Baked Cauliflower

1. Preheat the Oven

Preheat the oven to 200°C (395°F) and line a baking tray with baking parchment. This will prevent the cauliflower mixture from sticking to the tray and will make the clean-up easier. Set it aside.

2. Prepare the Onion

In a frying pan, heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and sauté until it becomes translucent and aromatic. This should take about 5-7 minutes. Once done, set the onions aside to cool slightly.

3. Make the Cauliflower Mixture

In a large mixing bowl, combine the grated cauliflower, 100 grams of plain flour, 1 teaspoon of baking powder, 1 teaspoon of salt, pepper to taste, 30 grams of grated Parmesan, chopped red and green peppers, and minced parsley.

4. Incorporate the Onions

Fold in the sautéed onions into the cauliflower mixture, ensuring that they are evenly distributed.

5. Prepare the Egg Mixture

In a separate bowl, whisk together 4 eggs, ½ teaspoon of salt, 4 tablespoons of milk, and 4 tablespoons of olive oil. Once combined, pour the egg mixture into the cauliflower mixture. Stir until everything is well incorporated. The batter should be thick and creamy, with no lumps remaining.

6. Transfer and Spread the Batter

Transfer the cauliflower batter to the lined baking tray. Using a spatula, spread the mixture evenly, ensuring it is evenly distributed and covers the entire surface of the tray. This will help the dish cook uniformly.

7. Initial Baking

Place the baking tray in the preheated oven and bake the cauliflower mixture for approximately 30 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and crispy. This initial baking phase helps to firm up the base of the dish and form a nice crust.

8. Add Toppings

After 30 minutes, remove the baking tray from the oven. Spread 200 grams of grated cheese, 2 tablespoons of sesame seeds, and 2 tablespoons of black cumin seeds evenly on top of the baked cauliflower.

9. Final Baking

Return the baking tray to the oven and bake for an additional 15 minutes, or until the cheese is melted, and the cauliflower is cooked through. Keep an eye on the dish to prevent it from burning.

10. Serve

Once baked, allow the dish to cool slightly before serving. Garnish with fresh parsley for a pop of colour and freshness.

Variations

This baked cauliflower recipe is highly versatile. Here are some variations to customize the dish to your liking:

Spicy Kick: For a spicier version, add a finely chopped chilli pepper or a teaspoon of chilli flakes to the mixture.

Herby Twist: Incorporate fresh herbs like thyme, rosemary, or basil for extra flavour.

Vegan Option: Replace the eggs with a flaxseed or chia seed mixture and use vegan cheese alternatives.

Serving Suggestions

As a Side Dish: Serve alongside roasted chicken, grilled fish, or a hearty steak.

Main Course: Pair it with a fresh green salad of soup for a complete meal.

Appetizer: Cut it into smaller squares and serve as an appetizer at your next gathering.

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Conclusion

This savoury baked cauliflower recipe is a must for anyone looking to create a delicious and nutritious dish. With simple ingredients and easy-to-follow instructions, you can create a masterpiece that will tantalize your taste buds and leave you wanting more. So why wait? Head to the kitchen and embark on a culinary adventure that will delight your senses and satisfy your hunger. Bon appétit!