Recipe Contest Winner: Baked Cauliflower

June 6, 2020

Congratulations to our member Navaaz Mehta.

I personally had the pleasure to sample this baked cauliflower in NY.

Navaaz worked hard to get the ingredients for these 2 large trays of cauliflower trays in cold and rainy winter days!

Fresh heads of Cauliflower are scarce in NY markets at this time of the year (Christmas 2018) and Navaaz had to visit several supermarkets to get the right amount needed for the 2 trays.

In addition, Copious amounts of cheese, her special sauce makes this dish so creamy and delicious. The side-dish disappeared in 10 minutes after being served!

2 Medium Trays of Baked Cauliflower

For Each Tray here are the ingredients. Please double if you are making 2 trays:

Large cauliflower Head – about 2 & 1/2 pounds.

1 stick of butter

2-3 Tbsp of chopped Garlic

1 pack of Chopped up Bacon (Optional)

2 Tbsp of All Purpose Flour

1 Pint of Heavy Cream (you can use Half & Half)

Cheese – Shredded American and half a big Block of Velveeta

1 Cup Breadcrumbs ( I used Panko)

Method:


Wash and clean Large cauliflower Heads – about 2 & 1/2 pounds.


Break/separate florets & place in Steamer, sprinkle 2-3 pinches of salt.

Steam until 75% cooked.

Melt 1 stick of Butter

Add about 2-3 Tbsp of chopped Garlic


Saute for a minute then add the steamed cauliflower

Saute until very light brown and then spread it all in a dish/tray which should be lightly brushed with Butter.

Cook 1 pack of Chopped up Bacon (Optional) to the consistency you like (I like mine Soft)

Drain it on a paper towel, then layer it on the cauliflower.

Next – prepare the Sauce – make a Roux with half a stick of Butter and about 2 Tbsp of All Purpose Flour

Add 1 Pint of Heavy Cream (you can use Half & Half) & mix thoroughly on Very Low Flame.

Add cheese – Some Shredded American and/or half a big Block of Velveeta (I used Both) and keep stirring on Medium Flame so there are No Lumps.

When it’s quite thick, pour it all over the Cauliflower & then sprinkle the top with Breadcrumbs ( I used Panko).

Bake in a 300 Degree Oven for 45 minutes approx.

Check to make sure the bottom doesn’t burn.

Once it’s all set, place under the Broiler until it looks well Browned and Voila, it’s ready to be served & enjoyed!

Bon Appetite

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