• Fast
• Make-Ahead
• Vegetarian
• Staff Favorite

Ingredients

1. Two 2-pound heads of cauliflower, cored and separated into 2-inch florets
2. 2 cups heavy cream
3. 1 1/2 sticks unsalted butter
4. Salt
5. Cayenne pepper

Directions

1. Preheat the oven to 325°. In a large pot of boiling salted water, cook the cauliflower florets until tender, about 7 minutes. Drain well. Spread the cauliflower on a large rimmed baking sheet. Bake for about 5 minutes, to dry it out.
2. In a small saucepan, combine the heavy cream with the butter and bring to a simmer over moderate heat just until the butter is melted.
3. Working in batches, puree the cauliflower in a blender with the warm cream mixture; transfer the puree to a medium microwave-safe bowl. Season with salt and cayenne. Just before serving, reheat the puree in the microwave in 1-minute intervals, stirring occasionally.

Make Ahead

The cauliflower puree can be refrigerated overnight and reheated in a microwave; stir occasionally.