
Christmas Cauliflower Purée Wreath with Garlic Shrimp, Creamy Spinach and Almond Crumble
A festive, elegant wreath made with a baked ring of cauliflower purée, filled at the center with creamy spinach and topped with garlic sautéed shrimp. Finished with a golden almond-parsley crumble, it makes an original, eye-catching Christmas dish full of contrast.
Ingredients
- 900 g cauliflower (en floretes)
- 45 g butter (divided)
- 60 g grated Parmesan cheese (divided)
- 1 unit egg (lightly beaten)
- 8 g salt (or to taste, divided)
- 3 g black pepper (divided)
- 1 g ground nutmeg
- 250 g fresh spinach
- 80 g shallot (chopped fina)
- 15 g garlic (chopped, divided)
- 180 ml heavy cream
- 450 g raw peeled shrimp (without cola if desired)
- 30 ml olive oil (divided)
- 2 g sweet paprika
- 2 g lemon zest
- 15 ml lemon juice
- 40 g sliced almonds
- 30 g breadcrumbs
- 10 g fresh parsley (chopped)
Nutrition facts
per serving
Approximate nutritional information. Estimated from the recipe’s ingredients and amounts, using standard reference nutrition values. It may vary with brands, sizes and cooking method. For guidance only; not a substitute for medical or dietary advice.
Allergens
Instructions
- 1
Preheat the oven to 220°C / 425°F. Lightly grease a 24 cm ring mold or Bundt-style pan with a little of the butter.
- 2
Boil the cauliflower in salted water for 10 to 12 minutes, until very tender. Drain very well and let it sit for 5 minutes to release steam.
- 3
Blend the hot cauliflower with 30 g (2 tbsp) butter, 40 g (1 1/3 oz) Parmesan, the egg, 1/2 teaspoon salt, 1/2 teaspoon pepper, and the nutmeg until you have a thick, smooth purée.
- 4
Transfer the purée to the mold, pressing it evenly to form a ring. Bake for 20 to 25 minutes at 220°C / 425°F, until firm and lightly golden around the edges.
- 5
While the wreath bakes, heat 1 tablespoon olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Sauté the shallot with 2 garlic cloves for 2 to 3 minutes.
- 6
Add the spinach and cook, stirring, until wilted. Stir in the heavy cream, 20 g (2/3 oz) Parmesan, 1/4 teaspoon salt, and 1/4 teaspoon pepper. Cook for 2 to 3 minutes until creamy. Keep warm.
- 7
Toss the shrimp with the remaining 1 tablespoon olive oil, the remaining garlic, sweet paprika, lemon zest, lemon juice, 1/2 teaspoon salt, and 1/4 teaspoon pepper.
- 8
Heat a wide skillet over medium-high heat and sauté the shrimp for 1 to 2 minutes per side, until pink and just cooked through. Remove from the heat.
- 9
In a small skillet, melt the remaining butter and add the sliced almonds and breadcrumbs. Cook for 2 to 3 minutes over medium heat, stirring, until golden. Add the chopped parsley and mix.
- 10
Carefully unmold the cauliflower wreath onto a serving platter. Fill the center with the creamy spinach, arrange the shrimp on top, and finish with the almond-parsley crumble. Serve immediately.
Chef tips
Drain the cauliflower very well so the wreath holds its shape. For a cleaner finish, let the wreath rest for 5 minutes before unmolding.
Substitutions
You can replace the shrimp with scallops or chicken strips. Parmesan can be swapped for Grana Padano, and almonds for chopped hazelnuts. For a gluten-free version, use gluten-free breadcrumbs.
What I used to make it
Generic kitchen tools that work for this recipe. You don’t need to buy anything to make it.
Illustrative imageNinja Professional BL610 Blender
Smoothies, sauces and soups
- Smoothies, sauces and soups
- Easy-to-wash jar
- Check the power and jar size
Illustrative imageCosori Pro LE 5 Qt Air Fryer
Browning and baking with little oil
- Browns food with very little oil
- Handy for vegetables, chicken and reheating
- Check the basket capacity
Illustrative imageT-fal Ultimate Hard Anodized 12" Non-Stick Pan
Eggs, omelets and stir-fries
- Eggs and omelets that don’t stick
- Comfortable, sturdy handle
- Use wooden or silicone utensils
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