Cauliflower Casserole-Fırında Karnabahar

The word “karnabahar” in Turkish literally means “spring blossoms for stomach”. I searched the dictionary further, it might also mean “flowering cabbage”. Either way it is a tasty vegetable full of vitamins and minerals. Cauliflower originated in the Mediterranean region, thus in Turkish cuisine there are many ways of serving it from salads to main dishes. This one is definitely a comfort food. Enjoy!

Ingredients:

• One small to medium cauliflower
• 1/4 cup parsley, finely chopped
• 2 eggs
• 1 cup yogurt
• ¼ cup olive oil
• 1 heaping tablespoon flour
• 1 cup Monterey Jack cheese, grated
• Salt & pepper to taste

Directions:

1. Cut cauliflower into byte size florets, wash and drain
2. Steam the cauliflower florets for about 10-12 minutes until tender. If you don’t have a steamer you can cook them in boiling in water
3. Preheat oven to 375 degrees F
4. Arrange cooked cauliflower in an oven safe casserole dish. I used a 10 inch round dish. Sprinkle salt and pepper on cauliflower.
5. Add chopped parsley over the florets
6. In a bowl mix eggs, yogurt, oil and flour with a whisk. Add salt and pepper to taste
7. Pour the mixture over the cauliflower
8. Sprinkle the grated cheese on top
9. Bake in preheated oven for about 20-30 minutes, until the top is golden brown
10. Serve hot

Notes: I save the stems of cauliflower, chop them into cauliflower rice in a food processor. This could be frozen and used later to make cauliflower pilaf.

Afiyet Olsun! Bon Appetit!