Baked Breaded Cauliflower

Ingredients for Baked Breaded Cauliflower

• 1 large cauliflower (about 1.4kg ), trimmed of leaves and coarse bottom stem, then cooked until crisp-tender (see Note above)

• 2 1/2 tablespoons unsalted butter

• 6 large spring onions, trimmed and finely chopped (white part only)

• 3 tablespoons plain flour

• 3/4 teaspoons salt

• 1/2 teaspoons freshly ground black pepper

• 1/2 teaspoons freshly grated nutmeg

• 475ml half-and-half, at room temperature

• 80g freshly grated Parmigiano Reggiano (see Tip above)

• 80ml moderately coarse dry bread crumbs mixed with 2 tablespoons freshly grated Parmigiano Reggiano and 1 tablespoon melted unsalted butter (Topping)

1. Preheat oven to 191°C. Drain all liquid from cooked cauliflower, ease whole head into 9-inch pie pan generously coated with nonstick baking spray, and set aside.

2. Melt butter in small heavy saucepan over moderately low heat. Add spring onions and cook, stirring occasionally, 2 to 3 minutes until limp. Blend in flour, salt, pepper, and nutmeg and cook and stir 3 minutes.

3. Whisking constantly, add half-and-half in slow, steady stream and continue whisking 5 to 8 minutes until thickened and no raw floury taste lingers. Add cheese and stir until melted. Carefully pour sauce over cauliflower and sprinkle with Topping.

4. Slide onto middle oven shelf and bake uncovered about 20 minutes until lightly browned.

5. Ease breaded cauliflower onto heated round platter and serve as an accompaniment to roast beef, lamb, or pork. Good, too, with roast chicken or turkey or baked ham.

Disclaimer

While every effort has been made to ensure the information is accurate and up to date, individual needs may vary and dietary requirements can differ based on personal health conditions. Always check food labels and allergen information before preparing or consuming any recipe. If you have specific health concerns, allergies, intolerances, or are following a medically prescribed diet, seek advice from your GP, pharmacist, or a registered dietitian before making significant changes to your diet or lifestyle.