Cauliflower Parmesan
A cheesy, crunchy cauliflower quinoa cake topped with pomodoro sauce.
Ingredients
Cauliflower-Quinoa Cakes
- 7 cups cooked cauliflower about 2 lbs raw, cut into florets
- 1 1/3 cup quinoa (cooked)
- 2/3 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/4 cup panko bread crumbs
- 3 egg whites lightly beaten
- 1/4 cup Parmesan cheese shredded or grated
- 3 Tbsp panko bread crumbs
Pomodoro Sauce
- 1 3/4 tsp olive oil
- 1 clove fresh garlic peeled and minced
- 1 cup prepared marinara or spaghetti sauce
- 2/3 cup water
- 7 ounces roasted grape tomatoes see note
- 1 Tbsp fresh basil leaves chopped
Instructions
Cauliflower-Quinoa Cakes
- Cook cauliflower: In a pot with a steamer basket, steam cauliflower until very tender, 18 to 20 minutes. Drain. Cool slightly.
- Cook quinoa: In a stockpot over high heat, bring water to a boil. Add quinoa. Stir. Return to boil. Reduce heat. Cover. Simmer until quinoa is tender and liquid is absorbed, 20 to 25 minutes. Fluff with fork. Cool slightly.
- Preheat oven to 375 F.
- In mixer bowl with paddle attachment, place steamed cauliflower, 1 cup cooked quinoa, mozzarella, first amount of panko bread crumbs, and egg whites. Mix on medium speed until cauliflower is coarsely mashed and mixture is well blended, 4 to 5 minutes.
- On parchment-lined sheet pan coated with cooking spray, portion cauliflower mixture (about 1/2 cup for each cake) 2" apart.
- Gently press each portion to form a 3 1/2" cake.
- Combine second amount of Parmesan and second amount of panko bread crumbs. Toss to mix. Top each cake with 1 tablespoon Parmesan-panko mixture.
- Bake until internal temperature reaches 160 F, 18 to 20 minutes. Cool 10 minutes before removing from parchment-lined pan.
- To serve: Top 2 Cauliflower-Quinoa Cakes cake with 1/3 cup of hot Pomodoro Sauce.
Pomodoro Sauce
- In saute pan or pot over medium-high heat, heat vegetable oil. Add garlic. Saute until aromatic, 30 seconds.
- Add marinara or spaghetti sauce and water. Mix well. Bring to a boil. Reduce heat. Simmer 5 minutes. Stir in Roasted Grape Tomatoes. Heat through. At the time of service, stir in basil.
Notes
Roasted Grape Tomatoes: Toss 10 oz. fresh grape tomatoes with 2 teaspoons olive oil on a sheet pan. Roast in a preheated oven (375 F) until lightly browned, 12 to 15 minutes. Cool.
Nutrition
Calories: 290kcalCarbohydrates: 37gProtein: 16gFat: 10gSaturated Fat: 4gCholesterol: 70mgSodium: 410mgFiber: 6gSugar: 8g
Note: Since everyone’s health history and nutritional needs are so different, please make sure that you talk with your doctor and a registered dietitian to get advice about the diet and exercise plan that‘s right for you.