Electric Cars

A renowned chef's surprisingly simple and budget-friendly vegan cauliflower dish has earned a permanent spot in the reviewer's weekly meal rotation. This "accidentally vegan" creation involves blanching, coconut milk marination, and roasting, resulting in a flavor explosion that challenges perceptions of plant-based cuisine. Despite an initial two-hour marinating period, the overall preparation is straightforward, making it an accessible and satisfying option for busy weeknights.

Many find themselves choosing takeout or ready-made frozen meals for dinner, but preparing a gourmet dish at home can be simpler than imagined. Food Network personality and chef Alex Guarnaschelli exemplifies this with her preferred effortless dinner: cauliflower "steaks." This dish is a highlight at her New York City establishment, Butter. In a February 2021 interview, Guarnaschelli described it as her unintentional vegan entree, involving blanched cauliflower steeped in coconut milk, then roasted, creating a remarkably flavorful experience. Even for those not adhering to a strict plant-based diet, incorporating meatless meals can be a goal. Although cauliflower might not be everyone's top vegetable choice, the opportunity to experiment with new culinary experiences is always welcome. Inspired by this, the reviewer explored one of Guarnaschelli’s cauliflower "steak" recipes.

The ingredient list for this dish appeared manageable and affordable. The recipe is structured around three main components: marinated cauliflower steaks, a straightforward vinaigrette, and a gremolata topping, which is an aromatic Italian condiment typically comprising parsley, garlic, and lemon zest. Initially, the array of steps seemed somewhat daunting, but a closer look revealed the recipe's inherent simplicity. Many of the required items, such as salt, red-wine vinegar, garlic, olive oil, and red-pepper flakes, are commonly found in most kitchens. Nevertheless, a few specific items, including unsweetened coconut milk, fresh flat-leaf parsley, and coriander seeds, needed to be acquired, as they were not regular staples.

The preparation process spanned a few hours, yet each step was manageable. The cooking began by slicing a large cauliflower head into three thick "steaks," although the recipe typically calls for two. Two of these slices were then boiled in generously salted water for approximately seven minutes. One slice unfortunately broke apart during boiling, but was still drained alongside the others on a baking sheet. While the cauliflower rested and shed excess moisture, a marinade was prepared in a small baking dish, combining coconut milk, freshly crushed coriander seeds, red pepper flakes, and salt. Crushing the coriander seeds, a new experience, proved surprisingly easy with a mortar and pestle. The cauliflower pieces were then placed in this marinade and refrigerated for two hours. Just before the marination concluded, a vinaigrette, made by whisking together mustard, olive oil, red-wine vinegar, and lemon juice, and a gremolata, consisting of chopped parsley, minced garlic, and lemon zest, were assembled, ensuring everything was ready for plating once the cauliflower was roasted. Following the marination, the cauliflower was baked for about 15 minutes, then briefly broiled for five minutes, requiring careful attention to prevent burning. Finally, a generous cauliflower steak was served, drizzled with vinaigrette and topped with gremolata.

The resulting dish was a symphony of flavors. Despite its "steak" presentation, the cauliflower was remarkably tender, easily cut with a fork. Each mouthful delivered a complex blend of sweet, spicy, salty, and tangy notes, even from the usually firmer stalk. This delectable creation is destined to be a regular feature in the kitchen. Even with the two-hour marinating time, it proved feasible for a weeknight preparation. The versatility of the dish also allows for easy customization; adding protein like beans or crushed nuts was suggested, with finely crushed walnuts being a promising next experiment for enhanced flavor and texture. Furthermore, the vinaigrette and gremolata are versatile enough to elevate everyday salads and roasted vegetables. The coconut-milk marinade itself could be adapted for tofu, and the dressing and gremolata could easily complement pasta or pizza. While a visit to Chef Guarnaschelli's Butter in NYC remains a future aspiration, this homemade rendition has already garnered an enthusiastic following.

After a period of steady decline, electric vehicle prices have begun to climb once more. This unexpected reversal is prompting industry experts to re-evaluate market dynamics, as consumers face increasing costs for both new EVs and traditional automobiles. The automotive sector, influenced by supply chain adjustments and fluctuating fuel costs, is navigating a complex landscape where affordability remains a central concern for buyers.

Electric Vehicle Prices Rise as Automakers Adjust Strategies

In July 2026, the average transaction price for a new fully electric vehicle saw an unexpected increase, reaching $56,126, according to data from Kelley Blue Book. This marks a 1.6% rise compared to July 2025 and a 1.2% increase from the previous month, June 2026. This shift comes after a six-month period of falling EV prices, which began in December 2025.

The initial price reductions were largely driven by automakers offering more aggressive incentives to stimulate sales, particularly after a $7,500 federal tax credit for US-made clean vehicles expired in late 2025. This move was a direct response to a waning consumer interest in EVs at the time.

Industry analysts point to two primary factors contributing to the recent price hike. Sam Abuelsamid, Vice President of Market Research at Telemetry, suggests that a tightening supply of electric vehicles, due to some car companies discontinuing less popular models, coupled with sustained high gas prices, has rekindled consumer interest in electric alternatives. This combination has empowered manufacturers to reduce discounts and command higher prices.

K.C. Boyce, Vice President of Automotive and Energy Research at Escalent, adds another dimension, noting that luxury segment buyers are disproportionately more likely to purchase EVs. This demographic skew can influence average transaction prices upwards. The increase in EV prices is also part of a broader trend in the automotive market, with new car prices overall rising since March 2026, reaching an average of $49,855 in July 2026—the highest point of the year so far.

Looking ahead, experts anticipate that EV prices may continue their upward trajectory in the near term. However, the introduction of more affordable EV models, such as Slate's upcoming pickup truck priced at $24,950, Ford's Fathom pickup starting at $28,350, and new Toyota and Subaru EVs in the high $30,000 range, is expected to eventually exert downward pressure on the average price. Boyce highlights that consumers generally consider a new vehicle affordable if it falls within the $32,000 to $48,000 range, underscoring the current affordability challenge for many. Beyond direct price cuts, automakers could enhance affordability perception by including home charging solutions with new EV purchases, an approach found to be as effective as an $8,000 MSRP reduction in consumer surveys.

The recent increase in electric vehicle prices highlights the complex interplay of supply, demand, and external economic factors in the evolving automotive market. As a reporter, it's fascinating to observe how quickly market dynamics can shift, turning a period of falling prices into an upward trend. This situation underscores the delicate balance automakers must maintain between offering competitive pricing and recouping production costs, especially as they navigate the transition to electrification. For consumers, the message is clear: while the long-term trend for EV prices may eventually favor affordability with the introduction of new, lower-cost models, patience and careful consideration of total ownership costs, including potential incentives like home chargers, remain crucial for making informed purchasing decisions in this dynamic environment.