The moment the weather shifts to cool and drizzly, with murky skies another type of 50 shades of gray, I yearn for soft, liquidy, melty, oozy, food that sticks to my bones.
Comfort food.
No matter where you live, how much money you have or don’t have, your religion, or ethnic background, at least three or four foods immediately comes to mind when you read ‘comfort food’. And maybe something more: memories, images, aromas, stories.
I’m not breaking new ground here, but for me, comfort food is food I have a relationship with. Emotional history. The smells of which transport me to a day I ran in from outside, little fingers stiff and cold, and plopped down to a grilled cheese sandwich oozing cheese onto the plate and my fingers, and a piping hot bowl of tomato soup.
Comfort food is a big warm hug from the past.
More than that, comfort food and me, we’re bonded by trust. When I’m sick, the only food I want is the chicken noodle soup and toasted saltine crackers dripping with melted butter that got me through countless colds and flus as a kid. No other will do.
The problem is, a lot of this wonderful food not only sticks to my bones and warms me up on cold rainy night; it moves in permanently, and before I know it, I’ve put on 10 pounds. So when I knew this week’s theme for #SundaySupper was Comfort Food, I wanted to create a lighter dish that I could develop a new relationship with. To that end, I combined some old friends (tomatoes, cheese, and cauliflower) with some new ones (kale, yogurt, and harissa) and developed this new comfort dish. We’ll have to live together for a while to get some history, but I have to admit I ate much more than my fair share, without the guilt, and felt all warm and happy. It’s a good start.
Rustic Cauliflower and Tomato Gratin
Ingredients
- 1 head cauliflower, cut to separate its florets; halve large florets
- 2 cups stemmed and chopped kale
- 1 cup plain yogurt (Greek yogurt will be too thick)
- 2 tablespoons harissa
- 2 teaspoons Worcestershire sauce
- 1 1/2 teaspoon curry powder
- 1/4 – 1/2 teaspoon sriracha sauce
- zest from 1/2 large orange (about 1/4 teaspoon)
- 1 1/2 tablespoons orange juice
- 1 teaspoon red wine vinegar
- 1/2 cup thinly sliced shallots
- 1/2 cup chopped semi-soft tofu (optional)
- 1 cup grated cheddar cheese, divided
- 1 tomato, chopped
- 1 tomato, thickly sliced
- 1/2 cup browned butter bread crumbs
Instructions
Preheat the oven to 375 degrees F.
Steam the cauliflower over simmering water. Set aside.
Add the kale to the simmering water and cook until soft, about 10 minutes.Remove and drain well, squeezing most of the moisture out of the kale leaves.
Combine the yogurt, harissa, Worcestershire sauce, curry, sriracha, orange zest, orange juice and vinegar in a large bowl. Whisk to thoroughly combine. Add the shallots, tofu (if using), 1/2 cup cheddar cheese, and the cauliflower and kale. Toss together with a large metal spoon until everything is coated with the yogurt sauce.
Add the chopped tomatoes, and gently toss again.
Spoon the mixture into a medium casserole dish. Top with the sliced tomatoes and the breadcrumbs.
Bake for 30 minutes, or until starting to bubble. Remove the gratin from the oven and sprinkle the rest of the cheddar cheese over the top. Return the gratin to the oven and bake for another 10 minutes.
Serve hot.
We’re very excited that Lee Woodruff, a big fan of #SundaySupper, is joining us this week. Her latest book Those We Love Most, is about family, love, tragedy, coming together and healing. In short, it holds a reflection of all of our lives.
We would love to have you join Lee and our Sunday Supper Team during our chat on twitter on Sunday at 7pm Eastern Time. All you have to do is follow the #SundaySupper hashtag or follow us through TweetChat. We will be giving away 5 signed copies of Those We Love Most; all you have to do is share your most memorable comfort food recipes.
We’d also love to feature your easy go-to recipes on our #SundaySupper Pinterest board and share them with all of our followers, too.
And now, to get you in the mood for fall comfort food, take a look at what the Sunday Supper Team has cooked up for you.
Pin It
So much flavour and so much hunger = good combo
Cheers
Choc Chip Uru
Choc Chip Uru recently posted..Quick & Easy
Thanks CCU!!!
The Wimpy Vegetarian recently posted..#SundaySupper: Rustic Cauliflower and Tomato Gratin
Cauliflower and tomatoes are two veggies I cook with often. Now a dish that combines them with a breadcrumb crust – I’m all in!
Renee recently posted..Chocolate Layer Cake for #SundaySupper
I think you gave the best description: Comfort food is a big warm hug from the past
So many flavors in this recipe, it´s so interesting and sounds yummy!
