Cauliflower with Parmesan

Cauliflower with Parmesan Recipe - Vegetarian Food from Moldova and Romania

Region / culture: Moldova, Romania | Preparation time: 10 minutes | Cooking time: 20 minutes | Servings: 4 |

Vegetarian diet

Introduction

Cauliflower with Parmesan is a delicious and easy-to-make side dish that is perfect for any meal. The combination of tender cauliflower, savory Parmesan cheese, and buttery breadcrumbs creates a flavorful and satisfying dish that is sure to please your taste buds.

History

Cauliflower with Parmesan is a classic dish that has been enjoyed for generations. The recipe likely originated in Italy, where Parmesan cheese is a staple ingredient in many dishes. Over the years, this simple yet delicious recipe has become popular around the world for its rich and comforting flavors.

Ingredients

1 large cauliflower
3 tbsp butter
3 – 4 tbsp grated parmesan (or other cheese)
1 tbsp bread crumbs
salt

How to prepare

Wash the cauliflower and divide it into florets. Boil the florets in salted water until tender.
Drain the cauliflower and place it in a heat-resistant dish. Sprinkle it with Parmesan cheese.
Next, sprinkle bread crumbs over the cauliflower and pour melted butter on top.
Bake the dish in the oven for 15 – 20 minutes.
Serve the cauliflower hot.

Variations

Try adding cooked bacon or pancetta to the dish for a smoky flavor.
Substitute different cheeses, such as cheddar or mozzarella, for a unique twist.
Add a squeeze of lemon juice or a sprinkle of fresh herbs before serving for a burst of freshness.

Cooking Tips & Tricks

Be sure to cook the cauliflower until it is tender but still slightly firm to the touch. Overcooking can result in mushy cauliflower.

- For extra flavor, try adding a sprinkle of garlic powder or dried herbs to the cauliflower before baking.

- If you prefer a crispy topping, broil the dish for a few minutes at the end of the cooking time.

Serving Suggestions

Cauliflower with Parmesan pairs well with roasted chicken, grilled steak, or baked fish. Serve it alongside a fresh green salad or steamed vegetables for a complete and satisfying meal.

Cooking Techniques

Boiling the cauliflower before baking ensures that it is tender and fully cooked.

- Baking the dish allows the flavors to meld together and creates a crispy, golden-brown topping.

Ingredient Substitutions

Use olive oil or coconut oil in place of butter for a dairy-free option.

- Gluten-free bread crumbs can be used for those with gluten sensitivities.

Make Ahead Tips

Prepare the dish up to the baking step, then cover and refrigerate until ready to bake.

- Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

Presentation Ideas

Serve the cauliflower with Parmesan in a decorative serving dish garnished with fresh herbs or a sprinkle of extra cheese. - For a rustic presentation, serve the dish in individual ramekins or small baking dishes.

Pairing Recommendations

Pair cauliflower with Parmesan with a crisp white wine, such as Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio.

- For a non-alcoholic option, try serving the dish with sparkling water or a fruity herbal tea.

Storage and Reheating Instructions

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

- Reheat in the oven at 350°F for 10-15 minutes, or until heated through.

Nutrition Information

Calories per serving

- Total calories per serving: 250

Carbohydrates

- Cauliflower: 5g per cup

- Bread crumbs: 10g per 1/4 cup

- Total carbohydrates per serving: 15g

Fats

- Butter: 11g per tablespoon

- Cheese: 9g per ounce

- Total fats per serving: 20g

Proteins

- Cheese: 7g per ounce

- Total proteins per serving: 7g

Vitamins and minerals

Cauliflower is a good source of vitamin C, vitamin K, and folate.

- Parmesan cheese is high in calcium and phosphorus.

- Total vitamins and minerals per serving: varies

Alergens

Contains dairy (butter, cheese)

- Contains gluten (bread crumbs)

Summary

Cauliflower with Parmesan is a nutritious dish that is high in vitamins, minerals, and protein. However, it is also relatively high in fat and carbohydrates, so it should be enjoyed in moderation as part of a balanced diet.

Summary

Cauliflower with Parmesan is a simple yet delicious side dish that is perfect for any occasion. With its tender cauliflower, savory cheese, and buttery breadcrumbs, this dish is sure to become a family favorite. Enjoy it as a side dish or a main course, and savor the rich flavors and comforting textures of this classic recipe.

How did I get this recipe?

I remember the sense of anticipation I felt when I first saw this recipe for cauliflower with Parmesan. It was a crisp autumn day, and I had just returned from a farmers market with a beautiful head of cauliflower. As I flipped through an old cookbook that belonged to my mother, a yellowed piece of paper fell out onto the kitchen counter. It was a handwritten recipe for cauliflower with Parmesan, written in elegant script.

I knew immediately that I had to try it. The combination of tender cauliflower florets and savory Parmesan cheese sounded absolutely delicious. I could already imagine the rich, nutty flavor of the cheese melding with the earthy taste of the cauliflower. My mouth watered at the thought.

I set to work, carefully following the instructions on the recipe card. I trimmed the cauliflower into small florets and blanched them in boiling water until they were just tender. In a separate pan, I melted butter and sautéed garlic until it was fragrant and golden. Then, I added the cauliflower to the pan, tossing it gently to coat each floret with the garlic-infused butter.

Next came the Parmesan cheese. I sprinkled a generous amount over the cauliflower, allowing it to melt and form a golden crust on top. The aroma that wafted through the kitchen was heavenly – a tantalizing blend of garlic, butter, and cheese.

Finally, I transferred the cauliflower to a baking dish and popped it in the oven to broil for a few minutes, until the cheese was bubbly and slightly browned. When I pulled the dish out of the oven, the cauliflower was perfectly cooked and the cheese had formed a crispy, irresistible crust. I couldn't wait to dig in.

As I took my first bite, I knew I had stumbled upon something truly special. The cauliflower was tender and flavorful, with just the right amount of bite. The Parmesan cheese added a rich, nutty taste that complemented the earthiness of the cauliflower perfectly. It was a dish that was both comforting and elegant – a true celebration of simple, wholesome ingredients.

I made the cauliflower with Parmesan many times after that first experiment, tweaking the recipe here and there to suit my taste. Sometimes I added a squeeze of lemon juice for a bit of brightness, or a handful of fresh herbs for a burst of freshness. Each time, the dish turned out beautifully, eliciting oohs and aahs from my family and friends.

Over the years, I shared the recipe with many people, passing it on like a treasured heirloom. I taught my grandchildren how to make it, watching with pride as they carefully trimmed the cauliflower and sprinkled the cheese with a gleeful flourish. It became a staple at family gatherings and holiday dinners, a dish that brought us all together around the table.

As I look back on that fateful day when I discovered the recipe for cauliflower with Parmesan, I can't help but feel grateful. It's a reminder of the simple joys of cooking – the pleasure of creating something delicious with your own two hands, and sharing it with the ones you love. And it's a testament to the power of a good recipe, passed down through generations, connecting us to the past and to each other in ways that are truly meaningful.

So the next time you find yourself with a head of cauliflower and a block of Parmesan cheese, give this recipe a try. I promise you won't be disappointed. And who knows – maybe one day, you'll pass it on to someone you love, creating your own little culinary legacy in the process.