Cauliflower Gratin with Goat Cheese Topping

Of all of the many gratins that I make, this is the easiest to throw together. It works as a vegetarian main dish or as a side.

Ingredients

• 1 large or 2 smaller cauliflowers (about 2 pounds), broken into florets
• 3 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
• Salt and freshly ground pepper
• 6 ounces fresh goat cheese
• 1 plump garlic clove, halved, green shoot removed
• 5 tablespoons low-fat milk
• 1 teaspoon chopped fresh thyme leaves or 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme
• ¼ cup dry, fine breadcrumbs

• Nutritional Information

  • Nutritional analysis per serving (4 servings)

    294 calories; 20 grams fat; 8 grams saturated fat; 9 grams monounsaturated fat; 1 gram polyunsaturated fat; 17 grams carbohydrates; 4 grams dietary fiber; 5 grams sugars; 13 grams protein; 20 milligrams cholesterol; 321 milligrams sodium

  Note: Nutrient information is not available for all ingredients. Amount is based on available data.
  Powered by DiningAndCooking.com

Serves 4

Preparation

1. Preheat the oven to 450ºF. Oil a 2-quart gratin dish with olive oil.
2. Place the cauliflower in a steaming basket above 1 inch boiling water. Cover and steam for 1 minute. Lift the lid and allow steam to escape for 15 seconds, then cover again and steam for 6 to 8 minutes, until the cauliflower is tender. Remove from the heat and refresh with cold water. Drain on paper towels, then transfer to the gratin dish.
3. Season the cauliflower generously with salt and pepper, then toss with 2 tablespoons of the olive oil and half the thyme. Spread in an even layer.
4. Place the garlic in a mortar and pestle with 1/4 teaspoon salt and mash to a paste. Combine with the goat cheese and milk in a food processor fitted with the steel blade and blend until smooth. Add the remaining thyme and freshly ground pepper to taste, and pulse together. Spread this mixture over the cauliflower in an even layer.
5. Just before baking, sprinkle on the breadcrumbs and drizzle on the remaining tablespoon of olive oil. Bake 15 to 20 minutes, until the top is lightly browned and the dish is sizzling. Serve at once.

30 minutes