One-Pot

Whole cauliflower gets the pot-roast treatment in this Italian-inspired dish, braising in a spicy tomato sauce enriched with garlic and green olives. The cauliflower emerges fork-tender and infused with flavor, topped with golden-brown pecorino Romano that creates an irresistible crust. Ingredients 3 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil, plus more for serving 6 medium garlic cloves, thinly sliced 3/4 to 1 teaspoon red pepper flakes 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano Kosher salt and ground black pepper 120ml (1/2 cup) dry white wine 1 can (794g/28 ounces) whole peeled tomatoes, crushed by hand 120ml (1/2 cup) pitted green olives, roughly chopped 1 head cauliflower (900g-1.1kg/2 to 2 1/2 pounds), trimmed 60g (2 ounces) pecorino Romano cheese, finely grated (about 240ml/1 cup), plus more for serving 60ml (1/4 cup) fresh basil leaves, lightly packed and roughly chopped Optional Accompaniments Creamy polenta Crusty bread for serving Extra virgin olive oil for drizzling Equipment Dutch oven with lid (5-6 quart capacity) Sharp knife for trimming Skewer for testing doneness Wide metal spatula Large spoon or tongs Instructions Preparation Position oven rack: Adjust rack to lower-middle position. Preheat oven: Heat to 425°F (220°C). Trim cauliflower: Remove any leaves and trim the base flat, keeping the head intact. Making the Braising Liquid Bloom aromatics: In a Dutch oven over medium heat, combine oil, garlic, pepper flakes, oregano, and 1/2 teaspoon black pepper. Cook, stirring frequently, until garlic is lightly browned, 2-3 minutes. Add wine: Pour in white wine and simmer until reduced to approximately 2 tablespoons, 5-6 minutes. Build sauce: Stir in crushed tomatoes with their juices, olives, 120ml (1/2 cup) water, and 1/2 teaspoon salt. Bring to a simmer over medium-high heat, then remove from heat. Braising Process Stage 1 - Initial braising (50-55 minutes): Place cauliflower stem-end down in the pot. Spoon some sauce over the top to coat. Cover with lid, transfer to oven, and cook until a skewer inserted straight down into the center meets just slight resistance, 50-55 minutes. ...

Yield: 4 servings Ingredients 1 large bunch (or 2 small bunches) broccoli rabe or kale, thick stems separated from the leaves ¼ cup (60 ml) olive oil, plus more for drizzling 4 garlic cloves, thinly sliced 1 medium red or yellow onion, thinly sliced Kosher salt and black pepper 2 to 3 tablespoons (30-45 grams) harissa or tomato paste Red-pepper flakes (Aleppo peppers work well) 3 (15-ounce) cans large beans, such as pinto, navy, cannellini, butter or great Northern, drained and rinsed 4 cups (960 ml) vegetable broth 1 preserved lemon, thinly sliced, or 1 lemon, halved, for squeezing 1 cup (about 60 grams) parsley or cilantro, leaves and tender stems 2 ounces (56 grams) feta or other salty cheese, such as queso fresco or pecorino, crumbled (optional) Fried or medium-boiled eggs, for serving (optional) Preparation Step 1 Tear broccoli rabe or kale leaves into bite-size pieces and set aside. Chop the stems into about ¼-inch pieces; set aside. ...

Notes This is a solid recipe, but might do well with a few tweaks. The “sauce” at might be better if developed as a roux. Browned butter with a little flour? Also, the flavor profile could use a little more umami- fish sauce, worcestershire, or soy sauce. Special Equipment Large dutch oven Slotted spoon Ingredients 2 tablespoons smoked paprika 1 tablespoon sweet paprika Kosher salt and ground black pepper 1 pound extra-large (21/25 per pound) shrimp, peeled and deveined, tails left on 2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil, plus more to serve 2 tablespoons salted butter 2 teaspoons soy sauce 1 tablespoon all purpose flour 1 medium leek, white and light green parts halved lengthwise, thinly sliced, rinsed and dried 4 medium garlic cloves, minced 1 15½ ounce can chickpeas, ½ cup liquid reserved, drained 8 ounce bottle clam juice Chopped fresh flat-leaf parsley, to serve Method Season Shrimp In a medium bowl, stir together both paprikas and ¾ teaspoon pepper. Measure 2 tablespoons of the mixture into a small bowl and set aside. Add the shrimp to the paprika mixture in the medium bowl and toss to coat. Set aside. Brown Shrimp In a large Dutch oven over medium-high, heat the oil until shimmering. Add the shrimp in an even layer; reserve the bowl. Cook without stirring until browned on the bottom, about 2 minutes. Using a slotted spoon, return the shrimp to the bowl. Combine Ingredients In the Dutch oven over medium heat, melt the butter. Add the leek and cook, stirring occasionally, until softened, 4 to 5 minutes. Add the garlic and the reserved paprika mixture. Cook, stirring, until fragrant, about 1 minute. Add soy sauce and flour and cook another 2 minutes to develop a roux. Finish Stir in: Chickpeas Reserved chickpea liquid Clam juice Bring to a simmer, then reduce to low, cover and cook for 10 minutes, stirring once or twice. Meanwhile, remove the tails from the shrimp and cut each in half crosswise. Serve Remove the pot from the heat and stir in the shrimp along with accumulated juices. Cover and let stand until the shrimp are opaque throughout, 2 to 3 minutes. Taste and season with salt and pepper. Serve sprinkled with parsley and drizzled with additional oil.