Mustardy Cauliflower Cheese

by Susan Hanna

If you like cauliflower you’re going to love this luscious recipe from Yotam Ottolenghi’s Simple. Steamed cauliflower is bathed in a curry-mustard-cream-cheese sauce and then baked and
broiled. It’s a great side dish and/or satisfying vegetarian main course.

Cook’s note: If you don’t want to steam the cauliflower in a steamer basket over water, place the florets on a microwave- safe plate lined with a dampened and wrung out white paper towel. Top with another damp paper towel and microwave for 3-5 minutes or until just beginning to soften.

Serves 4

Avoiding Additives and Preservatives

Use butter than contains only cream (no colour) and spices that don’t contain colour or anti-
caking agents. Cheddar can sometimes contain colour so check the ingredients. Use additive-free white bread; I used an Ace Bakery loaf. For more recipes using all-natural ingredients, visit Eye For a Recipe.

Ingredients:

• 1 large cauliflower, separated into 1 ½-inch (4-cm) florets
• 2 tbsp (30 ml) butter
• 1 small onion, peeled and finely diced (1 cup/250 ml)
• 1½ tsp (7.5 ml) cumin seeds
• 1 tsp (5 ml) curry powder
• 1 tsp (5 ml) mustard powder
• 2 green chiles, deseeded and finely diced
• ¾ tsp (3.75 ml) black mustard seeds
• ¾ cup + 2 tbsp (187.5 ml + 30 ml) heavy cream
• 4 oz (120 g) aged cheddar, coarsely grated salt
• 1/3 cup (15 g) fresh white breadcrumbs, from about half a slice
• ¼ cup (60 ml) parsley, finely chopped

Preparation

1. Preheat oven to 400 F (204 C).
2. Steam the cauliflower over boiling water for 5 minutes, until just softening. Then remove and set aside to cool slightly.
3. Melt the butter in a round, 9-inch (24 cm) casserole pan on a medium heat, and sauté the onion for about 8 minutes, until soft and golden.
4. Add the cumin, curry and mustard powders, and chopped chile and cook for 4 minutes, stirring occasionally.
5. Add the mustard seeds, cook for a minute more, then stir in the cream, 100 g of cheddar and ½ tsp (2.5 ml) salt. Simmer for 2-3 minutes, until the sauce slightly thickens.
6. Add the cauliflower, stir gently and simmer for 1 minute before removing from heat.
7. Place the remaining 20 g of cheddar in a bowl and add the breadcrumbs and parsley. Mix, then sprinkle over the cauliflower.
8. Wipe the top inside edge of the pan clean with a spatula or cloth (to avoid burning) and place in the oven.
9. Bake for 8 minutes, until the sauce is bubbling and cauliflower is hot. Turn the broiler to high and keep the pan underneath for 4 minutes, or until the top is golden and crisp. Watch it so it does not burn.
10. Remove from oven and allow to cool a little – 5 minutes or so – before serving. Serves 4.

From Simple by Yotam Ottolenghi