Cauliflower gratin is a delicious and versatile dish that can be enjoyed as a main course or a side dish. This classic French dish is made with cauliflower florets that are coated in a creamy sauce and then baked until golden brown. The result is a rich and flavorful dish that is sure to please everyone at the table. Whether you are looking for a quick and easy weeknight meal or a special dish for a weekend gathering, cauliflower gratin is a great option. With its simple ingredients and easy-to-follow instructions, this dish is sure to become a favorite in your kitchen.
Here are our top 20 tried and tested recipes!
CAULIFLOWER GRATIN
Prep Ina Garten's recipe for Cauliflower Gratin from Barefoot Contessa on Food Network ahead as a creamy, cheesy vegetable side for a no-stress dinner party.
Provided by Ina Garten
Categories side-dish
Time 50m
Yield 4 to 6 servings
Number Of Ingredients 10
Steps:
- Preheat the oven to 375 degrees F.
- Cook the cauliflower florets in a large pot of boiling salted water for 5 to 6 minutes, until tender but still firm. Drain.
- Meanwhile, melt 2 tablespoons of the butter in a medium saucepan over low heat. Add the flour, stirring constantly with a wooden spoon for 2 minutes. Pour the hot milk into the butter-flour mixture and stir until it comes to a boil. Boil, whisking constantly, for 1 minute, or until thickened. Off the heat, add 1 teaspoon of salt, the pepper, nutmeg, 1/2 cup of the Gruyere, and the Parmesan.
- Pour 1/3 of the sauce on the bottom of an 8 by 11 by 2-inch baking dish. Place the drained cauliflower on top and then spread the rest of the sauce evenly on top. Combine the bread crumbs with the remaining 1/4 cup of Gruyere and sprinkle on top. Melt the remaining 2 tablespoons of butter and drizzle over the gratin. Sprinkle with salt and pepper. Bake for 25 to 30 minutes, until the top is browned. Serve hot or at room temperature.
BROCCOLI AND CAULIFLOWER GRATIN
Provided by Nancy Fuller
Categories side-dish
Time 1h10m
Yield 4 to 6 servings
Number Of Ingredients 8
Steps:
- Preheat the oven to 450 degrees F. Grease a large baking dish with butter and add the broccoli and cauliflower. Roast until slightly browned, about 15 minutes.
- In a medium saucepan, melt the butter, whisk in the flour and let it cook over medium heat for 3 minutes. Turn the heat off, whisk in the half-and-half, then turn the heat up to high and keep whisking to avoid the flour from clumping. Add the Cheddar, salt and pepper and whisk until the cheese is melted.
- Remove the broccoli and cauliflower from the oven and pour the Cheddar mixture over the top. Sprinkle evenly with the breadcrumbs and bake until golden brown, 25 to 30 minutes.
BROCCOLI AND CAULIFLOWER GRATIN
This is a great way to dress up broccoli and cauliflower with cheese. You can even make your vegetables the night before and then finish in the oven the next day. Tastes great the first day and as leftovers too!
Provided by foodfanatic
Categories Side Dish Vegetables Cauliflower
Time 1h22m
Yield 8
Number Of Ingredients 13
Steps:
- Preheat oven to 375 degrees F (190 degrees C). Grease a baking dish with 2 teaspoons butter.
- Core and cut cauliflower into large florets. Cut broccoli into large florets; peel and quarter broccoli stalks.
- Bring a large stockpot of water to a boil; add cauliflower and boil until tender but still firm, 8 to 10 minutes. Transfer cauliflower to strainer using a slotted spoon; run under cold water to stop cooking. Add broccoli stalks to stockpot and boil 3 minutes; add broccoli florets to stockpot and boil until stalks and florets are tender but still firm, about 5 minutes more. Transfer broccoli to strainer and run under cold water to stop cooking. Dry cauliflower and broccoli with paper towels and place in prepared baking dish.
