Cauliflower Gratin

Cauliflower and Broccoli Gratin with Cheese – a Delicious and Healthy Recipe

Here is a recipe that brings together the delicious flavors of cauliflower and broccoli, transforming them into a gratin dish, perfect for a family dinner or a meal with friends. This dish is not only tasty but also packed with nutrients, making it an excellent choice for those looking to incorporate more vegetables into their diet.

Preparation time: 15 minutes
Baking time: 40 minutes
Total time: 55 minutes
Number of servings: 4

Necessary ingredients:
- 500-700 g cauliflower
- 100 g cheese (telemea or urda)
- 150 g cheese
- 200 g sour cream
- 3 large eggs
- 2 cabano sausages (or ham)
- a few broccoli florets (optional)
- ½ red bell pepper (optional)
- 3 cloves of garlic
- 1 tomato
- 3 tablespoons breadcrumbs
- 3 tablespoons oil
- salt
- pepper
- thyme (optional)
- a bunch of fresh dill

Step by step:

1. Preparing the vegetables: Start by washing and cleaning the cauliflower and broccoli. Cut the cauliflower into medium-sized florets, and the broccoli into smaller florets if you choose to use it. This will help with even cooking.

2. Blanching the vegetables: Put a large pot of salted water to boil. When the water is boiling, add the cauliflower and broccoli florets, letting them boil for 7-8 minutes. It’s important not to overcook them to avoid mushiness. Blanching will help the vegetables retain their crisp texture.

3. Cooling the vegetables: After boiling, remove the vegetables with a spatula and let them cool in a bowl.

4. Preparing the baking dish: Preheat the oven to 180°C. Grease a heat-resistant dish with the 3 tablespoons of oil, ensuring it is evenly covered. Sprinkle the breadcrumbs on the bottom of the dish for a crispy crust.

5. Arranging the vegetables: Place the cauliflower and broccoli florets in the prepared dish. If using the red bell pepper and sausages, chop them finely and add them over the vegetables for added color and flavor.

6. Preparing the egg mixture: In a bowl, beat the 3 eggs with a little salt and pepper. Be careful with the amount of salt, especially if the cheese you are using is already salty. Add the sour cream and grated cheese (reserving a few tablespoons of cheese for decoration) and mix well.

7. Adding aromatic ingredients: Finely chop the garlic and fresh dill, then incorporate them into the egg and cheese mixture. This will add a delicious and fresh flavor to the dish.

8. Final assembly: Pour the egg and cheese mixture over the vegetables in the baking dish. Decorate with slices of tomato and sprinkle the remaining grated cheese on top.

9. Baking: Place the dish in the oven and let it bake for about 40 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and the vegetables are perfectly cooked. You’ll know it’s ready when it smells delicious throughout the house!

10. Serving: Once the gratin cauliflower and broccoli are ready, take them out of the oven and let them cool slightly before serving. This dish pairs wonderfully with a fresh green salad or a slice of rustic bread.

Useful tips:
- If you want to add a spicy note, you can include some chopped chili pepper in the egg mixture.
- You can replace the sausages with tofu or mushrooms for a vegetarian option.
- This dish keeps well in the fridge, so you can prepare it in advance and reheat it when you crave it.

Nutritional benefits:
Cauliflower and broccoli are vegetables rich in vitamins and minerals, being excellent sources of vitamin C, vitamin K, and fiber. These vegetables are low in calories, making them ideal for a balanced diet. Cheese and sour cream add protein and calcium, contributing to a complete nutritional intake.

Frequently asked questions:
1. Can I use other vegetables instead of cauliflower and broccoli?
- Of course! You can try zucchini, eggplant, or even potatoes. Each variation will offer a different taste.

2. How can I make this dish lower in calories?
- You can replace the sour cream with Greek yogurt and reduce the amount of cheese.

3. Is this dish suitable for children?
- Absolutely! It’s a great way to introduce vegetables to them in a delicious way.

Ideal combinations:
Gratin cauliflower and broccoli pair perfectly with a glass of dry white wine or freshly squeezed lemonade with mint. Also, serve them alongside a green salad with lemon dressing to add a touch of freshness.

This dish is not just a simple recipe but also an opportunity to create beautiful memories around the table. Each bite of the gratin cauliflower and broccoli will bring smiles to the faces of your loved ones, and you will be proud to have provided them with a healthy and delicious meal. Don’t hesitate to try this recipe and personalize it to your tastes!