Cauliflower

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 15 minutes

This is my recipe, but it was inspired by a pasta recipe from Everyday Foods magazine. I like that pasta recipe, but this is a little bit simpler and is a nice side dish. I'm not a big fan of Cauliflower plain, but I do like it when it is roasted or part of a casserole/gratin type dish. The roasting is pretty healthy, but the casseroles are way too heavy for a vegetable dish. This is a nice alternative, where you get the crunchy topping and a little butter flavor, but can still taste the vegetable.

You could skip the bread crumbs, but they add a nice crunch. Do not try to used dried breadcrumbs, they will be nasty in this dish, because they are not cooked. If you think it is a pain to pull out the food processor for this one little step (I agree), you can make a lot of fresh bread crumbs at once and freeze what you don't need for use another time.

If I am using fresh thyme I like to add it before adding the water and steaming. If I am using dried, I add it with the salt at the beginning.

2 slices bread (stale is OK) , torn into several pieces
1 1/2 tablespoons butter
1 medium head cauliflower, cut into florets about 1"
Salt and pepper
1 1/2 teaspoons fresh thyme or 1/2 teaspoon dried
1/4 cup water
1/4 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese

1. Put bread in food processor and pulse 10-15 times until you get a nice crumb, smaller than pea size (see picture below), but larger than dried bread crumbs. You should have 3/4 to 1 cup.
2. Toast bread crumbs in a small skillet over medium, stirring frequently so they don't burn. When dried out, remove from heat.
3. Melt butter in a large skillet over medium heat.
4. Add cauliflower and 1/8 teaspoon salt and all of the thyme. Increase heat to medium-high and saute for 10 minutes stirring occasionally.
5. Add 1/4 cup water and cover for a few minutes, till cauliflower is tender. Remove cover and make sure all water has evaporated. Turn heat up if necessary to get rid of excess moisture.
6. Remove from heat and toss with bread crumbs and Parmesan cheese.
7. Season with salt and pepper to taste.