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Roasted cauliflower cheese pies

Name: Roasted cauliflower cheese pies
Prep time: 35 min
Cook time: 40 min
Total time: 1 h 15 min
Yield: Makes 2 pies (each serves 2)
Ingredients: 700ml semi-skimmed milk; 1 bay leaf; ½ onion, chopped; 1 cauliflower (about 900g), broken into florets; 6 garlic cloves, unpeeled and lightly bashed; 2 tbsp olive oil; 60g unsalted butter; 60g plain flour; 150g mature cheddar, grated; 30g parmesan or vegetarian alternative, finely grated; ½ tsp cayenne pepper; 320g sheet ready-rolled puff pastry; 1 medium free-range egg, lightly beaten; You’ll also need; 2 x deep 16cm pie tins or skillets

By: Troy Willis

Published: 8 Mar 21
Updated: 18 Mar 24

The ultimate in comfort food, this recipe sees burnished cauliflower cheese topped with golden puff-pastry to make individual pies. They’re irresistible after a brisk weekend walk.

Or, how about this rib-sticking kale, chestnut and mushroom pie? It’s a delicious vegetarian winter warmer.

Easy
March 2021

Test kitchen approved

Makes 2 pies (each serves 2)
Hands-on time 35 min, oven time 30-40 min, plus infusing and cooling

The ultimate in comfort food, this recipe sees burnished cauliflower cheese topped with golden puff-pastry to make individual pies. They’re irresistible after a brisk weekend walk.

Or, how about this rib-sticking kale, chestnut and mushroom pie? It’s a delicious vegetarian winter warmer.

Vegetarian recipes

Nutrition: per serving

Calories: 992kcals
Fat: 65.2g (33.4g saturated)
Protein: 33.5g
Carbohydrates: 63.7g (16.9g sugars)
Fibre: 8.1g
Salt: 1.9g

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Ingredients

700ml semi-skimmed milk
1 bay leaf
½ onion, chopped
1 cauliflower (about 900g), broken into florets
6 garlic cloves, unpeeled and lightly bashed
2 tbsp olive oil
60g unsalted butter
60g plain flour
150g mature cheddar, grated
30g parmesan or vegetarian alternative, finely grated
½ tsp cayenne pepper
320g sheet ready-rolled puff pastry
1 medium free-range egg, lightly beaten

You’ll also need

2 x deep 16cm pie tins or skillets

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Method

Heat the milk in a small pan until just simmering. Add the bay and onion, then remove from the heat and set aside for 30 minutes to infuse.
Meanwhile, heat the oven to 200°C/180°C fan/gas 6. Put the cauliflower and garlic on a large roasting tray, season well with salt and pepper, then toss with the oil to coat. Roast for 15 minutes or until golden. Divide the cauliflower between the 2 tins/skillets and set aside. Squeeze the garlic from the skins and set aside (discard skins).
Melt the butter in a pan over a medium heat, add the flour and whisk to form a smooth paste.

Strain the infused milk into a jug (discard the solids), then gradually add to the pan, whisking for 3-4 minutes until thick. Remove from the heat, whisk in the garlic, cheeses and cayenne, then taste and season. Pour the cheese sauce evenly over the cauliflower and set aside to cool.
Unroll the pastry, cut 2 circles from it to fit the tins/skillets, then use your hands to roll the trimmings into 2 thin 50cm lengths. Brush the edge of each tin/skillet with beaten egg, then attach the trimmings. Brush these with beaten egg and put the lids on top, pressing down the edges to seal. Lightly score each lid with a knife to decorate and cut a slit in each one to let the steam escape (see Make Ahead). Bake the pies for 30-40 minutes until golden and crisp, then remove from the oven and serve.

Recipe from March 2021 Issue

Nutrition

Nutrition: per serving

Calories: 992kcals
Fat: 65.2g (33.4g saturated)
Protein: 33.5g
Carbohydrates: 63.7g (16.9g sugars)
Fibre: 8.1g
Salt: 1.9g

delicious. tips

Assemble the pies up to a day in advance, then cover and chill – add 10-15 minutes to the cooking time. Cover with foil if browning too quickly in the oven.