Breaded cauliflower with cheese sauce

Breaded cauliflower with cheese sauce - an autumn delicacy that combines crunchiness with creaminess

Every autumn, nature offers us a rich palette of fresh ingredients, and cauliflower is one of the most versatile vegetables we can use in the kitchen. This recipe for breaded cauliflower with cheese sauce is not only delicious but also easy to prepare. Whether you serve it as an appetizer or a main course, you will bring a touch of joy to your table. Let's start the culinary adventure!

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

Ingredients

For breaded cauliflower:
- 1 beautiful cauliflower (approximately 800 g)
- 200 ml beer (choose a light beer for a milder taste)
- 150 g flour
- 3 eggs
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Oil for frying (preferably sunflower or peanut oil)

For cheese sauce:
- 3 egg yolks
- 100 g butter (choose quality butter for a tastier sauce)
- 100 g grated cheese (cheddar or feta cheese are excellent)
- 100 g sour cream (with a high-fat content for a creamy sauce)
- Juice of half a lemon
- ½ teaspoon chili paste (optional, for a touch of flavor)
- Chopped fresh herbs (parsley or dill)

Preparation

Step 1: Preparing the cauliflower

1. Breaking down the cauliflower: Start by cleaning the cauliflower. Break it into small florets, about bite-sized. These will cook evenly and be easier to fry.
2. Boiling the cauliflower: In a large pot, bring water to a boil and add salt. Place the cauliflower florets in the boiling water and let them cook for 3-4 minutes until slightly tender. Then, drain well and let them cool slightly on a paper towel.

Step 2: Preparing the batter for breading

3. Separating the eggs: Crack the eggs and separate the yolks from the whites. Place the whites in a large bowl.
4. Mixing the ingredients: In another bowl, combine the yolks with salt, pepper, and paprika. Add the beer and flour, stirring gently with a wooden spoon until you get a smooth, slightly sticky batter.
5. Beating the egg whites: Use a whisk to beat the egg whites until stiff peaks form. This step is essential to give your cauliflower a crispy coating.

Step 3: Preparing for frying

6. Incorporating the egg whites: Using a spatula, gently fold the beaten egg whites into the beer batter, being careful not to deflate the mixture.
7. Heating the oil: In a deep frying pan, heat the oil to frying temperature (about 180°C). You can check if the oil is hot enough by adding a drop of batter; if it sizzles and rises to the surface, the oil is ready.

Step 4: Frying the cauliflower

8. Dipping the florets in batter: Take the cauliflower florets and dip them into the batter. Make sure they are completely coated.
9. Frying: Place the cauliflower florets in the hot oil, being careful not to overcrowd the pan. Fry them for 3-4 minutes on each side until golden and crispy. Remove them onto a paper towel to absorb excess oil.

Step 5: Preparing the cheese sauce

10. Cooking in a double boiler: In a heatproof bowl, mix the yolks with the cubed butter. Place the bowl over a pot of boiling water, ensuring the bottom of the bowl does not touch the water. Stir continuously until the butter melts.
11. Finishing the sauce: Gradually add the lemon juice while continuing to stir. When the sauce starts to thicken, add the grated cheese and mix until completely melted. Remove from heat and fold in the sour cream and chili paste. Finally, add the chopped herbs, but be careful not to add salt, as the cheese may already be salty.

Serving

Serve the breaded cauliflower hot, alongside the creamy cheese sauce. You can add a fresh green salad or grilled vegetables to create a pleasant contrast of textures and add a touch of freshness. This combination is perfect for a relaxing family dinner or a gathering with friends.

Useful tips

- Choosing the cauliflower: Opt for fresh cauliflower with compact florets and no spots. A quality cauliflower will make a difference in the final taste of the dish.
- Gluten-free option: You can replace the flour with almond or rice flour to make a gluten-free version of this dish.
- Adding spices: If you want to experiment, you can add fresh herbs or spices to the batter for an extra flavor boost.

Frequently asked questions

1. Can I prepare the cauliflower in advance?
Yes, you can boil the cauliflower and keep it in the fridge. When you are ready to serve, just fry it before serving.

2. How can I store the cheese sauce?
The cheese sauce is best served fresh, but you can keep it in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days. Gently reheat before serving.

3. What other sides can I use?
This breaded cauliflower pairs perfectly with fries or mashed potatoes, but also with a salad of tomatoes and cucumbers.

Conclusion

Breaded cauliflower with cheese sauce is more than just a recipe - it is a culinary experience that blends tradition with innovation. Whether served at a festive meal or on an ordinary evening, each bite will bring a smile to the faces of your loved ones. Enjoy your meal!