Baked Cauliflower with Cheese and Herb Sauce
Ingredients
For the Cauliflower:
- Cauliflower: 1, divided into florets
- Lemon: 3 slices
- Fresh Dill: 2 sprigs
- Hard Cheese: Amount to taste, grated (e.g., Parmesan)
- Semi-Hard Cheese: Amount to taste, grated (e.g., Cheddar or Gruyère)
- Rosemary: To taste
- Salt: To taste
For the Sauce:
- Butter: 150 g (5.3 oz)
- Milk: 250 ml (8.5 fl oz)
- Flour: Around 2 tablespoons, to thicken the sauce
- Salt: To taste
- Black Pepper: To taste
- Nutmeg: To taste
- Garlic: 4 cloves, minced
Instructions
1. Prepare the Cauliflower
- Divide the Cauliflower: Start by dividing the cauliflower into florets. Cut the florets into bite-sized pieces for even cooking.
- Cook the Cauliflower: Place the sliced cauliflower in a tall pot with plenty of water. Add 3 slices of lemon and 2 sprigs of fresh dill. These additions will infuse the cauliflower with a fresh, zesty flavor. Cover the pot with a lid and cook for 5 minutes until the cauliflower is slightly tender but still firm.
2. Prepare the Sauce
- Melt the Butter: In a saucepan, melt 150 g of butter over low heat. Once melted, add 2 tablespoons of flour and stir continuously to create a smooth roux. This will thicken the sauce.
- Add Milk and Seasonings: Gradually pour in 250 ml of milk while whisking to avoid lumps. Continue to cook on low heat, stirring constantly, until the sauce thickens.
- Season the Sauce: Season the sauce with a pinch of salt, black pepper, and a dash of nutmeg for warmth. Add the minced garlic and continue to cook for another 2 minutes to allow the flavors to meld together.
3. Assemble the Dish
- Drain the Cauliflower: Once the cauliflower is cooked, drain it thoroughly and place it in a baking dish.
- Add the Cheese and Sauce: Sprinkle a generous handful of grated hard cheese (like Parmesan) over the cauliflower. Add a pinch of rosemary for an aromatic touch. Pour the prepared sauce evenly over the cauliflower.
- Top with More Cheese: Sprinkle a handful of grated semi-hard cheese (like Cheddar or Gruyère) over the top. This will melt beautifully and form a golden crust.
4. Bake the Cauliflower
- Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 200°C (390°F).
- Bake: Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for 15 minutes or until the cheese is melted and golden brown.
5. Serve
- Serve Hot: Remove the baked cauliflower from the oven and let it cool slightly before serving. This dish is best enjoyed hot, with the cheese bubbly and the cauliflower tender.
Nutrition Information
- Servings: 4
- Calories: Approximately 350 kcal per serving
- Protein: 12g
- Fat: 28g
- Carbohydrates: 14g
- Fiber: 4g
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 600mg
This Baked Cauliflower with Cheese and Herb Sauce is a delicious and satisfying dish that brings out the best in simple ingredients. The combination of creamy sauce, melted cheese, and tender cauliflower makes it a perfect choice for a cozy dinner. Enjoy this dish with your loved ones, and watch it quickly become a new favorite in your household!