This is a recipe that nods at a lesson taught by the British writer Nigel Slater, which is to poach the cauliflower in bay-leaf scented milk while the potatoes bake. The soft florets are then mashed in with the potato flesh and a healthy splash of the cooked milk. Add butter. Top with cheese.
Ingredients
- 4 large baking potatoes, like russets
- 1 teaspoon olive oil
- Kosher salt
- 1 small head of cauliflower, cut into florets
- 3 cups milk
- 2 bay leaves
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese.
- Nutritional Information
Nutritional analysis per serving (4 servings)
570 calories; 26 grams fat; 15 grams saturated fat; 0 grams trans fat; 7 grams monounsaturated fat; 1 gram polyunsaturated fat; 63 grams carbohydrates; 5 grams dietary fiber; 12 grams sugars; 23 grams protein; 68 milligrams cholesterol; 1040 milligrams sodium
Note: Nutrient information is not available for all ingredients. Amount is based on available data.
4 servings
Preparation
- Preheat oven to 450.
- Scrub potatoes under running water; dry them, and rub the skin of each with the oil and a little salt. Pierce the skin of each in three or four places with the tines of a fork.
- Place the potatoes in the oven, and roast for 45 minutes to an hour, depending on the size of the potatoes, until they offer no resistance when a knife is inserted in their centers.
- While the potatoes are baking, put the cauliflower into a saucepan set over medium-high heat, and add the milk and bay leaves. Heat until almost boiling, then reduce flame to low, and simmer until tender, approximately 20 minutes.
- When the potatoes are done, remove them from the oven, slice them open down the middle and use a spoon to scrape out their flesh into a bowl. Add the butter, the cauliflower and a healthy splash of the milk, and mash to combine. Spoon the mixture back into the empty jackets, place on a baking sheet and shower with cheese. Return to the oven for approximately 15 minutes, until the cheese is melted and golden.
1 hour, 15 minutes

Dining and Cooking