Gratinated cauliflower

Cheesy Cauliflower Gratin - a light and tasty lunch

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

Welcome to the world of culinary delights! Today, I will share a simple yet incredibly flavorful recipe that transforms a plain cauliflower into a special dish: cheesy cauliflower gratin. This recipe is not only easy to prepare but also a healthy choice for your lunch or dinner.

A Brief History
Cauliflower has been cultivated for thousands of years but became popular in modern kitchens mainly due to its versatility. It has often been used in dishes from various cultures, providing a pleasant texture and delicate taste. Gratinating vegetables is a technique commonly used in gastronomy, where ingredients are covered with a crispy layer, often cheese, and baked until golden and appetizing.

Ingredients
- 1 medium cauliflower (about 600g)
- 3 large eggs
- 250g Greek yogurt (can be replaced with sour cream)
- 200g Delaco cheese (or any preferred type of cheese)
- 4 green onion stalks
- 3 sprigs of fresh parsley (or dill for a different flavor)
- 2 garlic cloves
- 1/2 teaspoon dried parsley
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Butter for greasing the dish

Step by Step

1. Preparing the Cauliflower
Start by breaking the cauliflower into small florets, making sure to remove the leaves and tough stems. Wash them well under cold running water to remove any impurities.

2. Boiling the Cauliflower
In a large pot, add water and half a teaspoon of salt, then bring the water to a boil. Once the water is boiling, add the cauliflower florets and let them boil for 15-20 minutes. Check their tenderness with a fork: they should be tender but not too soft, so they don't crumble during baking.

3. Draining the Cauliflower
After boiling, place the cauliflower in a colander to drain well. This step is essential, as excess water could make the gratin too wet.

4. Preparing the Sauce
In a large bowl, crack the three eggs and beat them well with a whisk. Add the Greek yogurt, 3 tablespoons of grated cheese, crushed garlic cloves, salt, pepper, finely chopped parsley, and finely chopped green onion stalks. Mix everything until you obtain a homogeneous composition.

5. Assembling the Dish
Grease a heat-resistant dish with butter to prevent sticking. Place the cauliflower florets in the dish, sprinkle a little salt and dried parsley on top, then pour the yogurt and egg sauce over the cauliflower. Finally, cover the dish with a generous layer of grated cheese.

6. Baking
Preheat the oven to 180 degrees Celsius. Place the dish in the oven and let it bake for 20-25 minutes or until the cheese layer turns golden and crispy. The flavors will blend and fill the entire kitchen!

7. Serving
After the dish is ready, let it cool for a few minutes before slicing. Serve it warm, alongside a spoonful of sour cream for added creaminess. You can accompany this dish with a fresh salad or a side of rice to make it a complete lunch.

Useful Tips
- If you want to experiment, try adding various spices or herbs to the yogurt sauce, such as cumin or basil, to give a personalized touch to the recipe.
- This recipe is very versatile: you can replace cauliflower with broccoli or zucchini, creating a different gratin with each attempt.
- If you are looking for a healthier option, you can reduce the amount of cheese or use low-fat cheese.

Nutritional Information
This recipe is an excellent source of vitamins and minerals, thanks to cauliflower, which is rich in vitamins C, K, and fiber. Greek yogurt provides an important protein boost, beneficial for bone health and the digestive system. With about 320 calories per serving, this gratin is a nourishing and filling choice.

Frequently Asked Questions
1. Can I use other types of cheese?
Yes, you can experiment with mozzarella, feta, or cheddar cheese, each providing a different taste and texture.

2. How can I store leftovers?
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge, where they can stay fresh for 2-3 days. Reheat them in the oven or microwave before serving.

3. Is this recipe suitable for vegans?
For a vegan version, replace the eggs with a mixture of flaxseed and water (1 tablespoon of flaxseed mixed with 3 tablespoons of water for each egg) and use plant-based yogurt and vegan cheese.

Enjoy this simple yet flavorful recipe! Cheesy cauliflower gratin is perfect for adding a touch of originality and health to your meals. Bon appétit!