The Four Seasons' cauliflower steaks with black walnut quinoa and fragrant pear curry

In a saucepan over medium-low heat, combine the pear, onion and curry powder with a tablespoon of the oil. Cook, stirring the mixture occasionally, until tender and without any coloring. Stir in the sherry vinegar along with half of the apple juice.

Remove the pan from heat and set aside for a few minutes, then pour the mixture into a blender, preferably high-speed. Blend on high speed until smooth, then add the remaining apple juice. With the blender running, carefully drizzle in the remaining oil to create a smooth emulsion. Season with 3/8 teaspoon salt and 1/8 teaspoon pepper, or to taste. This makes a generous cup curry sauce.

Rinse the quinoa well under cold running water, then strain.

In a saucepan over medium heat, combine 1 tablespoon olive oil, onion and quinoa. Cook, stirring occasionally, until the onion is translucent and softened, 3 to 5 minutes. Add the broth and bring to a simmer, then reduce the heat and cover. Cook until the quinoa is tender, 10 to 15 minutes.

Remove from heat and set aside for several minutes, covered, until the vegetable broth is absorbed. Stir in the walnuts, lemon juice, remaining tablespoon oil and parsley. Season with ½ teaspoon salt and 1/8 teaspoon pepper, or as desired. This makes about 2 cups quinoa. Set aside in a warm place until ready to assemble the dish.

Bring a large pot of lightly salted water to a boil. Carefully lower the cauliflower steaks into the water one by one. Bring to a simmer, and cook until just tender, 2 to 3 minutes, careful not to overcook. (If a paring knife can pierce through the center fairly easily against the side of the pot, it should be done.) Carefully remove using a skimmer and transfer to a rack to cool. Reserve the pot of water for next step. When the steaks are cooled, pat them dry and season with a pinch each of salt and pepper. Set aside in a warm place until ready to plate.

Bring the pot of water back to a boil. Blanch the broccolini, radishes and carrots separately until just tender, 1 to 3 minutes depending on the size. Transfer to a rack to cool, then lightly drizzle with olive oil, season with a pinch each of salt and pepper, and a dash of the soy sauce. Set aside in a warm place until ready to plate as garnishes.

Heat a large nonstick skillet over high heat, then add in a little olive oil. Carefully sear each cauliflower steak over high heat until browned evenly, about 2 minutes per side.

Likewise, grill the mushrooms over high heat just until tender, then remove and toss with the other vegetable garnishes.

Divide the warm quinoa among 3 to 4 plates. Top each with a cauliflower steak. Drizzle the pear curry over the plates and garnish with the remaining vegetables . Serve immediately.