Ingredients
- 1 bulb of cauliflower with root and leaves removed and chopped into chunks
- 1 slices of bacon chopped into little chunks ( I used Cure & Simple Pancetta bacon)
- 1/2 a leek slices thinly
- 1/2 red onion
- 4 cloves of garlic
- 1 box corn flower
- 1 jar of dijon mustard ( I used horseradish and dijon mustard from M & S)
- 125 ml whipping cream
- 125ml whole milk
- cayenne pepper
- black pepper
- sea salt
- 100g of your favourite mature cheddar
- 1 pack parmesan cheese
Instructions
Cook the bacon pieces until they render out the fat and start to brown then set aside. Place the chopped leeks and half the chopped garlic with some oil in the oven for about 10 minutes on 200C.
Place the chopped cauliflower in a pan of boiling salted water and reduce the heat to a simmer for around 10 minutes checking that it’s cooked and for this so a knife goes through the stalks with little effort but not boiled to a mush like my grandmother as we want it to keep it’s shape. When cooked, drain and set aside.
In a sauce pan add the chopped red onion and fry in a little bit of real butter for a few minutes to sweat out, add a sprinkle of sea salt, black pepper and add the remaining garlic. Continue cooking for another minute or two.
Add a tablespoon of the cornflower to the pan mixing it all in. Add a teaspoon or 2 of the mustard depending on taste mixing it in then add a small amount of whipping cream to make a rue, adding a bit more at a time to make sure there are no lumps. When the mixture is the right consistency and there are no lumps add the rest of the cream and milk and stir well and continue to heat gently. When the mixture begins to get hot add the mature cheese to the mix, stiring to melt and bring to a gooey heaven then take off the heat.
Place the cooked cauliflower in a casserole dish spreading evenly to fill the gaps. Top with the creamy cheese mixture making sure it’s evenly coated. Top with the crispy bacon and leek slithers then finely grate parmesan cheese over the top and freshly ground pepper.
Place in the pre-heated oven at around 200C for 15-20 minutes until golden and desired cooked finish.
Great accompaniment to my keto inspired wheat free herb crusted lamb rack.