Pasta with cauliflower sauce
Cauliflower is a versatile and nutrient-rich vegetable that can be prepared in numerous delicious ways. We start by cleaning the cauliflower, breaking it into small florets that will cook evenly. We wash it well under a stream of cold water to remove impurities and then let it dry on a kitchen towel. Once the cauliflower is prepared, depending on your preferences, you can choose your desired cooking method:
To roast it, place the cauliflower florets in a baking tray, sprinkle with a little salt and olive oil, gently tossing to coat them evenly. Put the tray in a preheated oven at 200 degrees Celsius and let it roast for about 20 minutes or until they become slightly golden, stirring occasionally to ensure they brown evenly.
If you prefer a healthier method, you can opt for steaming. This preserves the nutrients and flavor of the cauliflower. Place the florets in a special steaming container and cook them until they are tender but still crisp.
Another option is boiling in water. In this case, make sure to drain the cauliflower well at the end to avoid excess water. If you are short on time, microwave cooking might be the ideal solution; simply place the florets in a microwave-safe container, cover them with a lid, and cook for a few minutes, stirring halfway through.
While the cauliflower is cooking, we prepare a flavorful milk sauce. In a pot over low heat, add milk, along with a few cloves, crushed garlic, juniper berries, and bay leaves. It is essential to keep the heat low to prevent the milk from spilling over. After a few minutes, when the flavors have infused, remove the spices and add grated or cubed cheese, ensuring it is a cheese that melts easily, such as mozzarella or cheddar.
Reserve a few florets of cauliflower to use as a garnish over the pasta. These will not only add a nice appearance but also a clear hint about the ingredients used. The rest of the cauliflower will be combined with the milk sauce, and with the help of a blender or food processor, blend the mixture into a smooth and creamy paste.
Boil the pasta in salted water, then drain it without rinsing to keep the starch that helps bind the sauce. Place the pasta in deep plates, pour the cauliflower sauce on top, and garnish with the reserved florets. You can serve the dish warm, enjoying a delicious, nutritious, and flavorful meal, perfect for any occasion.
Ingredients: (for 2 servings): 200 g pasta, less than 1/4 cauliflower (depends on size), milk (about 150-200 ml), 2-3 cloves, 1-2 bay leaves, 1 clove of garlic (cut in half and remove the green core) or a little garlic powder added at the end, 2-3 juniper berries (I didn't have any, so I didn't add them), salt, oil...
