Black Caviar with Chilled Cauliflower Mousse Recipe

Few dishes strike a balance between elegance and ease like this Chilled Cauliflower Mousse with Black Caviar. Delicate in texture and subtle in flavor, this creamy appetizer lets premium Osetra caviar shine while offering a velvety backdrop of cauliflower and potato. It’s a dish that feels indulgent but won’t overwhelm the palate—perfect for dinner parties, special occasions, or simply when you’re in the mood to elevate an ordinary evening.

Ingredients (Makes 4-6 Individual Servings)

• 1 cup raw cauliflower florets
• ½ medium gold potato, peeled and cut into chunks
• Sea salt, to taste
• Freshly ground black pepper, to taste
• ½ cup heavy cream
• 2 oz. Osetra caviar (or your preferred black caviar)

Instructions for Chilled Cauliflower Mousse with Black Caviar

1. Cook the Vegetables
   Fill a medium saucepan with salted water and bring to a boil over medium-high heat. Carefully add the cauliflower florets and gold potato chunks. Cook until both are fork-tender, about 20–25 minutes.
2. Blend to Silky Smoothness
   Drain thoroughly, then transfer the cooked vegetables to a high-speed blender. Blend until completely smooth and velvety. For an ultra-fine texture, you may also press the purée through a tamis or fine-mesh sieve.
3. Dry the Mixture
   Pour the puréed mixture into a heavy-bottomed saucepan. Over medium heat, stir gently for 2–3 minutes to remove excess moisture. Take care not to scorch the bottom—you're looking to reduce, not brown. Season to taste with sea salt and freshly ground black pepper.
4. Chill Thoroughly
   Transfer the warm mixture into a mixing bowl. Press plastic wrap directly onto the surface to prevent a skin from forming. Chill in the refrigerator until completely cold—at least one hour, preferably longer.
5. Whip and Fold
   Using a hand mixer or stand mixer, whip the heavy cream until it forms firm peaks. Gently fold the whipped cream into the chilled cauliflower mixture, taking care to preserve the airiness.
6. Assemble and Serve
   Spoon the mousse into elegant glassware or porcelain ramekins. Cover again and chill until ready to serve.
7. Caviar Topping
   Just before serving, add a spoonful of well-chilled Osetra caviar to the center of each mousse. Serve immediately with non-metallic spoons to preserve the delicate flavor of the roe.

Pairing Suggestions

• Bubbles, Always: A dry Champagne or premium sparkling wine is the natural partner for this dish. The mousse’s richness meets its match in the lively acidity and effervescence of something like a Brut Champagne or a crisp Crémant.
• Vodka Done Right: For a more traditional pairing, serve alongside ice-cold, high-quality vodka in a chilled glass. The clean spirit enhances the briny pop of the caviar without masking the mousse’s subtlety.
• Bright Whites: A mineral-forward white wine, such as a Chablis or Sancerre, complements the mousse’s earthy base while letting the caviar remain the star.
• Accompaniments: Serve with toast points, blini, or lightly salted potato chips for added texture. A touch of microgreens or chives on top offers a burst of freshness and visual polish.

A Word on Caviar

Osetra caviar is our top recommendation for this dish. Its nutty undertone and clean salinity pair beautifully with the mellow, creamy base of the mousse. However, feel free to use any high-quality sturgeon caviar or even a sustainably farmed roe alternative. You can buy caviar online at any time from Caviar Star.

Enjoy your meal!

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