Cheesy Cauliflower with Mushrooms and Caramelized Onions

Cheesy Cauliflower with Mushrooms and Caramelized Onions

Ingredients (serves 6 as a main, 8 as a side):

Vegetables:

6-8 cups water

2 Tablespoons kosher salt

1 large head of cauliflower, broken into large florets

1 Tablespoon margarine (I’m using Earth Balance)

1 white onion, cut in half and then thinly sliced into half moons

8 ounces mushrooms, sliced

Sauce:

2 Tablespoons margarine

¼ cup flour

3 cups reduced fat milk

1-2 teaspoons English or stone ground mustard

1 cup shredded gruyere or Swiss cheese

1 cup shredded low fat sharp cheddar cheese

¼ cup grated parmesan (optional, but tasty)

¼ cup white wine

Salt and pepper to taste

Topping:

3 pieces of bread, lightly toasted (I’m using a light sourdough)

Butter flavored cooking spray

Directions: Preheat oven to 350 degrees F. Spray a large baking dish (maybe 9 by 13) with cooking spray and set aside.

Put the water and kosher salt in a large pot (a 5 quart Dutch oven works great) and bring to a boil. Add the cauliflower and cook 6 minutes until just beginning to get tender, but still firm. Drain the cauliflower in a colander and ditch the water. Put the cauliflower in a large mixing bowl.

Put the pot back on the burner and add 1 Tablespoon of margarine on medium low heat. When the margarine melts, add the sliced onions and cook for 1 minute or until deep golden. Add the mushrooms and cook another 5 minutes. Remove from the heat and add to the bowl with the cauliflower.  

To make the sauce, put the pot back on the burner and melt 2 Tablespoons margarine over medium heat. Add the flour and stir for about a minute. Slowly whisk in the milk. Bring up to medium high heat and cook, stirring often, until the mixture just starts to thicken.

Add the mustard and then add the cheese a bit at a time, whisking each addition of cheese until it melts. Whisk in the wine and then pour the cheese mixture over the cauliflower, onions and mushrooms. Taste and add salt and pepper to taste. Pour into the prepared baking dish.

Crumble the toast on top, spray with butter flavored cooking spray and bake for 35-40 minutes or until the sides are bubbly and the top is light gold.