Athlete’s Cookbook: Darrell Hill Finds His Cauli-Power

Like a lot of us, pro shot putter Darrell Hill has had a doozy of a 2020. A quick rundown? His trip to the Olympics got postponed. The daily struggle for equality is wearing on him. And to top it off, he’s been facing a range of newfound food intolerances. For a self-identified foodie with his own YouTube cooking show, that’s got to hurt. Luckily, Brooklyn star chef Kia Damon knows what he’s going through (except for the Olympics part). In this episode of “Athlete’s Cookbook,” the new friends cook up a cauliflower congee that soothes their stomachs while they go deep on the issues that stimulate their minds. Watch the video above, check out the recipe below, and get cooking.

• 3 tbsp agave
• 1½ tsp ground turmeric
• ¾ tsp cayenne pepper
• ½ cup canola oil, divided
• Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
• 4 boneless, skinless chicken thighs
• 1 head cauliflower, grated
• 2 tbsp ghee
• 1 2-inch piece ginger, peeled and julienned
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 shallots, diced
• Fish sauce to taste
• 1 tea bag green tea, preferably hojicha
• 4 oz fresh maitake mushrooms, sliced
• 1 tsp xanthan gum
• Chili oil to taste
• Cilantro, chopped, for garnish
• Scallions, thinly sliced on the diagonal, for garnish

• Box grater
• Large bowl
• Large sauté pan
• Large spoon
• Large pot
• Grill pan
• Tongs
• Large knife
• Cutting board

In a large bowl, whisk together the agave, turmeric, cayenne, ¼ cup canola oil, salt and pepper. Add the chicken thighs and toss to coat.

In a large pan, sauté the cauliflower over medium-high heat until tender. In a large pot, melt the ghee over medium heat. Sauté the ginger, garlic and shallots until aromatic. Season with a pinch of salt. Add the grated cauliflower and continue sautéing for another 5 minutes. Add 4 cups of water and the tea bag and bring to a light boil. Remove the tea bag after 5 minutes and season the cauliflower mixture with a few dashes of fish sauce and black pepper.

Meanwhile, heat a few tablespoons of canola oil in a grill pan over medium-high heat. Cook the chicken thighs in the pan, flipping halfway through, until done (approximately 12 minutes or until a meat thermometer inserted in the thickest part registers 165 degrees). Set aside.

Sauté the mushrooms in a few tablespoons of canola oil until tender. Season with salt.

Add the xanthan gum to the cauliflower mixture and whisk until the mixture thickens. Taste the congee for seasoning adjustments. Divide between two bowls and top with sliced chicken, mushrooms, chili oil, cilantro, and scallions.