- Melt 1/2 cup butter in saucepan over medium heat. Whisk in flour to form a thick paste. Continue whisking constantly until flour begins to brown, about 4 minutes. Add milk and bring to a boil, whisking constantly, until sauce thickens, 2 to 4 minutes more. Remove sauce from heat; whisk in mustard, Worcestershire sauce, and pepper. Whisk in Cheddar cheese until melted and fully incorporated. Pour cheese sauce over cauliflower and broccoli. Rap baking dish on counter a few times to remove air bubbles.
- Mix bread crumbs and olive oil together in a small bowl. Top vegetable and sauce mixture with bread crumb mixture. Sprinkle paprika over bread crumb mixture.
- Bake in preheated oven until bubbly and golden brown, about 30 minutes.
Nutrition Facts : Calories 527 calories, Carbohydrate 35.5 g, Cholesterol 79.2 mg, Fat 35 g, Fiber 6.4 g, Protein 20.9 g, SaturatedFat 17.8 g, Sodium 657.1 mg, Sugar 11.4 g
CAULIFLOWER GRATIN
Cauliflower gratin is a lower-carb side dish that pairs well with pork, ham or beef. It's so creamy and delicious that even the kids will ask for seconds! If you like a little crunch, sprinkle buttered bread crumbs over the top for the last five minutes in the oven. - Mary Zinchiak, Boardman, Ohio
Provided by Taste of Home
Categories Side Dishes
Time 1h10m
Yield 8 servings.
Number Of Ingredients 14
Steps:
- Preheat oven to 375°. Place cauliflower on a rimmed baking sheet. Drizzle with oil; sprinkle with ½ teaspoon salt and ½ teaspoon pepper. Toss to coat. Bake 8 minutes. Stir; bake until crisp-tender and lightly browned, 7-8 minutes longer., In a large saucepan, melt butter over medium heat. Stir in flour until smooth; gradually whisk in milk. Bring to a simmer, stirring constantly; cook and stir until thickened, 2-3 minutes. Remove from heat. Stir in next 6 ingredients and remaining ½ teaspoon salt and 1/2 teaspoon pepper until smooth. , Pour ¾ cup cheese sauce into a greased 2-qt. baking dish. Top with cauliflower and remaining cheese sauce. Bake, uncovered, until bubbly and lightly browned, 30-35 minutes. If desired, top with chopped fresh thyme.
Nutrition Facts : Calories 196 calories, Fat 14g fat (7g saturated fat), Cholesterol 34mg cholesterol, Sodium 291mg sodium, Carbohydrate 11g carbohydrate (5g sugars, Fiber 2g fiber), Protein 9g protein.
CHEESY CAULIFLOWER AND BROCCOLI GRATIN
This cheesy cauliflower and broccoli gratin will leave you begging for more.
Provided by RP
Categories Side Dish Vegetables Cauliflower
Time 41m
Yield 6
Number Of Ingredients 13
Steps:
- Preheat oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C).
- Bring salted water to a boil in a saucepan. Cook cauliflower until easily pierced with a fork, about 5 minutes. Transfer cauliflower to a baking dish with slotted spoon. Cook broccoli until easily pierced with a fork, about 2 minutes. Transfer broccoli to baking dish with slotted spoon.
- Melt butter in a saucepan over medium heat. Add flour and whisk until beginning to brown, about 2 minutes. Whisk in milk and bring to a boil. Simmer, whisking constantly, until sauce is smooth and thickened, about 2 minutes more. Remove from heat; gradually whisk in 4 ounces Cheddar cheese. Stir in parsley, garlic, mustard, red pepper flakes, and nutmeg. Season with salt and pepper.
- Pour sauce over cauliflower and broccoli; toss to coat. Combine tortilla chips and remaining Cheddar cheese in a small bowl; sprinkle over cauliflower and broccoli.
