Cauliflower gratin with broccoli sauce

Cauliflower Gratin with Broccoli Sauce

Looking for a delicious and comforting vegetable recipe? Cauliflower gratin with broccoli sauce is the perfect choice! This recipe is not only easy to prepare but also offers a rich flavor and a wonderful combination of textures. Perfect as a side dish or even as a main course for a light meal, this dish will bring a touch of freshness and color to your table.

Preparation time: 10 minutes
Cooking time: 30 minutes
Total time: 40 minutes
Servings: 4

Ingredients:
- 1 cauliflower (approximately 500-700 g)
- 1 broccoli (approximately 500 g)
- 1 cube of butter (15 g)
- 50 g grated Parmesan
- 200 ml plant-based cream
- Salt, to taste
- Pepper, to taste
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin seeds
- Fresh broccoli leaves and parsley, for garnish

A brief introduction to the recipe's history
Cauliflower and broccoli are cruciferous vegetables, appreciated not only for their taste but also for their nutritional benefits. Cauliflower was first cultivated thousands of years ago and has been adapted into many recipes around the world. Gratinating vegetables is a traditional method of giving them a golden, crispy crust, providing a contrasting texture to the soft interior.

Preparing the ingredients
1. Breaking the vegetables: Start by breaking the cauliflower and broccoli into small florets. This will ensure even cooking and an attractive presentation.
2. Washing: Prepare two separate bowls with cold water and add a teaspoon of baking soda to each. This will help clean the vegetables and preserve their vibrant color. Let the florets soak in the water for 10-15 minutes.
3. Boiling: Bring water to a boil in two separate pots. When the water starts to boil, add salt (about a teaspoon). Add the broccoli to one of the pots and boil for 3 minutes, then remove and drain. In the other pot, add the cauliflower and let it boil until slightly soft (about 5-7 minutes). Remove and drain well.

Preparing the sauce
4. Making the broccoli paste: In a blender, add the boiled broccoli, plant-based cream, ground cumin seeds, salt, and pepper to taste. Blend until you get a smooth paste. This paste will add a rich flavor and wonderful creaminess to the dish.

Assembling the dish
5. Layering the cauliflower: In a baking dish, place the cauliflower florets. Add the butter cube cut into small pieces, so it melts and blends with the vegetables during baking.
6. Adding the sauce: Pour the broccoli sauce over the cauliflower, ensuring it is evenly distributed.

Baking
7. First round of baking: Preheat the oven to 180 degrees Celsius. Place the dish in the oven and bake for 15 minutes. This step will allow the vegetables to meld with the sauce.
8. Adding the cheese: After 15 minutes, remove the dish and sprinkle the grated Parmesan on top. This will give a savory flavor and a delicious crust. Put it back in the oven for another 10 minutes, until the cheese becomes golden and crispy.

Serving
9. Garnishing: Once the dish is ready, remove it from the oven and sprinkle fresh parsley and basil leaves for an extra touch of flavor and color. Serve warm, alongside a green salad or a slice of fresh bread for a balanced meal.

Practical tips and variations
- Vegan option: For a completely vegan version, replace the plant-based cream with a nut or soy alternative and use vegan cheese instead of Parmesan.
- Add spices: Experiment with other spices, such as nutmeg or garlic powder, to provide an even more complex flavor.
- Side dishes: This dish pairs wonderfully with a side of quinoa or basmati rice.
- Frequently asked questions:
- Can I use frozen cauliflower? Yes, but the cooking time may vary, so watch the texture.
- Can it be prepared in advance? Yes, you can assemble the dish a day ahead and bake it before serving.

Conclusion
Cauliflower gratin with broccoli sauce is a dish that will delight both vegetable lovers and those looking for a healthy and tasty option. With a little patience and love, you will achieve a dish that not only looks good but also tastes extraordinary. Enjoy it with your loved ones and savor every bite!