Filed Under: 30 minutes or more, Cheese, Food, Recipes, Side, Vegetables

Cauliflower Gratin with Thyme and Hazelnuts

Hazelnuts are optional in this recipe, but they add a nice crunch and complement the earthy flavours of the cauliflower, plus they are packed with valuable antioxidants. Serve as a side dish with roast chicken or turkey, or as a main alongside a mixed greens salad.

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January 27th, 2012

By Paula Bowman

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Tip: Make ahead: Cauliflower can be prepared in advance up to step 5. Covered and refrigerated, it can be stored up to 1 day. Bring to room temperature, then warm in a hot oven for about 10 to 15 minutes before placing under broiler to finish.
Servings
Serves 6-8
Prep Time
15 minutes. Prep to table time: 40 minutes
Ingredients
  • 3 tbsp unsalted butter
  • ¼ cup all-purpose flour
  • ¼ tsp thyme leaves
  • 2 cup milk
  • 1 cup grated old cheddar cheese
  • ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • Pinch cayenne pepper
  • Salt and freshly ground pepper
  • 1 large head cauliflower, cut into 1-inch florets
  • ¼ cup blanched hazelnuts, toasted and roughly chopped, optional
  • 3 tbsp fresh bread crumbs
    • Directions
  • 1.

    Preheat broiler to high.

  • 2.

    In a saucepan over medium-low heat, melt butter. Add flour and thyme and cook, stirring constantly with a wooden spoon for 1 minute. Gradually whisk in milk, increase heat to medium and cook, stirring, until mixture thickens, about 3 to 4 minutes. Remove from heat; stir in cheddar and Parmesan cheeses and cayenne pepper and season to taste with salt and pepper.

  • 3.

    Meanwhile, cook cauliflower florets in a large pot of boiling, salted water until tender, about 6 to 7 minutes. Drain.

  • 4.

    In the prepared baking dish, toss cauliflower and hazelnuts, if desired. Pour cheese sauce over top of the cauliflower and hazelnut mixture and stir until well coated; arrange cauliflower in an even layer in dish. Sprinkle bread crumbs over top of cauliflower.

  • 5.

    Broil until cheese sauce is bubbling and top is golden brown, about 5 to 8 minutes.

    • Nutrients Per Serving
    291 calories, 18 g fat, 320 mg calcium, 288 mg sodium, 21 g carbohydrates, 6 g fibre, 14 g protein. Excellent source of folate and vitamins B12 and K. Good source of thiamine, riboflavin, niacin, vitamin B6, pantothenate and biotin.
    Cauliflower Gratin with Thyme and Hazelnuts
    Photography by Carlo Mendoza
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