Herb-Infused Cauliflower and Cheese Savory Cake
This Herb-Infused Cauliflower and Cheese Savory Cake is a delightful fusion of flavors that elevate the humble cauliflower into a cheesy, herbaceous feast. Its light texture and rich taste make it perfect for a light lunch or an indulgent snack. Served warm or at room temperature, this dish offers a unique combination of mature cheeses, aromatic herbs, and tender cauliflower, providing a sophisticated, yet comforting meal. Inspired by a Yotam Ottolenghi classic, this version substitutes Parmesan with a blend of mature Cheddar and Red Leicester, adding depth and richness. Even the most discerning palates won't detect the cauliflower, making it a hit with picky eaters and enthusiastic foodies alike.
N/A
Servings
N/A
Calories
14
Ingredients
Ingredients
cauliflower
1 head (broken into florets)
red onion
1 medium (peeled)
olive oil
85 g (none)
rosemary
1/2 teaspoon (finely chopped)
eggs
8 medium (whisked)
basil
15 g (chopped)
plain flour
150 g (sifted)
baking powder
2 1/2 teaspoons (none)
ground turmeric
1/2 teaspoon (none)
grated mature cheese
200 g (none)
salt
variable (none)
black pepper
variable (freshly ground)
melted butter
variable (for greasing)
black onion seeds or sesame seeds
2 teaspoons (optional)
Instructions
1
Preheat your oven to 180°C (350°F) or gas mark 4.
2
Break the cauliflower into medium-sized florets. Place them in a saucepan, add a teaspoon of salt, cover with water, and boil for 15 minutes until they're very tender.
3
Drain the cauliflower thoroughly in a colander and allow it to dry out completely.
4
Slice a few rings from the red onion, about 5mm wide, and reserve these for decorating the cake. Finely chop the remaining onion.
5
Warm the olive oil in a frying pan over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and rosemary, and sauté for about 8 minutes until the onion softens.
6
Take the pan off the heat and allow the mixture to cool slightly.
7
In a large mixing bowl, whisk the eggs until well blended. Incorporate the basil and then add this to the cooled onion and rosemary mixture.
8
In another large bowl, sift together the flour, baking powder, and turmeric. Stir in the grated cheese, 1 1/2 teaspoons of salt, and a generous amount of freshly ground black pepper.
9
Combine the egg mixture with the dry ingredients, whisking to remove any lumps.
10
Gently fold in the cauliflower, maintaining some florets intact while breaking others slightly.
11
Prepare two 20 cm round cake tins with loose bases by lining them with baking parchment. Brush the sides with melted butter if needed to ensure non-stickiness, especially if using seeds.
12
If using sesame or black onion seeds, sprinkle them on the buttered sides to adhere.
13
Divide the cauliflower batter between the two tins, smoothing the tops. Place the reserved onion rings on top for decoration.
14
Position the tins on the center rack of your oven and bake for 45 minutes, or until the cakes are a rich golden brown and a fork inserted in the center comes out clean.
15
Let the cakes cool slightly in their tins before transferring to a wire rack to cool fully. Serve warm or at room temperature.
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Herb-Infused Cauliflower and Cheese Savory Cake?
It is a savory cake that fuses tender cauliflower with mature cheeses and aromatic herbs, offering a light texture and rich flavor.
Is this recipe suitable for vegetarians?
Yes, this recipe is vegetarian as it uses cauliflower, cheese, eggs, and herbs.
Who inspired this cauliflower cake recipe?
This version is inspired by a classic recipe from Yotam Ottolenghi.
What cheeses are used in this version of the cake?
This recipe substitutes Parmesan with a blend of mature Cheddar and Red Leicester for added depth and richness.
What temperature should the oven be set to?
Preheat your oven to 180°C (350°F) or gas mark 4.
How long should the cauliflower be boiled?
Boil the cauliflower florets in salted water for 15 minutes until they are very tender.
How should I prepare the red onion for the cake?
Slice a few 5mm rings to reserve for decoration, then finely chop the remaining onion to be sautéed.
How long do I need to sauté the onion and rosemary?
Warm the olive oil and sauté the chopped onion and rosemary for about 8 minutes until softened.
How many eggs are required for this recipe?
You will need 8 medium eggs, which should be whisked before adding to the mixture.
Which fresh herbs are included in the batter?
The recipe includes 15g of chopped basil and 1/2 teaspoon of finely chopped rosemary.
What type of flour is used in the savory cake?
The recipe calls for 150g of sifted plain flour.
Why is turmeric added to the recipe?
1/2 teaspoon of ground turmeric is added primarily to give the cake a beautiful golden color.
What size cake tins are recommended?
The recipe is designed for two 20 cm round cake tins with loose bases.
How do I prepare the cake tins to prevent sticking?
Line the bases with baking parchment and brush the sides with melted butter.
What are the optional seeds used for?
Black onion seeds or sesame seeds can be sprinkled on the buttered sides of the tins for extra flavor and texture.
How long does the cake need to bake?
Bake the cakes for 45 minutes on the center rack of the oven.
How can I tell if the savory cake is fully cooked?
The cake is done when it is a rich golden brown and a fork inserted in the center comes out clean.
At what temperature should the cake be served?
It can be served warm or at room temperature.
Can I use this recipe for picky eaters?
Yes, the flavors of cheese and herbs are so well-integrated that the cauliflower is often undetectable by discerning palates.
What is the best way to handle the cauliflower when adding it to the batter?
Gently fold the cauliflower in, maintaining some florets intact while allowing others to break slightly.
Is it necessary to drain the cauliflower?
Yes, drain it thoroughly in a colander and let it dry out completely to avoid a soggy cake.
How much cheese is required for this recipe?
The recipe calls for 200g of grated mature cheese.
What is the purpose of the reserved onion rings?
They are placed on top of the batter before baking as a decorative element.
Can I use a different type of oil?
While the recipe specifies 85g of olive oil, you could use other neutral oils, though olive oil adds to the flavor profile.
How much baking powder is needed?
You will need 2 1/2 teaspoons of baking powder to help the cake rise.
Is salt and pepper added to the batter?
Yes, 1 1/2 teaspoons of salt and a generous amount of freshly ground black pepper are mixed with the dry ingredients.
Should the onion mixture be hot when added to the eggs?
No, you should take the pan off the heat and allow the mixture to cool slightly before incorporating it with the eggs.
What kind of texture does the finished cake have?
The cake has a light texture that is both sophisticated and comforting.
Can I make this as a snack?
Absolutely, it works perfectly as both a light lunch or an indulgent snack.
Does the recipe require sifting the dry ingredients?
Yes, you should sift together the flour, baking powder, and turmeric to ensure no lumps are in the batter.