Cauliflower and Cheese Bake
Ingredients: (Serves 4)
2 cups cauliflower florets (around 1/2 inch),
1 1/2 cups paneer (cottage cheese); cut into 1/2 inch cubes,
1 tbsp butter,
1/2 cup grated Mozzarella, Cheddar or any processed cheese,
Salt and pepper to taste.
For white sauce-
2 tbsp butter,
4 tbsp all purpose flour (maida),
3 cups milk,
Salt and pepper to taste,
1 tsp red chilli flakes,
1/2 tsp dried oregano and thyme (ground),
1/2 tsp mustard paste.
Method:
Preheat the oven at 350 D F (175 D C) for few minutes.
Marinate the paneer cubes with some salt and pepper until you prepare the rest. Boil the cauliflower florets in little water for 2-3 minutes. Do not overcook, the cauliflower should be frim and crisp. Drain. Melt a tbsp of butter in a pan and add drained cauliflower to it. Saute till it turns golden brown. Season with salt and pepper. Meanwhile to prepare sauce melt butter in another pan. Add flour and roast on low flame for few minutes. Grease an ovenproof baking dish. When cauliflower is light brown remove from flame and transfer to the greased baking dish, spread well. Then spread a layer of paneer. Add chilli flakes, salt, pepper and oregano to the flour, cook for 2 minutes and then gradually add milk by stirring continuously to avoid lumps. Keep stirring till the sauce thickens but is of pouring consistency. Pour this sauce over the paneer layer. Spread evenly. Sprinkle some salt and pepper on it and lastly sprinkle cheese. Place the dish into the oven and bake at 350 D F (175 D C) for 3-4 minutes or till cheese melts. Serve hot in portions along with garlic bread (with cheese :))
