Cauliflower with cheese and ham

Delicious Cauliflower Recipe with Cheese and Ham

Preparation time: 15 minutes
Baking time: 30 minutes
Total time: 45 minutes
Number of servings: 4

Welcome to the savory world of cauliflower with cheese and ham! This simple and quick recipe will take you on a culinary journey full of flavors and textures, making it an ideal main dish for lunch or dinner. Cauliflower, a versatile ingredient, becomes a true star in this recipe, transforming into a creamy and comforting dish, perfect for both kids and adults. Let’s get started!

The Story of the Recipe

Cauliflower is a vegetable with a fascinating history, cherished for centuries for its versatility. It is believed to have been first cultivated in Mediterranean regions, quickly becoming popular worldwide. The combination with cheese and ham adds an element of comfort and tradition, making this dish a perfect choice for family meals. Now, let’s see how we can highlight all its qualities!

Necessary Ingredients

- 50 g butter
- 50 g flour
- 500 ml milk
- 1 kg cauliflower (cleaned and cut into florets)
- 100 g cheese (grated)
- 200 g ham (cut into small cubes)
- 1 onion (sliced)
- Tarragon (to taste)
- Salt and pepper (to taste)
- 100 g breadcrumbs

Step by Step: Your Guide to a Perfect Dish

1. Preparing the oven: Start by preheating the oven to 180°C. This will be the place where the magic happens, transforming simple ingredients into a crispy and aromatic delight.

2. Preparing the béchamel sauce: In a pan over medium heat, melt the butter. Once the butter has melted, add the flour and stir vigorously to form a roux. Continue stirring for a few minutes until the mixture becomes lightly golden. This step is essential to avoid the taste of raw flour in the sauce.

3. Adding the milk: Gradually add the milk to the roux, stirring constantly to avoid lumps. Keep stirring until the sauce becomes creamy and smooth. Here, you can add your favorite spices, such as tarragon, salt, and pepper, to give it a special flavor.

4. Assembling the dish: In a baking dish, place the cleaned and cut cauliflower florets. Add the sliced onion and the cubes of ham, gently mixing to evenly distribute the ingredients.

5. Pouring the sauce: Pour the béchamel sauce over the vegetable and ham mixture, ensuring that all ingredients are well covered. This sauce will bind all the flavors and provide a creamy texture.

6. Finishing touches: Grate the cheese on top of the dish, adding a generous layer of breadcrumbs to achieve a golden and crispy crust at the end. This detail makes all the difference!

7. Baking: Place the dish in the preheated oven and bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the top is golden and crispy. The aroma will fill the entire kitchen, and your patience will be rewarded with a delicious dish!

Serving and Suggestions

Once out of the oven, let the dish rest for a few minutes. This will allow the sauce to set, making it easier to portion. You can serve the cauliflower with cheese and ham alongside a fresh salad or, for a heartier meal, with mashed potatoes or rice. A bottle of dry white wine or a natural fruit juice will perfectly complement the meal.

Variations and Adaptation Suggestions

This recipe lends itself to many variations! You can experiment with different types of cheese, such as goat cheese or mozzarella, to add a distinct note. You can also replace the ham with bacon or sausage for a more intense flavor.

If you like to add vegetables, you can include carrots, broccoli, or frozen peas in the vegetable mixture. These ingredients will not only add color but also enrich the nutritional profile of the dish.

Nutritional Information

This recipe provides a significant amount of vitamins and minerals, thanks to cauliflower, which is rich in vitamin C and fiber. Additionally, cheese and ham provide essential proteins to your diet. One serving contains approximately 450 calories, but this number may vary depending on the type of cheese and the amount of ham used.

Frequently Asked Questions

- Can I use frozen cauliflower? Yes, frozen cauliflower is a good choice, but make sure to thaw and drain it well before using.
- How can I make the dish lighter? You can reduce the amount of butter and cheese to make the recipe lighter, or you can use skim milk.
- Is this recipe suitable for vegans? You can adapt the recipe using vegan butter, plant-based milk, and vegan cheese.

Now that you have all the necessary information, you are ready to delight your family and friends with this delicious dish! Don’t forget to share your impressions and enjoy every bite of this comforting meal. Bon appétit!