- Bake in preheated oven for 10 minutes. Increase heat to broil; bake until bubbly and brown, about 5 minutes more.
Nutrition Facts : Calories 217 calories, Carbohydrate 16.5 g, Cholesterol 36 mg, Fat 12.6 g, Fiber 4 g, Protein 11.6 g, SaturatedFat 7.6 g, Sodium 318.3 mg, Sugar 5.9 g
CAULIFLOWER AND LEEK GRATIN
This bubbly and cheesy dish makes for a delicious dinner party side. Serve with Salt and Pepper Crusted Rack of Lamb and Wilted Mustard Greens.
Provided by Martha Stewart
Categories Food & Cooking Main Dish Recipes Casserole Recipes
Number Of Ingredients 10
Steps:
- Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Butter a shallow 2-quart baking dish and set aside.
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add cauliflower and cook until slightly tender, 2 to 3 minutes. Drain and rinse under cold water; transfer to a large bowl and set aside.
- Melt butter in a small saucepan over medium-low heat. Add leeks, shallots, red-pepper flakes, and thyme; cook, stirring, until softened, about 5 minutes. Stir in flour until well combined. Slowly add milk, stirring constantly, until well combined. Increase heat to medium-high and bring to a boil; let boil 2 to 3 minutes until thickened. Remove from heat and stir in 3/4 cups cheese; season with salt and pepper.
- Pour leek mixture over cauliflower mixture and stir until cauliflower is well coated; transfer to prepared baking dish. Sprinkle remaining 3/4 cup cheese over top. Transfer to oven and bake until bubbly, about 25 minutes.
- Meanwhile, preheat broiler. Transfer baking dish to broiler; broil until golden brown, 5 to 8 minutes. Let cool 5 to 10 minutes before serving.
CAULIFLOWER GRATIN WITH LEEKS AND WHITE CHEDDAR
A sort of cheater's gratin, this cauliflower cooked with leeks and cream doesn't require blanching or a béchamel, making it a low maintenance, deeply comforting side dish. To skirt the blanching, the cauliflower and cream is covered in foil to give the vegetables a chance to get tender without drying out. The foil then comes off so the top can brown and the cream can reduce, creating a thick, velvety sauce. If your heart desires a crunchier texture, add a scattering of bread crumbs tossed in olive oil and seasoned with salt and pepper when the aluminum foil comes off.
Provided by Alison Roman
Categories vegetables, side dish
Time 1h
Yield 4 to 6 servings
Number Of Ingredients 6
Steps:
- Heat oven to 425 degrees. Slice cauliflower head lengthwise into 1/2-inch thick slices, including the core and leaves. (Some smaller bits will fall away: That's fine. You'll use them as well.)
- Drizzle some olive oil onto the bottom of a 2-quart baking dish. (An oval, square or rectangular dish will all work.) Layer about a third of the cauliflower along the bottom, and about a third of the leeks. Season with salt and pepper, and repeat until all of the cauliflower and leeks are used. (Don't worry about perfectly layering them.) Season with salt and pepper and drizzle cream over. Scatter cheese on top, and season again with salt and pepper. Lightly cover with foil and place in the oven.
- Bake until cauliflower is nearly tender, 10 to 15 minutes. Remove foil and continue to bake until cream has thickened and reduced nearly completely and the top is golden brown and crisp, 35 to 40 minutes. Remove from oven and let cool slightly before eating.
Nutrition Facts : @context http, Calories 264, UnsaturatedFat 7 grams, Carbohydrate 11 grams, Fat 21 grams, Fiber 3 grams, Protein 11 grams, SaturatedFat 13 grams, Sodium 514 milligrams, Sugar 4 grams, TransFat 0 grams
CAULIFLOWER AU GRATIN
Count on this dish to make new vegetable converts. Whenever I serve it, people ask for the recipe. Sometimes I'll substitute broccoli for all or half the cauliflower, and the green veggie tastes just as good! -Jacki Ricci, Ely, Nevada
Provided by Taste of Home
Categories Side Dishes
Time 30m
Yield 8 servings.
