Whole wheat pasta with cauliflower and bacon gratin or baked pasta with cauliflower and bacon is creamy without béchamel.
Two protein sources
In this dish, there are two protein sources: bacon and cheese.
Not all dietary plans include the combination of multiple protein sources.
I manage it by halving the quantities of individual protein sources:
– half the amount compared to what is indicated on the dietary plan of bacon;
– half the amount compared to what is indicated on the dietary plan of cheese;
per serving.
Or I reduce the amount of bacon and add cheese as needed for gratinating.
Whole wheat pasta with cauliflower and bacon gratin constitutes a complete meal as it combines the characteristics of a balanced meal into a single dish.
- Difficulty: Easy
- Cost: Cheap
- Preparation time: 20 Minutes
- Portions: 2 People
- Cooking methods: Boiling, Electric Oven
- Cuisine: Italian
Ingredients
- 5.6 oz whole wheat fusilli
- 7 oz cauliflower, cooked, boiled
- 1 pinch nutmeg
- 1 pinch mixed peppercorns (with grinder)
- as needed lemon juice
- bacon
- as needed chopped parsley
- slices cheese (soft cheese)
- grated cheese (Grana or Parmesan)
As for the bacon, ask for a couple of thick slices if you prefer to cut it into cubes or strips, or thinner slices if you prefer to shred it.
Suggested Tools
- 1 Food Processor or Mixer
- 1 Knife
- 1 Bowl or Salad Bowl
- 1 Baking Dish oven-safe
- 1 Cutting Board
Preparation
Cut the cauliflower into florets and wash them thoroughly under running water.
In a pot, bring salted water to a boil.
Add the cauliflower florets and a pinch of baking soda and cook for about 20 minutes until they are tender but crispy enough.Using a slotted spoon, gently remove the cauliflower florets and transfer them to a container.
Once the boiled cauliflower florets are ready, weigh about 7 oz.
Pour into the mixer:
• the boiled cauliflower florets;
• a pinch of nutmeg;
• a pinch of pepper;
• lemon juice as needed to obtain a smooth, lump-free cream;
and blend.Place the bacon slices on a cutting board and use a knife to remove the rind and all the fat.
If the slices are thick, cut them into cubes or strips.
If the slices are thin, shred them.Cook the pasta very al dente [it will be baked in the oven], rinse it under cold water, and drain it.
I cooked it exactly half the time indicated on the package.In a large bowl or salad bowl, pour:
• the pasta;
• the cauliflower cream;
• the bacon;
add the parsley and mix gently to blend the ingredients evenly.Prepare a baking dish.
Pour the cauliflower and bacon pasta into the dish.Cover the cauliflower and bacon pasta with slices of soft cheese.
Finish with a sprinkle of grated cheese.
Grind some pepperBriefly preheat the oven.
Bake at 356°F (180°C) in a fan oven for 15-20 minutes until a crispy crust forms on the surface.Plate it.
Your whole wheat pasta with cauliflower and bacon gratin is ready.
Enjoy your meal!
Notes
Notes
FAQ (Frequently Asked Questions)
How to replace white cauliflower?
You can use other varieties of cauliflower or broccoli.
How to replace bacon?
You can use bresaola, cooked ham, or prosciutto ham.
