side essentials: cheesy cauliflower gratin

How To Make side essentials: cheesy cauliflower gratin

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  1

  PREP/PREPARE
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  2

  Gather your Ingredients (mise en place).
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  3

  Place a rack in the middle position, and preheat the oven to 375f (190c).
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  4

  Cut or break up the cauliflower into small florets.
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  5

  Blanch the cauliflower by dropping it into boiling salted water for 3 – 4 minutes.
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  6

  Then plunge it into a bowl of ice water.
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  7

  Once cool, remove from the ice water and drain on paper towels.
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  8

  Heat up the oil and butter in a sauté pan over medium heat.
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  9

  Add the onions, and cook until tender, but not browned, about 3 – 5 minutes.
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  10

  Add the garlic, and cook until fragrant, about 60 seconds.
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  11

  Add the olives to the pan, and remove from the heat.
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  12

  Add the reserved cauliflower, Pecorino Romano, and then mix to combine.
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  13

  Chef’s Note: At this point, season the dish with pepper, to taste.
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  14

  Chef’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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  15

  Coat 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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  16

  Add 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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  17

  PLATE/PRESENT
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  18

  Serve nice and hot with your favorite dishes… Beef, fish, poultry; it is up to you. Enjoy.
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  19

  Keep the faith, and keep cooking.
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