Number Of Ingredients 11
Steps:
- Preheat broiler. Meanwhile, in a large skillet, heat butter over medium heat. Add ham and garlic; saute for 2 minutes. Add cauliflower, and cook just until crisp-tender. Combine cream and flour; stir into skillet, and blend well. Add salt, pepper and cayenne pepper. Cook and stir until thickened and bubbly; cook and stir 1 minute longer. , Pour into a 2-qt. baking dish. Sprinkle with cheese. Broil until lightly browned, 2-4 minutes. Sprinkle with parsley. Serve immediately.
Nutrition Facts : Calories 351 calories, Fat 32g fat (20g saturated fat), Cholesterol 100mg cholesterol, Sodium 362mg sodium, Carbohydrate 7g carbohydrate (3g sugars, Fiber 2g fiber), Protein 11g protein.
CLASSIC CAULIFLOWER AU GRATIN
Yummy, cheesy cauliflower. Very easy to make with a little kick.
Provided by janette
Categories Side Dish Vegetables Cauliflower
Time 55m
Yield 6
Number Of Ingredients 8
Steps:
- Preheat oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C).
- Bring a large pot of water to a boil. Add cauliflower and cook uncovered until tender, about 10 minutes. Drain.
- Combine sour cream, Cheddar cheese, onion, melted butter, red pepper flakes, and salt in a baking dish. Mix in cauliflower. Sprinkle bread crumbs on top.
- Bake in the preheated oven until bubbly and cheese is melted, about 30 minutes.
Nutrition Facts : Calories 231.1 calories, Carbohydrate 21.8 g, Cholesterol 41.7 mg, Fat 13 g, Fiber 4.5 g, Protein 11.6 g, SaturatedFat 7.8 g, Sodium 408.2 mg, Sugar 8.1 g
CAULIFLOWER AU GRATIN
A very simple recipe for cauliflower that everyone always loves (even those who say they 'hate' cauliflower change their minds after trying this).
Provided by evelynathens
Categories Cauliflower
Time 55m
Yield 6 serving(s)
Number Of Ingredients 9
Steps:
- Lightly butter a 13 X 9" pyrex baking dish and put in cauliflower.
- Season lightly with white pepper and sprinkle all the cheeses over.
- Beat the eggs into the half and half (you can also use 1 1/2 cups milk, 2 eggs and 1 tblsp cornflour as a sub). Pour over cauliflower-cheese mixture and top with buttered breadcrumbs.
- Bake in a 375F oven until lightly golden-brown.
- Allow to cool slightly before serving.
- This is also super good at room temperature or cold.
- (Try it for breakfast!) Reheats well, so can be made in advance- just pour a couple of tablespoonfuls of cream (or milk) over for moisture.
EASY CAULIFLOWER GRATIN
Creamy side dish.
Provided by Sue Cantrell
Time 40m
Yield 4
Number Of Ingredients 3
Steps:
- Preheat the oven to 400 degrees F (200 degrees C).
- Combine cauliflower and Alfredo sauce in a 9-inch square baking dish; top with bread crumbs.
- Bake in the preheated oven until bubbly and cauliflower is tender, 30 to 35 minutes.
Nutrition Facts : Calories 379.4 calories, Carbohydrate 22.1 g, Cholesterol 42.9 mg, Fat 31.5 g, Fiber 3.6 g, Protein 9.4 g, SaturatedFat 12.2 g, Sodium 1139.8 mg, Sugar 6.9 g
EASY CAULIFLOWER & BROCCOLI AU GRATIN
Make and share this Easy Cauliflower & Broccoli Au Gratin recipe from Food.com.
