Oven-baked cauliflower with Bechamel sauce

Oven-Baked Cauliflower with Bechamel Sauce: a Delicious and Healthy Recipe

If you are looking for a delicious recipe that adds a touch of flavor to your meals, oven-baked cauliflower with Bechamel sauce is the perfect choice. This simple and quick recipe transforms an apparently mundane vegetable into a refined dish, ideal for lunches or dinners. Whether you choose to serve it as a side dish or as a vegetarian main course, the gratin cauliflower with Bechamel sauce will surely win you over. Let's get started!

Preparation time: 20 minutes
Baking time: 25-30 minutes
Total time: 50 minutes
Number of servings: 4

Your ingredients for a perfect serving:

- 1 large cauliflower (700-800 g)
- 60 g butter (plus a few pieces for gratin)
- 30 g flour
- 300 ml hot milk (or more, to taste)
- 30 g grated cheese (or your favorite type of cheese)
- Salt, to taste
- Delikat (or another preferred seasoning)
- Optional: a little fresh parsley, chopped

A bit of history

The Bechamel sauce, originating from French cuisine, is one of the oldest and most versatile sauces. Used as a base for many dishes, this creamy sauce quickly became a favorite worldwide. Combined with cauliflower, it becomes an ideal choice for those looking to add flavor and a velvety texture to vegetables. From gratins to lasagna, Bechamel sauce enriches any dish.

Step by step for a perfect result

1. Preparing the cauliflower: Start by breaking the cauliflower into florets. Make sure they are of uniform size for even cooking. Then, bring water to a boil in a large pot, add salt, and when the water is boiling, add the cauliflower florets. Boil for about 5-7 minutes until they become slightly tender but not too soft. Drain well and place them on a towel to absorb excess water.

2. Preparing the Bechamel sauce: In a non-stick pan or pot (to prevent sticking), melt the butter over medium heat. Once the butter is completely melted, add the flour all at once and whisk vigorously. It is important to mix quickly to avoid lumps. After the flour is well incorporated, start adding the hot milk gradually, stirring constantly. Continue to stir until the sauce becomes creamy and lump-free. Add salt and Delikat to taste, but don't forget to pause and enjoy the aroma of this wonderful sauce.

3. Finalizing the dish: Preheat the oven to 180°C. In a heat-resistant dish, arrange the cauliflower florets and pour the Bechamel sauce evenly over them. Sprinkle the grated cheese on top. For added flavor, you can add a few pieces of butter on top.

4. Baking: Place the dish in the preheated oven and let it bake for 25-30 minutes or until the surface is golden and appetizing. The aroma that will spread in the kitchen will make your mouth water!

5. Serving: Once the cauliflower is ready, take it out of the oven and let it cool for a few minutes. You can serve it plain or alongside a fresh salad. Add a touch of greenery with fresh parsley for a more appealing look and a fresher taste.

Useful tips:

- Ingredient variations: You can experiment with different types of cheese. For example, mozzarella or cheddar cheese can add a different flavor and a delicious appearance.
- Seasonings: Depending on your preferences, you can also add other spices to the Bechamel sauce, such as nutmeg or white pepper, for a more complex flavor.
- Alternative sauces: If you want to try a lighter version, you can use Greek yogurt mixed with a little garlic instead of Bechamel sauce.
- Calories and nutritional benefits: A serving of oven-baked cauliflower with Bechamel sauce contains approximately 250-300 kcal, depending on the amount of cheese used. Cauliflower is rich in vitamins (C, K) and minerals, with a low calorie content, making it perfect for a balanced diet.

Frequently asked questions:

1. Can I use frozen cauliflower?
Yes, you can use frozen cauliflower, but make sure to thaw and drain it well before using.

2. How can I make the Bechamel sauce creamier?
Add more milk or you can add cream to achieve a richer texture.

3. What other side dishes go well with gratin cauliflower?
A fresh green salad, baked potatoes, or vegetable rice are excellent options.

In conclusion, oven-baked cauliflower with Bechamel sauce is a recipe that combines simplicity with refinement. It is a perfect choice for those who want to add flavor to their meals. Don't forget to enjoy every step of the preparation and share this dish with your loved ones. Enjoy your meal!