Cauliflower, Pasta and Cheese Gratin

[Guest guest]

My (not totally veg family) loves this recipe! Made it last night

in fact.

Jann

 

Cauliflower, Pasta and Cheese Gratin (from Cooking Light)

8 cups water

6 cups cauliflower florets (about 1 1/2 pounds)

3/4 teaspoon salt, divided

8 ounces uncooked small seashell pasta

1/4 cup all-purpose flour (I used whole wheat)

3 cups 1% low-fat milk

2 teaspoons chopped fresh or 3/4 teaspoon dried thyme (I also add

dill)

3 garlic cloves, crushed

1 cup (4 ounces) shredded reduced-fat sharp cheddar cheese (I add a

mixture, depending on what I have on hand)

1/2 cup (2 ounces) grated fresh Parmesan cheese

3/4 cup finely chopped green onions (I left these out)

2 teaspoons Dijon mustard (or more)

1/4 teaspoon black pepper

2 (1-ounce) slices white bread (I used prepared bread crumbs)

2 teaspoons butter, melted (plus garlic powder and dill for topping)

(I also threw in a handful of frozen peas, adds a little color)

 

Preheat oven to 400°.

Bring water to a boil in a large saucepan; add cauliflower and 1/2

teaspoon salt to boiling water, and cook 4 minutes or until tender.

Remove cauliflower with a slotted spoon, reserving cooking liquid;

set cauliflower aside. Bring cooking liquid to a rolling boil. Add

pasta, and cook 7 minutes or until al dente; drain and set aside.

Lightly spoon flour into a dry measuring cup, and level with a knife.

Combine flour and milk in a saucepan, stirring well with a whisk.

Stir in thyme and garlic; cook over medium heat until thick (about 8

minutes), stirring constantly. Remove from heat; stir in 1/4 teaspoon

salt, cheeses, onions, mustard, and pepper. Combine cauliflower,

pasta, and cheese sauce in a large bowl. Spoon the cauliflower

mixture into a 13 x 9-inch baking dish. Place bread in food

processor; pulse 10 times or until coarse crumbs form to measure 1

cup. Combine breadcrumbs with butter; sprinkle evenly over

cauliflower mixture. Bake at 400° for 20 minutes or until lightly

browned.

 

Yield: 6 servings (serving size: 1 1/2 cups)