Provided by Redsie
Categories Cauliflower
Time 23m
Yield 10 serving(s)
Number Of Ingredients 9
Steps:
- Place cauliflower and broccoli in 2-qt. microwaveable dish. Add water; cover. Microwave on HIGH 8 to 10 minute or until vegetables are tender; drain. Set aside.
- Microwave cream cheese and milk in 2-cup microwaveable measuring cup or medium bowl 1 minute or until cream cheese is melted and mixture is well blended when stirred. Add sour cream; mix well. Pour over vegetables; sprinkle with Cheddar cheese.
- Microwave 2 minute or until cheese is melted.
- Mix cracker crumbs and Parmesan cheese. Sprinkle over vegetables.
CAULIFLOWER GRATIN
Steps:
- Place 1 head cauliflower florets in a 2-quart baking dish. Whisk 1/2 cup heavy cream, 1/2 teaspoon dry mustard and 1 teaspoon salt, then pour over the cauliflower. Sprinkle 1 cup shredded gruyere and 1/3 cup breadcrumbs on top. Bake at 350 degrees F until tender, about 45 minutes.
MASHED CAULIFLOWER AU GRATIN
Unless someone tells you, you might not know you're eating cauliflower. Even my grandchildren love this buttery, cheesy, creamy dish that tastes like mashed potatoes. -Sandie Parker, Elk Rapids, Michigan
Provided by Taste of Home
Categories Side Dishes
Time 1h20m
Yield 12 servings.
Number Of Ingredients 9
Steps:
- Preheat oven to 350°. Place cauliflower in a stockpot; add water to cover. Bring to a boil. Reduce heat; simmer, uncovered, until very tender, 10-12 minutes. Drain; transfer to a large bowl. Mash cauliflower; stir in cheeses, cubed butter and seasonings. Transfer to a greased 3-qt. or 13x9-in. baking dish., In a small bowl, mix bread crumbs with melted butter until evenly coated; sprinkle over cauliflower mixture. Bake, uncovered, until heated through and topping is golden brown, 40-50 minutes. Freeze option: Cool unbaked casserole; cover and freeze. To use, partially thaw in refrigerator overnight. Remove from refrigerator 30 minutes before baking. Preheat oven to 350°. Bake casserole as directed, increasing time as necessary to heat through and for a thermometer inserted in center to read 165°.
Nutrition Facts : Calories 238 calories, Fat 17g fat (10g saturated fat), Cholesterol 41mg cholesterol, Sodium 612mg sodium, Carbohydrate 14g carbohydrate (3g sugars, Fiber 4g fiber), Protein 9g protein.
EASY CAULIFLOWER GRATIN
With all the richness of a traditional potato gratin, this vegetable rendition is just as satisfying, but it's healthier.
Provided by Martha Stewart
Categories Food & Cooking Main Dish Recipes Casserole Recipes
Time 1h5m
Number Of Ingredients 8
Steps:
- Preheat oven to 350 degrees. In a food processor, combine bread and Parmesan. Pulse until coarse crumbs form, about 3 to 4 times; set aside.
- In a large saucepan with a lid, melt butter over medium heat. Add flour; cook, whisking constantly for 1 minute. Whisk in milk.
- Add cauliflower, and season with salt and pepper. Bring to a boil, and reduce to a simmer. Cover, and cook until starting to soften, about 5 minutes. Remove from heat; gradually stir in Gruyere.
- Pour mixture into a 2-quart baking dish, and sprinkle with breadcrumb mixture. Cover with aluminum foil; bake until cauliflower is easily pierced with a knife, about 20 minutes. Remove foil, and bake until breadcrumbs are golden brown, about 20 minutes more. Serve.
CAULIFLOWER AND BROCCOLI AU GRATIN
Provided by Craig Claiborne
Categories side dish
Time 45m
Yield 12 servings
Number Of Ingredients 12
Steps:
- Preheat oven to 400 degrees.
- Cut or pull florettes from broccoli stem or stems. Each should be about 2 inches or slightly less in height. There should be about 6 cups.
