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I remember the first time I tried cauliflower steaks. Honestly? I was skeptical. Cauliflower, in my mind, was that bland, often soggy side dish my grandma used to make. But my friend Liam, ever the adventurous foodie, insisted I give it a try at his favourite vegan restaurant. "It's not your grandma's cauliflower," he promised. He wasn't wrong. That night, I had cauliflower steaks that were beautifully seared, tender, and bursting with flavor. It was a revelation. The way they coaxed flavor of out that simple veggie! I knew I had to recreate the magic at home and share it with all of you. This Maasdam and pear version takes inspiration from that initial spark, adding a touch of sophistication with creamy, nutty cheese and sweet, juicy fruit. I think you will enjoy it.
Cauliflower is so underrated, don't you think? It's like the chameleon of the vegetable world, adapting to whatever flavors you throw its way. Roasting it brings out its natural sweetness, while grilling gives it a lovely smoky char. And in this recipe, where we're creating 'steaks,' it's all about that gorgeous sear and tender interior. The pears offer a counterpoint to the earthiness of the cauliflower and the richness of the Maasdam. Trust me, the combination is divine! My partner? He never liked cauliflower before! Now, it's one of his favorites. Maybe you'll be inspired to try this and have it become one of your favorites too!
Required Equipments
- Cutting Board
- Sharp Knife
- Mixing Bowl
- Whisk
- Oven-Safe Skillet (or Baking Sheet)
Maasdam and Pear Cauliflower Steaks: Frequently Asked Questions
Maasdam and Pear Cauliflower Steaks
Transform humble cauliflower into a gourmet delight with these Maasdam and Pear Cauliflower Steaks! This recipe combines the subtle nuttiness of cauliflower, the creamy sweetness of Maasdam cheese, and the refreshing tang of ripe pears for a dish that's both satisfying and elegant.
⏳ Yield & Time
Yield: 2 servings
Preparation Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 22 minutes
Total Time:
🍽 Ingredients
📖 Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). This is super importaint! A preheated oven ensures even cooking and helps the cauliflower develop a nice sear.
- Prepare the cauliflower: Remove the outer leaves of the cauliflower and trim the stem so it can stand upright on a cutting board. Carefully slice two 1-inch thick 'steaks' from the center of the cauliflower. Don't fret if the outer pieces crumble a bit; you can roast those separately!
- Season the cauliflower steaks: In a small bowl, whisk together 2 tablespoons of olive oil, 1/2 teaspoon of salt, 1/4 teaspoon of black pepper, and a pinch of nutmeg. Brush this mixture generously over both sides of the cauliflower steaks. This will create a flavourful crust as they cook.
- Sear the cauliflower steaks (Optional, but recommended): Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a large, oven-safe skillet over medium-high heat. Sear the cauliflower steaks for 2-3 minutes per side, until golden brown. This step adds a beautiful color and enhances the flavor, but you can skip it if you're short on time.
- Transfer to the oven: Place the skillet (or transfer the seared steaks to a baking sheet if your skillet isn't oven-safe) into the preheated oven. Roast for 15 minutes.
- Add the cheese and pears: Remove the skillet from the oven. Top each cauliflower steak with slices of Maasdam cheese and thinly sliced pear. We're talking about 1/4 inch slices or so!
- Bake again: Return the skillet to the oven and bake for another 5-7 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly and the pears are slightly softened. Keep a close watch to prevent burning!
- Garnish and serve: Remove the skillet from the oven and let the cauliflower steaks cool slightly. Garnish with fresh thyme sprigs and a drizzle of balsamic glaze (optional). Serve immediately and enjoy! I have found that using a microplane on some parmesan or other hard cheese as a garnish to add an extra layer of flavor is a good choice.
📝 Notes
- For a vegan version, substitute the Maasdam cheese with a plant-based cheese alternative.
- Add a sprinkle of chopped walnuts or pecans for extra crunch.
- Experiment with different types of pears, such as Bosc or Anjou.
🍎 Nutrition
Calories: 350 kcal
Protein: 15 g
Fat: 22 g
Carbohydrates: 25 g
Fiber: 8 g
Calcium: 200 mg
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