Ingredients with Measurements:
- 1 head of cauliflower, cut into florets
- 3 tablespoons of unsalted butter
- 3 tablespoons of all-purpose flour
- 2 cups of whole milk
- 1/2 teaspoon of salt
- 1/4 teaspoon of black pepper
- 1/4 teaspoon of ground nutmeg
- 1/2 cup of grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/2 cup of breadcrumbs
Special equipment needed:
- Large pot
- Oven-safe baking dish
- Whisk
- Mixing bowl
Step-by-step instructions:
1. Preheat the oven to 375°F.
2. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the cauliflower florets and cook for 5-7 minutes, or until tender. Drain and set aside.
3. In a separate saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the flour and whisk until smooth. Cook for 1-2 minutes, or until the mixture turns golden brown.
4. Slowly pour in the milk, whisking constantly to prevent lumps from forming. Add the salt, black pepper, and nutmeg, and continue to whisk until the mixture thickens.
5. Remove the saucepan from the heat and stir in the grated Parmesan cheese until it has melted and the sauce is smooth.
6. In a mixing bowl, combine the cooked cauliflower and the cheese sauce. Mix well.
7. Transfer the cauliflower mixture to an oven-safe baking dish.
8. Sprinkle the breadcrumbs over the top of the cauliflower mixture.
9. Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and the cauliflower is heated through.
Time:
Preparation time: 15 minutes
Cooking time: 30 minutes
Temperature:
375°F
Serving size:
4-6 servings
Nutritional information:
Calories: 250
Fat: 14g
Carbohydrates: 20g
Protein: 12g
Sodium: 540mg
Sugar: 7g
Substitutions for ingredients:
- You can use gluten-free flour and breadcrumbs to make this recipe gluten-free.
- You can substitute the Parmesan cheese with another type of hard cheese, such as Pecorino Romano or Asiago.
Variations:
- Add cooked bacon or ham to the cauliflower mixture for a heartier dish.
- Use different types of cheese, such as cheddar or Gruyere, for a different flavor.
- Add chopped herbs, such as thyme or parsley, to the cheese sauce for extra flavor.
Tips and tricks:
- Make sure to cook the cauliflower until it is tender but still slightly firm, as it will continue to cook in the oven.
- Use a whisk to prevent lumps from forming in the cheese sauce.
- If the breadcrumbs are not browning, you can broil the dish for 1-2 minutes at the end of the cooking time.
Storage instructions:
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Reheating instructions:
Reheat the leftovers in the oven at 375°F for 10-15 minutes, or until heated through.
Presentation ideas:
Serve the Cauliflower Gratin in the baking dish, or transfer it to a serving dish for a more elegant presentation.
Garnishes:
Sprinkle chopped parsley or chives over the top of the gratin for a pop of color.
Pairings:
Serve the Cauliflower Gratin as a side dish with roasted chicken or beef.
Suggested side dishes:
Serve the Cauliflower Gratin with a simple green salad or roasted vegetables.
Troubleshooting advice:
- If the cheese sauce is too thick, you can add a little more milk to thin it out.
- If the breadcrumbs are burning, cover the dish with foil for the last 10-15 minutes of cooking time.
Food safety advice:
Make sure to cook the cauliflower to an internal temperature of 165°F to ensure that it is safe to eat.
Food history:
Gratin dishes originated in French cuisine and typically consist of a creamy sauce and a crispy topping.
Flavor profiles:
The Cauliflower Gratin has a creamy and cheesy flavor, with a crispy breadcrumb topping.
Serving suggestions:
Serve the Cauliflower Gratin hot and fresh from the oven for the best flavor and texture.
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