- Cut cauliflower into equal-size florettes. There should be about 6 cups.
- Bring enough water to the boil to cover broccoli when added. Cook until tender but still resilient to the bite, about three minutes. Remove broccoli with slotted spoon and set aside in strainer.
- Add cauliflower to the boiling water and cook 7 minutes until tender but resilient to the bite. Remove cauliflower but reserve one-half cup of the cooking liquid.
- Melt butter in saucepan and add flour, stirring with wire whisk. When blended add milk, cream and reserved cooking liquid, stirring rapidly with the whisk. When thickened and smooth add nutmeg, cayenne, salt and pepper.
- Remove from heat and beat in egg yolk and 1/2 cup cheese.
- Select baking dish large enough to hold broccoli and cauliflower pieces compactly in one layer (a dish 15 by 10 1/2 by 2 1/2 inches is ideal). Arrange broccoli and cauliflower pieces alternately for color.
- Spoon cheese sauce over all. Sprinkle with remaining cheese. Place on middle shelf of oven and bake 20 minutes or until golden brown on top.
Nutrition Facts : @context http, Calories 225, UnsaturatedFat 6 grams, Carbohydrate 9 grams, Fat 17 grams, Fiber 2 grams, Protein 10 grams, SaturatedFat 10 grams, Sodium 355 milligrams, Sugar 4 grams, TransFat 0 grams
CAULIFLOWER GRATIN
Cauliflower and cabbage meet up in this soufflelike casserole that's both warm and comforting while feeling light and virtuous.
Provided by Trine Hahnemann
Categories Winter Thanksgiving Christmas Soufflé/Meringue Casserole/Gratin Cauliflower Cabbage Egg Milk/Cream Soy Free Peanut Free Tree Nut Free Vegetarian
Yield 4 servings
Number Of Ingredients 10
Steps:
- Cut the cauliflower into chunks and the cabbage into large pieces. Boil both in the measured, salted water for about 2 minutes. Drain over a bowl, reserving the cooking liquid.
- Preheat the oven to 200°C/400°F/Gas Mark 6.
- Melt the 50g (3½ tbsp) butter in a saucepan over a medium-low heat and stir in the flour, mixing it into a smooth roux. Now start adding the reserved vegetable cooking water, little by little, stirring after each addition until all the lumps have gone, then add the milk in the same way. When it has all been added, season with salt, pepper and the nutmeg.
- Turn off the heat and let the sauce cool a little. Then add the egg yolks and stir again. Fold in the cauliflower and cabbage.
- In a separate, scrupulously clean bowl, whisk the egg whites until stiff, then fold into the cauliflower mixture and season once more with salt and pepper.
- Butter a large ovenproof dish or cake tin with the 1 tsp of butter and sprinkle the buttered inside evenly with some of the breadcrumbs. Spoon in the cauliflower mixture, cover with the remaining breadcrumbs, then place small dots of butter evenly on top.
- Bake for 45 minutes, then serve.
CURRIED GRUYERE CAULIFLOWER GRATIN
When you add a tasty cheese like Gruyere to cauliflower and spice it up with some curry powder, something magical happens. It makes you WANT to eat all your vegetables.
Provided by lutzflcat
Categories Side Dish Vegetables Cauliflower
Time 1h
Yield 6
Number Of Ingredients 12
Steps:
- Preheat the oven to 375 degrees F (190 degrees C). Spray the inside of a medium baking dish with cooking spray.
- Bring a pot of water to a boil. Add cauliflower florets and cook until tender but still firm, 4 to 5 minutes. Drain and set aside.
- Heat milk in the microwave or in a small saucepan until hot.
- Melt 2 tablespoons butter in a medium saucepan over medium heat, blend in the flour, and cook, stirring constantly, for 2 to 3 minutes. Pour in hot milk and whisk constantly until thickened, 4 to 5 minutes. Remove from heat. Stir in 3/4 cup Gruyere cheese, Parmesan cheese, minced onion, curry powder, salt, and pepper.
