Roasted Cauliflower and Broccoli Au Gratin
Cauliflower and Broccoli Au Gratin is a rich and comforting dish that effortlessly combines the natural flavors of two beloved vegetables with a creamy, cheesy sauce. Originating from French cuisine, this decadent recipe is as delightful as it is simple. The oven-baked gratin results in a golden, crispy top while keeping the vegetables tender and flavorful beneath. A perfect dish for a cozy dinner or a festive meal, this gratin is sure to impress everyone at the table.
Cuisine: Continental
Course: Main Course
Diet: Vegetarian
Ingredients
For the Vegetables:
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Broccoli | 1 cup (cut into bite-size florets) |
| Cauliflower (Gobi) | 2 cups (cut into bite-size florets) |
| Garlic | 4 cloves (finely chopped) |
| Onion | 1 (finely chopped) |
| Extra Virgin Olive Oil | 1 teaspoon |
| Salt | To taste |
For the White Sauce:
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Milk | 2 cups |
| Corn flour | 2 ½ tablespoons |
| Whole Black Peppercorns | 1 teaspoon (coarsely crushed) |
| Mixed Herbs (Dried) | 1 teaspoon |
| Cheese Spread | 2 tablespoons (of your choice) |
| Salt | To taste |
For the Topping:
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Cheddar Cheese | ¼ cup (grated) |
Preparation Time: 10 minutes
Cooking Time: 50 minutes
Total Time: 1 hour
Instructions
-
Prep the Vegetables:
Start by preparing your vegetables. Cut the broccoli and cauliflower into bite-sized florets. Set aside. Finely chop the onion and garlic. -
Cook the Vegetables:
In a deep pan, heat the extra virgin olive oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onions and garlic, sautéing them until the onions become soft and translucent.
Add the cauliflower and broccoli florets, sprinkling a pinch of salt over them. Stir fry the vegetables until they are tender but still firm, ensuring that they retain their structure. -
Prepare the White Sauce:
In a separate saucepan, combine the milk and corn flour. Whisk them together until there are no lumps. Add the coarsely crushed black pepper, mixed herbs, and a pinch of salt, stirring until well blended.
Place the saucepan over medium heat and stir continuously. The sauce will begin to thicken as it heats. Once thickened, add the cheese spread, stirring until the cheese has fully melted and the sauce becomes glossy and smooth. Once done, remove from heat and set aside. -
Assemble the Gratin:
Preheat your oven to 180°C (350°F) with the broiler mode on.
Grease an 8-inch by 4-inch baking dish with a small amount of olive oil. Layer the cooked cauliflower and broccoli in the dish. Pour the prepared white sauce over the vegetables and gently stir to combine, ensuring all the florets are coated.
Sprinkle the grated cheddar cheese evenly over the top of the dish. -
Bake the Au Gratin:
Place the baking dish in the preheated oven, positioning it on the top shelf. Bake for approximately 10 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and golden brown with a slightly crisped top. -
Serve:
Once baked, remove the dish from the oven. Serve the Cauliflower and Broccoli Au Gratin hot. This dish pairs wonderfully with a light vegetable clear soup and herbed garlic bread, making it a perfect choice for a special weekend dinner.
Serving Suggestions:
Serve this creamy, cheesy gratin as a main course, or pair it with a crisp salad or roasted potatoes for a complete meal. Its smooth, velvety sauce combined with the natural crunch of the vegetables makes it a crowd-pleaser for any occasion.
Enjoy the rich, comforting flavors of Cauliflower and Broccoli Au Gratin, and make your next meal a memorable one!
