Cauliflower and sweet potatoes baked (gratin)

Delicious Cauliflower and Sweet Potato Gratin Recipe

If you're looking for an original, healthy, and flavorful recipe, cauliflower and sweet potato gratin is the perfect choice. This surprising combination of vegetables not only offers a delicious taste but also a vibrant palette of colors on the plate. Whether you serve it as a side dish or as a main course, this dish will surely impress everyone at the table.

Total preparation time: 1h 30 min
Preparation time: 30 min
Baking time: 1h
Number of servings: 6

Necessary ingredients:
- 1 large cauliflower
- 4 sweet potatoes
- 4-5 cloves of garlic
- 50 g butter (for a rich taste)
- Salt, pepper
- 1 tablespoon of Italian herbs (oregano, basil, rosemary)
- 200 g grated cheese (or preferred cheese)
- 2 liters of water
- 3 tablespoons of olive oil (for the sauce)
- 5 tablespoons of flour
- 2 liters of milk
- Juice of 1 lemon (for a tangy taste)
- A pinch of nutmeg (for a subtle aroma)

Preparation:

1. Preparing the cauliflower:
Start by cleaning the cauliflower and breaking it into small florets. These will cook easily and integrate perfectly into the gratin. Once done, bring salted water to a boil in a large pot. When the water reaches a boiling point, add the cauliflower florets and let them boil for 3-4 minutes. Do not cook them too long; we want them to remain crunchy. After boiling, remove the cauliflower and let it cool.

2. Preparing the béchamel sauce:
In a pan, add the olive oil and flour, stirring continuously to avoid lumps. Cook for 2-3 minutes, then gradually add the milk, continuing to stir. It is important not to let lumps form, so use a whisk to achieve a smooth mixture. Season with salt, pepper, nutmeg, and finally add the lemon juice for a tangy taste. The sauce should not be too thick, but the consistency of sour cream.

3. Preparing the potatoes:
Peel the sweet potatoes and slice them thinly. These will bake evenly and add natural sweetness to the dish. Also, peel the garlic and slice it thinly.

4. Assembling the gratin:
In a baking dish (or a casserole dish), grease the bottom with butter, then start layering the sweet potato slices and cauliflower florets alternately. Between layers, add the garlic slices to enrich the flavor. Season with coarse salt, pepper, and Italian herbs. Once you have finished layering, pour the béchamel sauce on top, ensuring it evenly covers all the ingredients. Grate cheese generously on top to create a golden crust.

5. Baking:
Cover the dish with aluminum foil and place it in a preheated oven at 180°C. Let the gratin bake for 1-1.5 hours. In the last 10 minutes, remove the foil to allow the cheese to brown nicely.

6. Serving:
Once the gratin is ready, take it out of the oven and let it cool for a few minutes before portioning. It can be served warm, alongside a crunchy green salad or a lightly carbonated drink that complements the sweetness of the sweet potatoes and cauliflower.

Useful tips:
- You can also add other vegetables of your choice, such as carrots or zucchini, to create a customized version of the recipe.
- If you like a more intense flavor, try adding some fresh dill leaves to the béchamel sauce.
- The gratin can be prepared a few hours in advance; just reheat it gently before serving.

Nutritional benefits:
Cauliflower is a vegetable rich in vitamins C and K, while sweet potatoes are an excellent source of beta-carotene and fiber. This recipe not only provides significant nutritional value but is also a healthy choice for those looking to diversify their diet.

Calories:
A serving of cauliflower and sweet potato gratin contains approximately 300-350 calories, depending on the amount of cheese used. It is a balanced choice, ideal for a lunch or dinner meal.

Frequently asked questions:
1. Can I replace the cheese with a vegan cheese?
Yes, you can use vegan cheese or crumbled tofu for a dairy-free version.

2. How can I enhance the flavor of the béchamel sauce?
For an extra kick of flavor, add some spices like paprika or garlic powder.

3. Is this recipe suitable for vegans?
To make the recipe vegan, replace the butter and milk with plant-based alternatives and omit the cheese.

This cauliflower and sweet potato gratin recipe is not only a great way to introduce more vegetables into your daily diet but also a perfect opportunity to experiment in the kitchen. Enjoy your meal!