Gratin of Cauliflower Tomato Pine Nuts Saffron

Elevate your mealtime with this luxurious Gratin of Cauliflower, Tomato, Pine Nuts, and Saffron, a dish that perfectly marries rustic comfort with gourmet flair. Tender cauliflower florets and juicy slices of tomato are layered with toasted pine nuts and infused with the warm, golden hue of saffron cream, creating a flavor profile that's aromatic and unforgettable. Topped with a crispy blend of Parmesan cheese, breadcrumbs, and fresh parsley, this gratin bakes to golden perfection for a delightful combination of creamy and crunchy textures. Ideal as a stunning vegetarian main course or a savory side dish, this easy-to-make recipe is both elegant and hearty. Perfect for dinner parties or cozy family meals, it's a unique way to highlight bold Mediterranean flavors with minimal effort.

Nutriscore Rating: 60/100

Prep Time:20 mins

Cook Time:35 mins

Total Time:55 mins

Servings: 4

Ingredients

• 1 head Cauliflower
• 2 medium Tomatoes
• 2 tablespoons Pine nuts
• 1 pinch Saffron threads
• 1 cup Heavy cream
• 1 cup Parmesan cheese, grated
• 1 cup Breadcrumbs
• 2 cloves Garlic, minced
• 2 tablespoons Olive oil
• 1 tablespoon Butter
• 1 teaspoon Salt
• 0.5 teaspoon Black pepper, freshly ground
• 2 tablespoons Fresh parsley, chopped

Directions

Step 1

Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).

Step 2

Cut the cauliflower into small florets and blanch them in boiling salted water for 5 minutes. Drain and set aside.

Step 3

Slice the tomatoes into thin rounds and set aside.

Step 4

In a small bowl, soak the saffron threads in 2 tablespoons of warm water to release their flavor and color. Let it sit for 5 minutes.

Step 5

In a saucepan, heat the olive oil over medium heat and sauté the minced garlic until fragrant, about 1 minute.

Step 6

Add the heavy cream to the pan and stir in the soaked saffron, including its soaking liquid. Season with salt and pepper and simmer for 3 minutes. Remove from heat.

Step 7

Butter a gratin dish and layer the bottom with half of the blanched cauliflower. Arrange half of the tomato slices over the cauliflower, then sprinkle 1 tablespoon of pine nuts on top. Repeat the layer with the remaining cauliflower, tomatoes, and pine nuts.

Step 8

Pour the saffron cream mixture evenly over the layered vegetables, ensuring it seeps through.

Step 9

In a separate bowl, mix the grated Parmesan cheese with the breadcrumbs and chopped parsley. Sprinkle this mixture evenly over the gratin.

Step 10

Dot the top with small pieces of butter for added richness.

Step 11

Place the gratin in the preheated oven and bake for 25–30 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and bubbling.

Step 12

Remove from the oven and let it cool slightly before serving. Serve warm as a main course or side dish.

Nutrition Facts

Serving size	(1351.1g)

Amount per serving	% Daily Value*
Calories	2224.4

Total Fat 163.4g	0%
Saturated Fat 77.6g	0%
Polyunsaturated Fat 9.2g
Cholesterol 352.9mg	0%
Sodium 6492.2mg	0%
Total Carbohydrate 129.1g	0%
Dietary Fiber 20.7g	0%
Total Sugars 26.7g
Protein 64.2g	0%

Vitamin D 2.2IU	0%
Calcium 1135.3mg	0%
Iron 10.0mg	0%
Potassium 2636.3mg	0%

*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.

Source of Calories

Fat: 65.5%

Protein: 11.4%

Carbs: 23.0%