This cauliflower and broccoli cheese is an easy, meat-free meal that tastes delicious. You can use any type of cheese you like, and leftovers from the fridge work fine.
This recipe serves 2 people and is budget-friendly.
Ingredients
½ medium cauliflower (about 400g / 14oz)
½ head broccoli (about 175g / 6oz)
30g / 1oz butter
30g plain flour
400ml / 14fl oz milk
50g / 1¾oz mature cheddar, finely grated
Salt and black pepper
2 slices bread with butter, to serve (optional)
Method
Fill a large saucepan with water about one-third full.Put a lid on and heat until the water boils.
Cut the cauliflower and broccoli into florets, making them roughly the same size. Slice the stems thinly if you like, to avoid waste.
Add the vegetables (including sliced stems) to the boiling water. Reduce the heat and simmer, covered, for about 4 minutes, until tender when pierced with a knife.
Meanwhile, melt the butter in a medium pan over low heat.Add the flour and cook for a few seconds while stirring.
Gradually add the milk, a little at a time, stirring constantly until smooth. Simmer gently for 1 minute.
Add half the grated cheese to the sauce and stir for 1 more minute until melted. Add a little extra milk if the sauce is too thick. Season with salt and pepper.
Drain the vegetables and place them in a shallow ovenproof dish. Pour the cheese sauce over them.
Sprinkle the remaining cheese on top and place under a hot grill for 2–3 minutes until lightly browned.
If you don’t have a grill, you can serve immediately with the cheese sprinkled on top. Serve with buttered bread if you like.