- Pour 1/3 of the sauce on the bottom of the prepared baking dish. Distribute cauliflower evenly on top. Pour remaining cheese sauce over the florets.
- Combine remaining 1/4 cup of Gruyere with bread crumbs in a bowl. Sprinkle over the sauce and drizzle with remaining 2 tablespoons butter.
- Bake in the preheated oven until the top is browned, 25 to 30 minutes.
Nutrition Facts : Calories 271.3 calories, Carbohydrate 14.2 g, Cholesterol 55.6 mg, Fat 18.7 g, Fiber 3 g, Protein 13.2 g, SaturatedFat 11.2 g, Sodium 394.7 mg, Sugar 6.5 g
CAULIFLOWER AND SWISS CHARD GRATIN
This festive, elegant dish sidesteps the heaviness of traditional gratins by relying on puréed cauliflower instead of cream for a rich texture. Hints of cardamom and two kinds of cheese provide a gentle complexity that doesn't mask the flavors of the winter vegetables.
Provided by Paul Berglund
Categories side-dish
Time 1h30m
Yield 6 servings
Number Of Ingredients 11
Steps:
- In a small saucepan, add milk and cardamom pods and bring to a simmer over high heat, 2-3 minutes. As soon as milk reaches a simmer, immediately turn off heat and let steep, 30 minutes. Meanwhile, prepare chard for sautéing: Separate the stems from the leaves by cutting around the stems. Gather the stems together, then trim and discard the bottoms. Finely chop stems and set aside. Use a paring knife to peel away the onion skin, then cut onion in half. Remove the root end, then thinly slice into half-moons. Set aside. Peel garlic, trim the ends, then thinly slice. Place the chard stems, onion, and garlic into a heavy-bottomed pot. Add olive oil and a pinch of salt, then turn heat to high. Stir and sauté vegetables over high heat until they begin to sizzle. Turn heat to low and sweat the vegetables until they are soft and the onions are translucent, about 20 minutes. Meanwhile, bring a large pot of water to a boil over high heat.
- Blanch cauliflower: Cut away and discard cauliflower leaves, and trim the stems (set the stems aside for later). Slice cauliflower top into several large chunks, and cut half of the chunks into small florets. Heavily salt the boiling water ("just a little shy of ocean water"), then add the florets. When the water comes back to a simmer, continue to cook for 2 more minutes, then scoop out with a strainer or slotted spoon. The cauliflower should be slightly cooked but still al dente. Set aside. (Leave the heat on). Roughly chop the remaining cauliflower chunks and reserved stems so the pieces are about the same size; add them to the sautéed chard stems, onion, and garlic. Strain the cardamom pods from the milk, and add the milk to the sautéed vegetables. Turn heat to medium, cover, and simmer until cauliflower is very tender, 10-12 minutes, stirring occasionally. (If it ever seems too dry, add a bit of water.) Meanwhile, blanch chard leaves.
- Blanch chard leaves: Add another big pinch of salt to the cauliflower-blanching water (enough to make it "salty as the sea"). Add chard, bring back to a simmer, then simmer 30 seconds more. Scoop out the blanched leaves using a strainer or slotted spoon and place into a mixing bowl. Set aside.
- Butter the gratin dish and set aside. Finely grate the Gruyère and Parmigiano-Reggiano and set aside in separate bowls. Gently squeeze the water out of the chard leaves; then roughly chop and set aside.
- In a food processor, add the cauliflower-milk mixture. Pulse a few times so the mixture doesn't splatter, then purée on high. Transfer purée to a large mixing bowl. Add the chopped chard leaves, loosening up any clumps, and the blanched cauliflower florets; stir to combine. Let rest to cool, 15 minutes. Meanwhile, preheat oven to 350 F.
