The coronavirus pandemic has created a new norm. The world is locked away in menial apartments, shifting impatiently while looking for something to do. People have sought new hobbies to keep themselves entertained. Streaming sites like Netflix, Hulu, and Disney + have provided their viewers with a selection of new tv shows and movies. But even that gets to be redundant and boring.
There are many concerns that accompany this pandemic. People are worried they won’t be able to pay bills, visit family, and some worry with gyms being closed, they’ll gain a lot of weight. Fortunately, time means people can take up cooking… and they can do it in a healthy way.
There are a number of wonderful healthy recipes spanning the internet. Famous chefs are in quarantine, too, and they are offering cooking tips to worthy listeners. Chef Penny Davidi of Food Network Star, Chopped, Kitchen Inferno, Cutthroat Kitchen, and more has released an easy quarantine recipe: “Steak with Cauliflower Puree.
The recipe is simple, really. Steak is a delicious protein-based meal that pairs nicely with a number of sides: mashed potatoes, broccoli, french fries, and asparagus. With the stress of being locked away in small apartments and condos, people have to rely on the comfort of food. However, no one wants to lose their summer body because of a pandemic.
The easy solution is to use alternative foods to make recipes healthy. Healthy food can be expensive, but not when it is used correctly. Steak and cauliflower puree simply pairs steak and cauliflower. The cauliflower serves as a heavy side, like mac and cheese or mashed potatoes. Butter and cream can be added to this vegetable to make it more delicious, while still maintaining the fact that it is a good, strong, healthy food. Then other vegetables can be prepared for a second side, because cauliflower is only replacing the creamy, potatoey side.
This is one of Chef Penny’s many recipes.
INGREDIENTS:
2 (4 ounce) filet mignon steak
½ teaspoon freshly ground pepper
Salt to taste
Micro-greens to decorate
FOR THE WASABI CAULIFLOWER PUREE
1 head of cauliflower washed and boiled and cut into chunks
1 teaspoon wasabi paste
½ cup heavy cream
2 tbsp. butter and more to your taste and liking
½ cup parmesan cheese grated
Salt and pepper to taste
DIRECTIONS:
For the Steak…
Sprinkle freshly ground pepper over both sides of each steak, and sprinkle with salt to taste.
Heat a nonstick skillet over medium-high heat. Place steaks in a hot pan, and cook for 1 minute on each side, or until browned. Reduce heat to medium-low and add balsamic vinegar and red wine. Cover, and cook for 4 minutes on each side, basting with sauce when you turn the meat over.
Remove steaks to two warmed plates, spoon one tablespoon of glaze over each, and serve immediately.
Plate with a good portion of cauliflower puree on a plate, top with slices of your filet and sprinkle lightly with micro-greens. ENJOY!
Her website has plenty more. Fans of hers, or those who simply want to take up cooking, can learn how to branch out and try cuisines from many cultures. Some of those listed on her site are: Persian stuffed peppers, roasted saffron chicken with dried fruit, and beef roast with persimmon.
At the end of the day, the best way to feel good in confinement is to treat the body, mind, and taste buds with respect. Cooking is the way to do that. With so much time on everyone’s hands, it’s the perfect time to learn to cook, and do it well. Chef Penny would be proud of those learning to perfect their culinary skills, especially the people who are using her recipes to do so.
DID YOU LIKE THESE RECIPES?
Chef Penny would love to see your creations! Post your Chef Penny inspired dishes by using the hashtag #PennyDavidi on your Instagram post for a chance to win a Giveaway!
For more recipe ideas please visit www.pennydavidi.com
