Cauliflower Gratin with Tuna

I can provide you with a recipe for making cauliflower gratin with tuna, a dish that blends the creaminess of the gratin with the intense flavor of tuna. If you have any preferences or dietary restrictions, let me know so I can adjust the recipe for you.

Ingredients

  • 1 medium-sized cauliflower
  • 1 160g can of natural tuna
  • 50 g of grated cheese (Parmesan or Pecorino)
  • 200 ml of béchamel sauce (you can make it yourself or use the ready-made one)
  • 2 tablespoons of breadcrumbs
  • Extra virgin olive oil
  • Salt and pepper to taste

Preparation

  1. Start by washing the cauliflower and divide it into florets. Bring a pot of salted water to a boil and blanch the cauliflower florets for about 5-7 minutes or until tender but still crisp.

  2. Prepare the béchamel sauce in a pot: if making it from scratch, use butter, flour, and milk to obtain a smooth sauce. If using the ready-made version, just heat it up slightly.

  3. Preheat the oven to 180 °C.

  4. Drain the can of tuna and flake it with a fork.

  5. In a lightly oiled baking dish, arrange the cauliflower florets. Spread the flaked tuna evenly over the top.

  6. Pour the béchamel sauce over the cauliflower and tuna so that it is well distributed.

  7. Sprinkle with grated cheese and breadcrumbs, this will create a golden and crispy crust after baking.

  8. Bake for about 20 minutes or until the surface is golden brown and crispy.

  9. Remove the cauliflower gratin with tuna from the oven and let it rest for a few minutes before serving.

Curiosity

The term “gratin” comes from French cuisine, where “gratin” means crust. In this case, the tuna adds an Italian touch to a very traditional French culinary preparation, resulting in a beautiful blend of Mediterranean flavors.