This simple baked cauliflower recipe offers a delicious way to enjoy this versatile vegetable. With a few basic ingredients and minimal preparation, you can create a savory side dish that pairs perfectly with any main course. Here’s how to make this delightful oven-baked cauliflower.
Ingredients:
- 600g cauliflower, cut into florets
- Salt, for boiling and seasoning
- 1 egg
- 150g sour cream (or substitute with white yogurt for a lighter version)
- Black pepper, to taste
- Dried garlic, to taste
- 50g cheese, grated (such as Parmesan or your preferred hard cheese)
- Olive oil, for drizzling
Instructions:
- Preheat the Oven and Prepare the Cauliflower:
- Preheat your oven to 200°C (392°F).
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the cauliflower florets and cook for 1-2 minutes just to blanch them. This step helps to soften them slightly before baking.
- Drain the cauliflower and transfer to a baking dish.
- Mix the Coating:
- In a bowl, beat the egg and mix it with sour cream. Season this mixture with salt, black pepper, and dried garlic according to your taste. This mixture will act as a creamy coating that adds flavor and helps the cheese adhere to the cauliflower.
- Assemble the Dish:
- Pour the sour cream and egg mixture over the blanched cauliflower florets in the baking dish. Make sure all the florets are evenly coated.
- Sprinkle the grated cheese evenly over the top of the coated cauliflower.
- Bake:
- Drizzle a little olive oil over the cauliflower. This will help the florets get a nice golden color and crisp texture as they bake.
- Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the cauliflower is tender and the top is golden and bubbly.
- Serve:
- Remove the baked cauliflower from the oven and let it cool slightly before serving. It can be served hot as a side dish with your main course, such as grilled meat or fish.
Tips:
- Cheese Varieties: Experiment with different types of cheese for varying flavors. A mix of Parmesan and mozzarella can offer a nice balance of saltiness and meltiness.
- Additional Toppings: For added texture and flavor, consider sprinkling some breadcrumbs or almond slivers on top before baking.
- Serving Suggestions: Garnish with fresh herbs like parsley or chives to add a fresh element and enhance the visual appeal.
Conclusion:
This oven-baked cauliflower is not only simple to prepare but also wonderfully delicious. It’s a healthy side dish that brings out the natural sweetness and pleasant texture of cauliflower, enhanced by a creamy, cheesy topping. Perfect for a weekday dinner or as part of a festive meal, this cauliflower dish is sure to delight everyone at your table. Enjoy the combination of simple ingredients and easy cooking for a truly satisfying culinary experience.