Italian-Style Whole Cauliflower

Submitted by Andtototoo

"Makes for a nice presentation!"

 

• Ready In: 1hr
• Ingredients: 4
• Yields: 1 cauliflower
• Serves: 6

ingredients

• 1 cauliflower
• 1 -2 cup marinara sauce
• 1 -2 cup mozzarella cheese
• salt, as needed

directions

1. Take one large cauliflower (or 2 small ones) and cut off the bottom a bit so that it will lay flat.
2. Remove excess leaves.
3. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and add the cauliflower. Place a luncheon plate over the top to keep the cauliflower submerged. Reduce heat slightly and boil for about 15 minutes until tender.
4. Remove the cauliflower from the water and let it sit out until cool enough to handle.
5. If not using at once, pat the cauliflower dry, cover with plastic and refrigerate until it is needed.
6. When you are ready to cook the cauliflower, preheat the oven to 350 degrees.
7. Put the cauliflower on a greased baking sheet (or you can also use something like a 9 x 13" cake pan).
8. Sprinkle a little salt on the cauliflower if desired. Spoon the marinara sauce over the top.
9. Bake the cauliflower until hot, about 25-30 minutes. Sprinkle the top with mozzarella (or even Parmesan) cheese. Bake just until the cheese melts.
10. To serve, cut into wedges.
11. Variations: Almost any sauce would work in place of the marinara sauce. Alfredo sauce would be great! Many children would like a cheese or a nacho sauce. An Indian curry sauce would be very good.
12. Note: Instead of boiling the cauliflower, I have also placed it in the slow cooker with about 1/2 cup of water. Cook until tender, but be careful not to over cook.