Well since writing this mornings post, which I have to confess was a little gloomy, I have brightened up no end. The sun is out, No 4 Child/Olly rang with wonderful news that he has just got a fabulous new job, No 1 Child/Simon/ rang for a chat, my Hobbs delivery is due at any moment (more clothes for work, yes I know, but hey a girl needs to look good ) and the cake is iced and ready for a special treat for Hubby. This rather boring cake, which I loath baking, but now and then have to give in and bake, as I know he loves it so much, is his favourite. Plain sponge, simple water icing and sprinkles !!! I am wasted here !!!
Now onto this lovely Cauliflower, Broccoli and Ham Bake , I love vegetables, this is no secret, I also love them baked in creamy, cheesy sauces, but as you know I do like to try and keep my diet healthy, well most of the time that is, I just wish I wasn’t so addicted to cake, but hey I digress. This dish is just perfect for me, not completely virtuous I have to confess but by using the onions and cauliflower to make the white sauce, you not only sneak in some extra vegetables, but you have a much healthier sauce that tastes just as rich and creamy as one made with cream and lots of cheese. It is also gluten free, unlike a roux based sauce, so would be a great alternative to try with a regular cauliflower cheese or macaroni cheese for people with an intolerance to wheat.
This recipe could be a great side dish but we enjoyed a huge plate of it as a great mid week supper, served with crusty bread it was just heavenly, so heavenly that as Olly didn’t eat his I had it for my lunch the following day, perfect as I was rushing home for a quick lunch break between shifts.
I love meals like this, so easy to eat, so much flavour in every mouthful and if we do happen to stray into the lounge for a TV supper, which I must say is rare, you know I love us all to sit at the table, but if I have been working until 8 I do love a slobbing on the sofa dinner, this is just the dish for the job and talking of work, my Hobbs delivery has just arrived, so I am off to try on my new clothes, lets just hope they fit after all of this lovely food.
Buon appetito
Serves 4-6
450g broccoli
900g cauliflower, divided
200g cooked ham, sliced
150g cheese, grated
For the creamy cauliflower sauce:
1 large onion
2 cloves garlic
1 tablespoon butter
1.2 L vegetable or chicken broth
175ml milk
½ teaspoon salt
Cut the onion into thin slices. Chop the garlic cloves. Melt the butter in a pan on low heat, add the onion slices and garlic and saute on low until the onions are golden and caramelized (about 20 minutes).
Bring vegetable or chicken broth to a boil. Cut half of the cauliflower (450g) into cubes and cook in broth until tender (5-7 minutes). Use the stalks and stem part of the cauliflower for the sauce and leave most of the florets whole. Reserve ½ cup of broth, drain the rest.
To make the creamy white sauce, place tender cauliflower cubes into a blender or food processor together with the caramelized onions, garlic, ½ cup of broth, milk and salt. Puree until smooth.
Preheat the oven to 400F/200C.
Divide the remaining 450g cauliflower and broccoli into rosettes. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook the cauliflower rosettes for 5 minutes. Add the broccoli rosettes and cook another 3 minutes. Drain, then place cauliflower and broccoli rosettes in a large casserole dish together with the ham slices.
Pour the creamy cauliflower sauce over top and sprinkle with shredded cheese. Bake for 20-30 minutes until cheese is melty and bubbly with a golden colour.
NOTES
There are a LOT of veggies in this casserole and they will probably weep some moisture to the bottom of the pan. If that’s too much liquid for you, you can drain it carefully.
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