1 small cauliflower (1kg)
2 1/2 cups (625ml) milk
50 g butter
1/4 cup (35g) plain flour
1 1/2 cups (180g) coarsely grated cheddar
pinch freshly grated nutmeg
2 tablespoons coarsely chopped fresh flat-leaf parsley
50 mins preparation
Preheat oven to 200°C/180°C fan.
Cut the leaves and large stem from the cauliflower and throw them away. Break the cauliflower into florets. Place the cauliflower in a large microwave-safe bowl, cover the bowl with plastic wrap. Microwave on HIGH (100%) for about 9 minutes or until the cauliflower is tender when tested with a fork or skewer.
Place milk in a small microwave-safe jug; heat in the microwave on HIGH (100%) for about 30 seconds or until hot.
Meanwhile, heat the butter in a medium saucepan on the stove over medium heat until melted.
Add the flour; stir with a wooden spoon until the mixture becomes a smooth paste.
Pour the hot milk in slowly, a little at a time, and stir until the mixture is smooth before adding more milk.
Stir the mixture over medium to high heat until it boils and becomes thick.
Take the pan off the heat and add ½ cup of the cheese; stir the sauce until it is smooth.
Add the nutmeg and season to taste with salt and pepper.
Place the cauliflower in a 1.25 litre (5 cup) dish; pour the cheese sauce over the cauliflower and sprinkle with the remaining cheese. Place the dish on an oven tray.
Place the tray in the oven; bake for about 30 minutes or until golden.
Stand for 10 minutes before sprinkling with parsley to serve.