French Cauliflower

Cauliflower is a versatile and healthy ingredient that can be transformed into a delicious and comforting dish. We start by breaking the cauliflower into small florets, ensuring that each floret is of uniform size for even cooking. Then we bring salted water to a boil in a large pot. When the water reaches a boiling point, we add the cauliflower and let it boil for about 5-7 minutes until it becomes slightly soft but not fully cooked, as it will be placed in the oven later.

Meanwhile, we take care of the mushrooms. We choose fresh mushrooms, preferably champignon, which we carefully clean, removing any impurities. We slice them thinly and place them in a pan with a splash of olive oil or butter over medium heat. We sauté them for a few minutes until they turn golden and release their flavors. The ham, which we choose according to our preferences, is cut into small cubes that will add a savory note to the dish.

Now we focus on the white sauce, which will enhance the taste of the cauliflower. In a saucepan, we melt 100 grams of butter, then add the 5 tablespoons of flour. It is important to stir constantly to avoid lumps. Once the flour is well incorporated, we take the saucepan off the heat and start gradually adding 500 ml of milk, stirring continuously. After the sauce has thickened slightly, we let it cool down a bit. When the sauce reaches a bearable temperature, we add an egg yolk and the juice of one lemon, stirring until it is homogeneous.

After the cauliflower has boiled, we take it out of the water and place it in a bowl. We prepare a heat-resistant dish that we grease with butter and line with breadcrumbs to prevent sticking. We start arranging the dish: we put a generous layer of boiled cauliflower, followed by a layer of sautéed mushrooms, then the diced ham and grated cheese. We season with salt, then cover with another layer of cauliflower.

The white sauce prepared earlier is poured evenly over the last layer of cauliflower. For added flavor, we sprinkle more grated cheese on top. We place the dish in a preheated oven at 180 degrees Celsius and let it bake for about 30 minutes until the top becomes golden and crispy.

It is served hot, and for those who appreciate a rich taste, a generous amount of sour cream can be added. This dish is not only tasty but also nutritious, perfect for a family meal or a special occasion. Enjoy your meal!

 Ingredients: 1 cauliflower (1 kg - 1.5 kg) 200 g grated cheese (I used cas) 300 g fresh mushrooms (canned ones are also very good) 200 g ham 100 g butter (Rama) 500 ml milk 5 tablespoons flour 1 yolk juice from 1 lemon breadcrumbs salt

 Tags:  eggs cheese milk unt flour cauliflower mushrooms lemon