SKILLET-ROASTED CAULIFLOWER STEAKS WITH JALAPENO CREAMED SPINACH

Cauliflower makes a great stand-in for meat in this vegetarian dinner. Look for the freshest cauliflower you can find. It should have tight, compact florets with no signs of yellowing or browning and crisp-looking leaves at the base. 1 to 2 large heads cauliflower

(about 3 lb. total) 1 Tbsp. olive oil 1/4 tsp. salt 1/4 tsp. black pepper 1/4 tsp. ground cumin 1 recipe Jalapeno Creamed

Spinach (see below) 1/4 cup roasted, salted pepitas

(pumpkin seeds) for garnish

Preheat oven to 375. Remove outer leaves from the cauliflower. Carefully trim stem end, leaving core intact so florets are still attached. Turn cauliflower head core side down, and using a chef ’s knife or large serrated knife, cut cauliflower vertically into four 1-1 1/4-inch thick “steaks” and reserve ends and loose pieces for another use.

In an extra-large oven-proof skillet heat oil over medium heat, add cauliflower steaks and cook 4 to 6 minutes or until browned on both sides, turning once. Sprinkle with salt, pepper, and cumin. Transfer skillet to oven and roast, uncovered, 15 to 20 minutes or until tender. Remove cauliflower from skillet and cover to keep warm.

For the Jalapeno Creamed Spinach 2 6-oz. packages of fresh baby

spinach 1 tablespoon olive oil 1/2 cup chopped onion 1 or 2 fresh jalapeno chile peppers, seeded and finely chopped 1 cup heavy cream, 1/4 teaspoon salt 1/4 teaspoon black pepper

Heat an extra-large skillet over medium heat. Add the packages of fresh baby spinach, one package at a time, to hot skillet and stir until wilted. Transfer to a colander and squeeze out excess liquid.

In the same skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add 1/2 cup chopped onion and 1 to 2 fresh jalapeno peppers. Cook 5 minutes or until tender. Add 1 cup heavy cream and salt and black pepper. Bring to boiling. Cook 3 to 5 minutes or until cream starts to thicken. Add the wilted spinach. Simmer until desired consistency.

Serve cauliflower steaks over creamed spinach. Sprinkle with pepitas.

Serves 4.

Per serving: 396 calories (percent of calories from fat, 64), 11 grams protein, 27 grams carbohydrates, 12 grams fiber, 31 grams fat (15 grams saturated), 82 milligrams cholesterol, 460 milligrams sodium.

MEREDITH CORPORATION Skillet-Roasted Cauliflower Steaks With Jalapeno Creamed Spinach from “Better Homes and Gardens Skillet Meals (Better Homes & Gardens, $24.99).