A lot of childhood memories of cauliflower involve a white stodgy substance on your plate which has been boiled to death and as a result is completely tasteless and unappealing. The humble cauliflower has definitely come a long way since then, or should I say, our knowledge of how adaptable cauliflower is has increased dramatically making the cauliflower one of the most versatile vegetables.
This recipe is fantastic as a vegetarian alternative to roasted meat at any special occasion or as a vegetable side for any meat dish. Low carb, keto friendly, gluten-free.
Serves 4-6
Ingredients
1 medium cauliflower head
100 grams Cream Cheese (low fat if preferred)
2/3 to 3/4 cup cream
1/2 to 3/4 cup grated cheese (the stronger the flavor the less is required)
1 heaped teaspoon of whole grain mustard
sprinkle of sweet paprika (to personal taste)
salt and pepper to taste
water
Method
Preheat oven to 180 degrees Celsius.
Cut all leaves off the bottom of the cauliflower leaving just the florets all attached to main stem. Cut a cross the in middle stem but make sure you do not detach any of the florets.
Place cauliflower stem down in a over safe dish and pour water on the base to a height of approximately 1 - 2 cm. Cover with aluminum foil and place in oven for 20 -30 mins to steam the cauliflower. Check after 20-30 mins, if not quite cooked through, recover and cook for another 10-20 mins. Cooking time will depend on size of cauliflower.
While cauliflower is cooking make the cheese sauce. Cut the cream cheese into cubes and place in small sauce pan, add the cream and stir over medium heat. Once cream cheese has melted add the grated cheese, whole grain mustard seeds, paprika and salt and pepper to taste.
Once cauliflower is cooked uncover and cover with 1/2 the cheese sauce. Place back in the oven until top is golden. Take out of oven and pour the rest of the cheese sauce over the cauliflower and place back in the oven until golden again.
Serve.
Alternative flavorings instead of paprika include garlic, onion, chili, chicken style stock (vegetarian and gluten free)
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