Cauliflower, Pickled Apple, Beetroot and Ragstone
This elegant starter combines earthy steamed beetroot, cauliflower florets and tangy pickled Granny Smith apple with creamy Ragstone goat's cheese. The Thermomix TM7 steams the vegetables to tender perfection while the integrated scale weighs the pickling brine of apple cider vinegar and Demerara sugar for a balanced sweet-sour finish.
About this recipe
Cauliflower, Pickled Apple, Beetroot and Ragstone Thermomix TM7 is a modern vegetarian starter that looks straight off a bistro menu yet comes together in one all-in-one kitchen machine. Quick-pickled Granny Smith apple in a brine of apple cider vinegar and Demerara sugar cuts through the earthiness of steamed beetroot, while soft Ragstone goat's cheese adds a lactic creaminess that binds every element. The TM7 steams the cauliflower florets and beetroot gently in the Varoma so they keep their bite and colour, and xanthan gum thickens the pickling liquid into a glossy dressing without cooking. Searching for recipes that elevate humble vegetables into a dinner-party opener will love this one: it suits autumn gatherings, festive menus and lighter weeknight dinners alike, and every component can be prepared ahead.
Preparation tips
- Cut the beetroot into equal wedges so it steams at the same rate as the cauliflower florets; place the harder beetroot in the Varoma first and add the cauliflower partway through for even tenderness.
- Let the pickled Granny Smith apple rest in its cider vinegar and Demerara sugar brine for at least half an hour before serving — the longer it sits, the sharper and more vibrant the flavour becomes.
- Crumble the Ragstone goat's cheese over the warm vegetables just before serving so it softens slightly; substitute feta or a mild blue cheese if Ragstone is unavailable.
- Keep any leftover pickled apple in its brine in a sealed jar in the fridge and use it within a week to brighten salads or sandwiches.
Recipe variations
- Make it fully vegan by replacing the Ragstone with a whipped plant-based cheese or cashew cream; the quick-pickled apple and steamed beetroot already carry plenty of acidity and sweetness to compensate.
- For a festive winter version, add roasted hazelnuts, pomegranate seeds and a few thyme leaves, and swap the cauliflower for Romanesco to give the plate extra colour and drama.
Thermomix TM7 Benefits
- Gentle steaming in the Varoma keeps the beetroot wedges tender while preserving their deep ruby colour and earthy sweetness. [Multi-Function]
- Weighing the apple cider vinegar and Demerara sugar directly in the mixing bowl ensures a perfectly balanced pickling brine every time. [Time Savings]
- Grating the fresh beetroot takes mere seconds in the TM7, giving you fine, even shreds for garnish without stained hands. [Multi-Function]
- Mixing the xanthan gum into the pickling liquid creates a silky, glossy dressing that clings to the cauliflower florets. [Multi-Function]
- Heating the brine with precise temperature control dissolves the Demerara sugar completely without dulling the apple's fresh acidity. [Precision Control]
Ingredients
- beetroot
- orange juice
- Demerara sugar
- xanthan gum
- soft goat's cheese
- water
- sunflower oil
- Granny Smith apple
- apple cider vinegar
- balsamic vinegar