Sformato di Cavolfiore

Sformato di Cavolifiori

 

A sformato is similar to a souffle but not as airy so you don’t have to worry about it falling. They almost always contain beaten eggs, and usually a white sauce.

You can make it with vegetables, like mushrooms, spinach or zucchini. I’ve had them with pasta or rice as well.

Traditionally, it is baked in a ring mold, (sformare means to unmold)  the well is filled with a stew of some kind. Chicken spazzatino would be delicious.

 

Ingredients:

  • 1 1/2 cups whole milk
  • 3 tablespoons unsalted butter
  • 2 tablespoons plus 1 teaspoon all-purpose flour, unbleached
  • Fine sea salt
  • Freshly ground black pepper
  • Pinch freshly grated nutmeg (optional)
  • 2 1/2 pounds cauliflower (before removal of leaves and core)
  • 2 large eggs
  • 1 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
  • 1/2 teaspoon fine sea salt
  • 1/4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
  • 2 tablespoons unsalted butter at room temperature
  • 1/4 cup fine  bread crumbs

Heat oven to 325*

Bechamel Sauce:

In a heavy medium saucepan, combine milk, butter and flour, bring to a boil. Reduce to a simmer, stir constantly with a wisk until sauce is very thick, about 10 minutes.
Remove from heat, season to taste with salt, pepper and nutmeg.

Macaroni & Cauliflower Soup

 

Rinse cauliflower, cut into quarters, and remove core.

 

 

Macaroni & Cauliflower (step 2)

 

Break into flowerettes and rinse in colander.

 

 

Macaroni & Cauliflower (step 3)

Put cauliflower in a large pot and cover with water, approximately 8 cups. Add the salt, bring to a boil.

Reduce heat to medium high, cook until tender. This should take about 20 minutes.

Using a food processor, pulse until cauliflower is finely chopped.

In a large bowl, beat eggs, then whisk in bechamel. Add cauliflower, cheese, salt and pepper, stirring to combine.

 

Butter a 1 1/2 – 2 quart baking dish, using all the butter and coat with bread crumbs.

 

 

Add cauliflower mixture. place on a baking sheet, bake until lightly browned and sformato is set, about 55 minutes.

Remove from oven and let set for 20 minutes if you’re planning to unmold it.

 

Run a small spatula or flat edge butter knife around the edges to loosen. Using a dinner plate or serving platter, place on top of mold and invert. I fill mine with sauteed spinach or broccolini. I enjoy having two vegetable dishes on one platter and I like the color contrast.

Fagioli al Pomodoro
Baked Artichoke Frittata