Surprise your guests with an inventive dish that transforms the humble cauliflower into a stunning centerpiece. This stuffed cauliflower recipe is filled with savory minced meat and flavorful spices, baked to perfection. It’s a unique and delicious way to enjoy cauliflower, ensuring your dinner table conversation starts with compliments.
Ingredients:
- 1 kg cauliflower, whole
- 400 g minced meat (your choice of beef, chicken, or turkey)
- 1/2 onion, finely chopped
- A handful of parsley, finely chopped
- 1 whole egg
- 1 egg yolk
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
- 1 tsp paprika
- 1 tsp tomato paste
- Oil or butter for greasing
Directions:
- Prepare the Cauliflower: Preheat your oven to 180 degrees Celsius (356 degrees Fahrenheit). Clean the cauliflower by removing the outer leaves and the stem, making sure to keep the head intact. Blanch in salted boiling water for about 5 minutes, then remove and let it cool.
- Prepare the Stuffing: In a mixing bowl, combine the minced meat, finely chopped onion, parsley, whole egg, salt, and black pepper. Mix well until all the ingredients are thoroughly incorporated.
- Stuff the Cauliflower: Carefully separate the cauliflower florets slightly with your fingers to create space for the stuffing. Spoon the meat mixture into these spaces, pressing gently to fill as much of the inner parts as possible without breaking the cauliflower head.
- Prepare the Glaze: In a small bowl, mix the egg yolk, paprika, and tomato paste together until smooth. This will be used to brush over the cauliflower for added flavor and color.
- Bake the Cauliflower: Grease a baking dish with oil or butter and place the stuffed cauliflower in the center. Brush the entire surface of the cauliflower with the paprika and tomato paste glaze. Cover loosely with aluminum foil to prevent excessive browning.
- Cooking: Place in the preheated oven and bake for about 1 hour, or until the cauliflower is tender and the meat is thoroughly cooked. For the last 10-15 minutes, remove the foil to allow the cauliflower to develop a nice golden crust.
- Serving: Once done, remove from the oven and let it rest for a few minutes before serving. Cut into wedges and serve hot, ensuring each slice has a portion of the delicious meat filling.
Conclusion:
This stuffed cauliflower with minced meat is not only a showstopper but also a delightful way to combine simple ingredients into an extraordinary dish. It’s perfect for special occasions or a festive family dinner where you want to impress with something out of the ordinary. Enjoy the blend of textures and flavors that make this dish uniquely appealing and utterly satisfying.
