Global
Cauliflower Mac & Cheese
Cauliflower florets take the place of most of the pasta in a lighter, veg-forward mac and cheese bake.
~50 mintotal~497 kcalper serving~24g protein~52g carbs~23g fat
Estimated. Worked out from the ingredients using the UK food composition tables, so treat it as a guide rather than a measurement. A typical recipe lands within about a quarter of the true figure. Makes about 3.
Ingredients
- 1 cauliflower, in florets
- 150g wholemeal macaroni
- 1 cup grated cheddar
- 1 cup milk
- 2 tbsp wholemeal flour
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tsp mustard
- Salt & pepper
Cooking Steps
Steam the cauliflower until just tender.
Cook the macaroni per the packet.
Make a light sauce: cook the flour in olive oil, whisk in milk to thicken, then stir in the cheese and mustard.
Fold in the cauliflower and pasta, season, and bake at 200°C (400°F) for 15 minutes.
Optional Enhancements
- Add broccoli too
- Dairy-free cheese and milk
- Top with a few breadcrumbs
Plant & Growing Tips
Cauliflower
- Plant cauliflower in a cool season, either spring or fall, providing consistent moisture and rich, well-draining soil.
- Blanch the heads by tying outer leaves over them when they are about the size of a chicken egg to prevent discoloration and maintain tenderness.
- Space plants 18-24 inches apart in rows, allowing ample room for head development.
Natural Pest Control
- Monitor cauliflower for cabbage worms and remove them by hand or use Bacillus thuringiensis (Bt) spray.
- Use floating row covers from planting until harvest to protect plants from cabbage moths and other flying pests.
- Practice crop rotation to prevent soil-borne diseases and pest buildup specific to brassicas.
Harvest
Cauliflower
- Harvest cauliflower when the head is firm, white, and 6-8 inches in diameter, before florets begin to separate.
- Cut the main stem below the head, leaving a few wrapper leaves attached to protect it.
Storing & Freezing
Fridge up to 3 days.
