Cauliflower Gratin with Goat Cheese Topping
- 1 large or 2 smaller cauliflowers (about 2 pounds), broken into florets
- 3 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
- Salt and freshly ground pepper
- 6 ounces fresh goat cheese
- 1 plump garlic clove, halved, green shoot removed
- 5 tablespoons low-fat milk
- 1 teaspoon chopped fresh thyme leaves or 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1/4 cup dry, fine breadcrumbs
- Preheat the oven to 450 degrees F. Oil a 2-quart gratin dish with olive oil.
- Place the cauliflower in a steaming basket above 1 inch boiling water.
- Cover and steam for 1 minute.
- Lift the lid and allow steam to escape for 15 seconds, then cover again and steam for 6 to 8 minutes, until the cauliflower is tender.
- Remove from the heat and refresh with cold water.
- Drain on paper towels, then transfer to the gratin dish.
- Season the cauliflower generously with salt and pepper, then toss with 2 tablespoons of the olive oil and half the thyme.
- Spread in an even layer.
- Place the garlic in a mortar and pestle with 1/4 teaspoon salt and mash to a paste.
- Combine with the goat cheese and milk in a food processor fitted with the steel blade and blend until smooth.
- Add the remaining thyme and freshly ground pepper to taste, and pulse together.
- Spread this mixture over the cauliflower in an even layer.
- Just before baking, sprinkle on the breadcrumbs and drizzle on the remaining tablespoon of olive oil.
- Bake 15 to 20 minutes, until the top is lightly browned and the dish is sizzling.
- Serve at once.
cauliflowers, extra virgin olive oil, salt, goat cheese, garlic, lowfat milk, thyme, breadcrumbs
Taken from cooking.nytimes.com/recipes/1016526 (may not work)