Garam Masala Cauliflower Cheese

These have been in quite an abundance recently, especially with our wet summer.

Brassicas are one crop that should be happy with our wet summer and these have been making regular appearances in the kitchen but what to do with the beauties?  So I hit the cookery books for some inspiration and added a twist to this old favourite.

It's truly delicious and has become a firm favourite in our home.


Garam Masala Cauliflower Cheese

(your kitchen will smell amazing!)

Ingredients:
Block of cheese (about 200g)
1 cauliflower
Few rashes of bacon (optional)
Full fat milk/single cream (cream makes the sauce thicker)
Butter
Flour
Onion
Garam Masala
Turmeric
Bit of chilli powder (optional - if you like it spicy)
Breadcrumbs (optional)

1. Chop your cauliflower and grill two or three pieces of bacon.
2. In a medium saucepan start the sauce by adding a little butter (or marg for lactose intollerance).  Once the butter starts to melt whisk it in to the flour so it is all mixed together.  Start by adding the milk or cream little by little and whisking in really well.  When the bottom of your pan is about covered you can add bigger splashes of milk or cream mixing in well.  Simmer for half an hour or so until the sauce looks thick and creamy.
3. Once the sauce is thick season it with your chosen spices and add half of your block of cheese (grated) into the sauce mixing in slowly until combined.  Once all the milk and cheese has combined and is becoming a nice thick sauce it is ready.  When you think its nearly ready check the spices are exactly to your liking and if you want more of a bite add a little bit (or a lot) of chilli powder to taste.
4. Put everything into an oven dish and grate lots of cheese over the top so that it will brown nicely. (or if you want a crunchy, cheesy top mix some breadcrumbs with the cheese before putting the cheese on your dish).
5.  Place in an oven - about gas mark 5 / 180 degrees until nicely browned.