- Add half of the Gruyère to the cauliflower-chard mixture; stir to combine. Season to taste, then transfer to the prepared gratin dish. Level the surface with a spatula, then evenly top with remaining Gruyère and all of the Parmigiano-Reggiano. Cover with foil and bake, 30 minutes. (Note: Gratin can be assembled to this point up to 2 days in advance and stored, covered, in the refrigerator. Remove 2 hours before baking so it can come to room temperature.)
- After 30 minutes, remove foil and place under the broiler for 4-5 minutes, rotating the dish halfway through. (Keep an eye on it so it doesn't burn!) Remove from oven, let rest 5 minutes, then serve.
CAULIFLOWER GRATIN WITH GOAT CHEESE TOPPING
Cauliflower is at its peak now, from December through March, when produce markets often are otherwise spare, particularly if you happen to live in a northern climate. Like other cruciferous vegetables, cauliflower is an abundant source of phytonutrients and enzymes that may help neutralize toxins damaging to the body's cells. It's an excellent source of vitamins C and K, folate and dietary fiber, and a very good source of vitamins B5 and B6, tryptophan, omega-3 fatty acids and manganese. All are good reasons to include it in your diet. One more thing: if you have trouble persuading your kids to eat dishes with cooked cauliflower, try serving the florets raw. Even some of the most vegetable-averse kids seem to like it uncooked. Of all of the gratins that I make, this is the easiest to throw together. It works as a vegetarian main dish or as a side.
Provided by Martha Rose Shulman
Categories weekday, side dish
Time 30m
Yield Serves 4
Number Of Ingredients 9
Steps:
- Preheat the oven to 450 degrees. Oil a two-quart gratin dish with olive oil.
- Place the cauliflower in a steaming basket above one inch of boiling water. Cover and steam for one minute. Lift the lid and allow steam to escape for 15 seconds, then cover again and steam for six to eight minutes, until the cauliflower is tender. Remove from the heat and refresh with cold water. Drain on paper towels, then transfer to the gratin dish.
- Season the cauliflower generously with salt and pepper, then toss with 2 tablespoons of the olive oil and half of the thyme. Spread in an even layer.
- Place the garlic in a mortar and pestle with a quarter-teaspoon salt, and mash to a paste. Combine with the goat cheese and milk in a food processor fitted with the steel blade, and blend until smooth. Add the remaining thyme and freshly ground pepper to taste, and pulse together. Spread this mixture over the cauliflower in an even layer.
- Just before baking, sprinkle on the breadcrumbs and drizzle on the remaining tablespoon of olive oil. Bake 15 to 20 minutes, until the top is lightly browned and the dish is sizzling. Serve at once.
Nutrition Facts : @context http, Calories 263, UnsaturatedFat 11 grams, Carbohydrate 11 grams, Fat 20 grams, Fiber 2 grams, Protein 11 grams, SaturatedFat 8 grams, Sodium 714 milligrams, Sugar 3 grams
Tips:
- Choose the right cauliflower: A head of cauliflower that is about 2 pounds in weight and has tightly packed florets is ideal for this recipe.
- Cut the cauliflower into even-sized florets: This will help them cook evenly.
- Parboil the cauliflower florets: This will help them soften slightly and reduce their cooking time in the oven.
- Make sure the béchamel sauce is thick enough: It should coat the back of a spoon and hold its shape when poured.
- Grate the Gruyère cheese finely: This will help it melt evenly and smoothly.
- Bake the gratin until it is golden brown and bubbly: This will ensure that it is cooked through and has a delicious crust.
Conclusion:
Cauliflower gratin is a delicious and versatile dish that can be served as a main course or a side dish. It is a great way to use up leftover cauliflower, and it is also a healthy and affordable option. With its creamy béchamel sauce, melted cheese, and crispy breadcrumb topping, cauliflower gratin is sure to be a hit with everyone at your table.
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