stems removed, or 1 (5-ounce) package baby arugula (about 12 cups loosely packed)
• 4 fresh or dried dates, pitted and finely chopped (about 1/2 cup)
1. Preheat the oven to 450 degrees. Put the cauliflower on a rimmed baking sheet, drizzle with 2 tablespoons of the oil, sprinkle with 1/2 teaspoon of the salt and 1 1/2 teaspoons of the cumin, and toss to coat evenly, then spread in a single layer. Roast the cauliflower, stirring once or twice, for about 15 minutes, until golden brown and tender but not mushy. Taste a floret for doneness; larger florets may take slightly longer to cook.
2. While the cauliflower is roasting, make the dressing: In a small bowl, whisk together the lemon juice, honey, the remaining 1/4 teaspoon salt and 1/4 teaspoon cumin, and the pepper. Whisk in the remaining 3 tablespoons olive oil.
3. In a serving bowl, combine the roasted cauliflower, mizuna, and dates, drizzle with the dressing, and toss to coat evenly. Taste and add additional salt and pepper if needed. Serve immediately. Serves 4
More Recipes from Brassicas
• Charred Brussels Sprouts Recipe with Pancetta and Fig Glaze
• White Pizza Recipe with Arugula and Prosciutto
• Roasted Broccolini Recipe with Mushrooms
• Raw Kale Salad Recipe with Almonds and Egg
• Grilled Baby Bok Choy Recipe with Miso Butter
Reprinted with permission fromBrassicas: Cooking the World’s Healthiest Vegetablesby Laura B. Russell and published by Ten Speed Press, 2014.
