Vegan Cauliflower Gratin - No Bake
User Reviews
5
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Prep Time
10 mins
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Cook Time
25 mins
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Total Time
35 mins
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Servings
3
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Calories
212 kcal
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Course
Main Course
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Cuisine
Vegan
Vegan Cauliflower Gratin - No Bake
Description
The Vegan Cauliflower Gratin - No Bake starts with sautéed onion, garlic, and optional green chile, softened until translucent, then combined with cauliflower florets and water to steam until al dente. Adding chopped greens like chard and spinach contributes freshness and color, wilting gently into the mix. A blended cashew cream seasoned with salt, sugar, herbs, and a spice blend enhances the richness and aromatic profile of the gratin. Simmering briefly thickens the sauce to the desired consistency.
To finish, a topping of toasted breadcrumbs mixed with olive oil, garlic powder, salt, and red pepper flakes adds a crunchy contrast and a hint of heat. This method avoids baking while still delivering the comforting creamy texture and layered flavors typical of a gratin.
This dish can be served as a vegan main or a hearty side. The recipe notes suggest flavors can be adjusted with nutritional yeast for cheesiness or other seasonings depending on preference. The gratin can also be baked if desired, broadening its versatility.
Ingredients
- 1 tsp olive oil
- 1 cup onion chopped
- 6 cloves garlic finely chopped
- 1/2 green chile chopped (optional)
- 2 cups cauliflower , 2 to 3 cups small-medium florets
- 1/3 cup water
- 2 cups or more chopped greens , I use chard and spinach
- 1/4 cup cashews blend for a minute, then rest for 2 and blend again until smooth, blended with 1 cup water
- 1/2 tsp salt or more
- 1 tsp sugar optional, or maple
- 1 tsp spice blend 1 use a 1/2 tsp ground cumin + kashmiri garam masala or Baharat Spice blend, See notes, of choice
- 1 tsp herbs blend of oregano, thyme, sage, of choice
Toasted Breadcrumbs:
- 1/3 cup breadcrumbs
- 2 tsp extra virgin olive oil
- 1/4 tsp salt
- 1/4 tsp garlic powder
- 1/4 tsp red pepper flakes
Instructions
- Heat oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add onion, garlic, chile and a pinch of salt and cool until translucent. Add cauliflower, water and 1/4 tsp salt. Cover and cook for 6 to 7 minutes.
- Add greens and mix in. Cover and cook until wilted (3 mins) and cauliflower is aldente.
- Add cashew cream, salt sugar/maple, spices and herbs and mix in. Add other flavors if needed such as a 1 tbsp nutritional yeast for cheesiness, 1 tsp vegan Worcestershire sauce or soy sauce or 1/2 tsp prepared mustard or additional depth in flavor.
- Bring to a boil uncovered and simmer for another minute to thicken to preference. Taste and adjust salt and flavor, adding more salt or spices if needed. Adjust the consistency if too thick with water.
- Meanwhile make the optional breadcrumb topping. Heat breadcrumbs, olive oil, salt, garlic and pepper flakes in a small skillet over medium heat. Stir occasionally until golden and toasted. 3-4 mins.
- Sprinkle all over the cauliflower and take off heat. Serve hot.
Notes
- To bake instead of stove-top, combine sautéed aromatics, cauliflower, salt, spices, herbs, greens, and cashew cream in a baking dish and bake covered at 400°F for 20 minutes.
- After baking, add the toasted breadcrumb topping with garlic, salt, and olive oil, then bake uncovered for another 10 minutes to crisp.
- Use spice blends like Kashmiri garam masala, Baharat, Berbere, or Jamaican Curry Blend for varied flavor profiles.
- For a nut-free option, substitute pumpkin seeds blended with flour or use an alternative sauce like a vegan Alfredo.
- This recipe yields about three servings and allows adding flavor enhancers such as vegan Worcestershire sauce, mustard, or soy sauce according to taste.
Nutrition Information
Show DetailsNutrition Facts
Serving: 3Serving
Amount Per Serving
Calories 212 kcal
% Daily Value*
| Calories | 212kcal | 11% |
| Carbohydrates | 24g | 8% |
| Protein | 6g | 12% |
| Fat | 9g | 14% |
| Saturated Fat | 1g | 5% |
| Sodium | 655mg | 27% |
| Potassium | 534mg | 11% |
| Fiber | 4g | 16% |
| Sugar | 6g | 12% |
| Vitamin A | 1985IU | 40% |
| Vitamin C | 47.5mg | 53% |
| Calcium | 116mg | 12% |
| Iron | 4.4mg | 24% |
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet.
User Reviews
Overall Rating
5
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