side essentials: cheesy cauliflower gratin
This is an excellent side dish for your holiday table, or any other time. It is easy to assemble, and can be ready in 30 minutes. I tried this dish with broccoli, but finally settled on cauliflower. Cauliflower has a milder taste and a nutty flavor note; like a butternut squash. I think it is a flawless complement to the salty tang of the Pecorino Romano, the olives, and the mellow taste of the aged Parmesan. So, you ready… Let’s get into the kitchen.
prep time
15 Min
cook time
25 Min
method
Bake
yield
4 serving(s)
Ingredients
- PLAN/PURCHASE
- 1 large head of cauliflower
- 1/2 medium yellow onion, finely chopped
- 1 tablespoon olive oil, extra virgin
- 1 tablespoon sweet butter, unsalted
- 1 clove garlic, minced
- 15 - 20 large black olives, pitted, and sliced in half
- 1/4 cup pecorino romano, freshly grated
- 1/4 cup parmesan, freshly grated
- 1/4 cup panko breadcrumbs
- - black pepper, freshly ground, to taste
How To Make side essentials: cheesy cauliflower gratin
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Step 1PREP/PREPARE
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Step 2Gather your Ingredients (mise en place).
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Step 3Place a rack in the middle position, and preheat the oven to 375f (190c).
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Step 4Cut or break up the cauliflower into small florets.
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Step 5Blanch the cauliflower by dropping it into boiling salted water for 3 – 4 minutes.
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Step 6Then plunge it into a bowl of ice water.
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Step 7Once cool, remove from the ice water and drain on paper towels.
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Step 8Heat up the oil and butter in a sauté pan over medium heat.
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Step 9Add the onions, and cook until tender, but not browned, about 3 – 5 minutes.
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Step 10Add the garlic, and cook until fragrant, about 60 seconds.
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Step 11Add the olives to the pan, and remove from the heat.
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Step 12Add the reserved cauliflower, Pecorino Romano, and then mix to combine.
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Step 13Chef’s Note: At this point, season the dish with pepper, to taste.
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Step 14Chef’s Tip: Since Pecorino Romano is a very salty cheese, you will probably not need any extra salt in this dish. You might, however, add a bit more heat (red pepper, cayenne), when the temps begin to drop.
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Step 15Coat a baking dish with a bit of oil, and add the mixture, spreading out evenly. Mix the panko breadcrumbs with the Parmesan cheese, and add to the top.
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Step 16Add to the preheated oven, and bake for 20 -25 minutes, or until the panko/cheese topping begins to turn a yummy brown.
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Step 17PLATE/PRESENT
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Step 18Serve nice and hot with your favorite dishes… Beef, fish, poultry; it is up to you. Enjoy.
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Step 19Keep the faith, and keep cooking.
- Last Step: Don't forget to share! Post a picture of your finished recipe here and on your favorite social network. Don't forget to tag Just A Pinch and include #justapinchrecipes!
Discover More
Culture:
Italian
Category:
Vegetables
Tag:
#Quick & Easy
Tag:
#Healthy
Diet:
Vegetarian
Diet:
Wheat Free
Diet:
Soy Free
Ingredient:
Vegetable
Method:
Bake
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