Cauliflower

Available from Charles Attard's Fruit & Vegetable counter at Arkadia Foodstore Gozo

Cauliflower is a modified form of cabbage which grows within the mustard family, and it is believed to have originated from Cyprus. It is an excellent source of vitamins C and K, and it can either be eaten raw or cooked. Most of us would be familiar with the white cauliflower, however, orange, purple, green, and brown variations also exist.

Recipe: Cauliflower Bake

Time: 1 hour
Servings: 8

Ingredients:

• 2 small cauliflower heads, chopped into florets
• 2 tbsp butter
• 3 garlic cloves, minced
• 3 tbsp all-purpose flour
• 2 cups whole milk
• 56g cream cheese
• 1 ½ cup cheddar, shredded
• Salt and ground black pepper
• 6 slices bacon, cooked and crumbled
• ¼ cup green onions, sliced

A wide variety of quality ingredients for our recipes are available from Arkadia supermarkets in Malta and Gozo, including Arkadia FoodExpress Swatar and Arkadia Food Market Valletta.

Method:

1. Preheat the oven to 175 degrees Celsius.

2. Fill a large pot with water, add a pinch of salt and boil. Blanch* the cauliflower for 3 minutes and drain from water.

3. To make the cheese sauce: Melt the butter in a large skillet. Add the garlic and cook for a minute before adding the flour. Stir for 2 minutes, add the milk, and bring to a low simmer. Add the cream cheese and whisk until combined. Remove from the heat and stir in 1 cup of cheddar until melted. Season with salt and pepper.

4. Place the cauliflower in a 9 x 13-inch dish. Pour over the cheese sauce and stir to combine.

5. Stir in the bacon and the green onions, leaving some for topping.

6. Top with the remaining cheddar, bacon, and green onions. Bake for 30 minutes until the cheese is melted.

* To blanch the cauliflower, place it in boiling water for 3 minutes. Then, plunge it in a bowl of iced water before draining.

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