Creamy Cauliflower Mushroom Gratin is a delicious and hearty dish that brings together the earthy flavors of cauliflower and mushrooms, all wrapped in a rich, cheesy sauce. This vegetarian dish makes a perfect side for a holiday meal, a weeknight dinner, or even a potluck gathering. With ingredients like Greek yogurt and cheese, it offers a comforting texture while keeping things light and nutritious. It’s simple to prepare and packs plenty of flavor with every bite.

Full Recipe:

Ingredients:

• 1 cauliflower (large, broken into florets)
• Olive oil, for roasting
• Butter: 45 g (divided: 30 g for cooking and 15 g for finishing)
• Salt, to taste
• Black pepper, to taste
• 1 onion, chopped
• 400 g mushrooms, sliced
• 100 g cheese, grated (cheddar, parmesan, or any of your choice)
• 2 tablespoons Greek yogurt
• A sprig of parsley, chopped (for garnish)

Step-by-Step Instructions:

1. Prepare the Cauliflower:

• Preheat your oven to 200°C (390°F).
• Cut the cauliflower into florets and toss them in olive oil, salt, and pepper to taste. Spread them evenly on a baking sheet.
• Roast in the oven for 25-30 minutes until golden and slightly crispy. Remove and set aside.

2. Sauté the Mushrooms and Onion:

• While the cauliflower is roasting, heat 30 g of butter in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the chopped onions and cook until soft and translucent, about 5-7 minutes.
• Add the sliced mushrooms and sauté until they release their moisture and begin to brown, around 5-8 minutes. Season with salt and pepper to taste.

3. Make the Cheese Sauce:

• In the same skillet with the mushrooms and onions, add the remaining 15 g of butter and stir in the grated cheese. Stir continuously over low heat until the cheese melts and combines with the butter.
• Once melted, remove the skillet from heat and stir in the Greek yogurt to add a creamy texture. Adjust seasoning if needed.

4. Assemble the Gratin:

• In a large baking dish, arrange the roasted cauliflower florets at the bottom.
• Pour the cheesy mushroom and onion mixture over the top, spreading it evenly to cover the cauliflower.
• Optionally, sprinkle some extra cheese on top for a more golden crust.

5. Bake:

• Preheat your oven to 220°C (430°F) if it has cooled down.
• Place the gratin in the oven and bake for about 15-20 minutes until the top is bubbly and golden brown.

6. Garnish and Serve:

• Remove the gratin from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes. Garnish with freshly chopped parsley before serving.

Cooking Tips:

• Roasting the cauliflower gives it a deeper flavor and a crisp texture. If you’re short on time, you can steam the cauliflower, but roasting enhances the dish significantly.
• Cheese selection: You can use any cheese that melts well, like cheddar, gouda, or mozzarella. For a sharper taste, use parmesan or aged cheddar.
• Butter and oil balance: The butter adds richness, but if you prefer a lighter option, you can reduce the butter and use more olive oil.
• Mushroom options: Button mushrooms work well, but for a deeper, more robust flavor, try using a mix of mushrooms such as cremini, portobello, or shiitake.

Storage:

• Refrigeration: Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, bake at 180°C (350°F) until warmed through or use a microwave.
• Freezing: You can freeze the cooked gratin in an airtight container for up to 2 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight and reheat in the oven before serving.

Nutritional Facts (Per Serving):

• Calories: 260 kcal
• Protein: 12 g
• Fat: 18 g
• Carbohydrates: 15 g
• Fiber: 5 g
• Sugars: 4 g
• Sodium: 400 mg

FAQs:

1. Can I use frozen cauliflower?
Yes, you can use frozen cauliflower if fresh isn’t available. Just ensure it is fully thawed and patted dry before roasting to prevent it from becoming too watery.

2. What other vegetables can I add?
Feel free to add other roasted vegetables such as broccoli, carrots, or zucchini. They will add even more texture and flavor to the gratin.

3. Can I make this dish vegan?
Absolutely! Swap the butter with olive oil, the cheese with a dairy-free cheese, and the Greek yogurt with a vegan yogurt or coconut cream to maintain the creaminess.

4. What can I serve with this gratin?
This dish pairs well with a light green salad, grilled chicken, or roasted fish. It can also be enjoyed on its own for a satisfying vegetarian meal.

5. Can I prepare the gratin in advance?
Yes! You can assemble the dish a few hours ahead of time and keep it in the fridge until you’re ready to bake. Just add an extra 5-10 minutes to the baking time if the dish is cold when it goes into the oven.

Conclusion:

Creamy Cauliflower Mushroom Gratin is a flavorful, nutritious, and easy-to-make dish that can complement a wide variety of meals or stand alone as a satisfying vegetarian option. The combination of roasted cauliflower, rich cheese, earthy mushrooms, and a touch of Greek yogurt gives it a balanced and comforting texture. With its easy preparation and versatile ingredients, it’s a go-to recipe for both casual dinners and special occasions. Enjoy it fresh out of the oven, and don’t forget to garnish it with fresh herbs for that final touch!