Paula @ Vintage Kitchen recently posted..Cinnamon Rice Pudding #SundaySupper
There’s nothing more comforting to me than a dish with tomatoes. This looks simply amazing!
juanitascocina recently posted..Biscuits and Chocolate Gravy ~ Comfort Food #SundaySupper!
Wow does this sound wonderful, a really delicious way to enjoy the ever so bland cauliflower. I hope to give this a try soon, it would be a delicious side for Thanksgiving.
apuginthekitchen recently posted..Brandied Fig And Walnut Loaf
Thanks so much Suzanne! Cauliflower’s blandness allows it to have so many friends too – but I think one of my very favorite ways is with curry and tomatoes. I hope you give it a try
The Wimpy Vegetarian recently posted..#SundaySupper: Rustic Cauliflower and Tomato Gratin
Holy yum! comfort food indeed! This looks too good!
baker street recently posted..Nutella Shortbread Bars #SundaySupper
Love the tofu here – I’m going to sneak some into my vegetable gratins from now on.
lizthechef recently posted..Spicy Beef Cobbler
Thanks Liz! I’m adding semi-soft tofu right now to any casseroles, pasta, anywhere in short where it can hide
I haven’t become a tofu lover yet, but in dishes like this I get the protein benefit without even knowing it’s there. Even Myles didn’t notice!
The Wimpy Vegetarian recently posted..#SundaySupper: Rustic Cauliflower and Tomato Gratin
Ok, healthy comfort food like this … I can eat anytime if only someone would make it for me ! Very rustic & yummy indeed ! love this !
sunithi recently posted..Wholegrain Baked Samosa Stuffed With Sweet Potatoes & Peas #SundaySupper
Isn’t it funny that as much as we all love to cook, sometimes at the end of the day we just want someone to cook for us
The Wimpy Vegetarian recently posted..#SundaySupper: Rustic Cauliflower and Tomato Gratin
I’m not even a big fan of cauliflower but this looks amazing!
Becca @ Amuse Your Bouche recently posted..Brie and mushroom potato gratin
Thanks so much Becca!! This is a great way to try cauliflower
The Wimpy Vegetarian recently posted..#SundaySupper: Rustic Cauliflower and Tomato Gratin
This would make a great Lenten recipe. I bookmarked it for later. I am pinning this puppy to!
veronica gantley recently posted..Chicken Noodle Soup #SundaySupper
Thanks Veronica
The Wimpy Vegetarian recently posted..#SundaySupper: Rustic Cauliflower and Tomato Gratin
I need to change my vision of comfort food. Yum!
diabeticFoodie recently posted..Chicken "Pot Pie" for #SundaySupper
I think this would make an amazing side dish for Thanksgiving. Thank you so much for sharing!
Megan – I Run For Wine recently posted..Thai’d Up Chicken Noodle Soup Recipe – #SundaySupper Comfort FoodFavorites
Oh, yum! This gratin looks so good. I can’t wait to try this. Pinned.
Thanks so much Jennie!! I hope you like it as much as we did!
The Wimpy Vegetarian recently posted..#SundaySupper: Rustic Cauliflower and Tomato Gratin
This looks amazing!! Love all the spices!! I have to go look up what harissa is.
Tara recently posted..Individual Chicken Pot Pies for Comfort Foods at #SundaySupper
I need to try this one for my hubby. He would flip his lid for this. Looks so good.
Kim Bee recently posted..Chocolate Fudge Brownie Ice Cream for #SundaySupper
This dish looks absolutely beautiful! I love new ways to cook cauliflower aside from my usual roasting method – thanks for sharing it!
Katie recently posted..Spaghetti Squash Gratins for #SundaySupper
This looks so delicious, comforting, and homey.
Debra recently posted..Tequila Chicken with Jalapeno Cream Sauce
Thanks so much Debra! It’s wonderful on a cool, drizzly October evening
The Wimpy Vegetarian recently posted..#SundaySupper: Rustic Cauliflower and Tomato Gratin
I have to say – You sure make cauliflower look good! Not a huge fan of it, but this recipe and all the different flavors could probably turn that around! Great looking dish!
mjskit recently posted..Pear Apple Cobbler – A Twist on an Old Favorite
I really don’t think you have to be a fan of cauliflower to like this dish. The other flavors really take over
The Wimpy Vegetarian recently posted..#SundaySupper: Rustic Cauliflower and Tomato Gratin
This looks so delicious!
Bea recently posted..Kaesespaetzle {Baked Cheese Spaetzle} for #SundaySupper
I am dying for some of your dish right now! It looks so delicious!
Jennifer B recently posted..Ditalini Italian Soup for #SundaySupper
I love your ditalini dish!! I can’t wait to make it this week!!
The Wimpy Vegetarian recently posted..#SundaySupper: Rustic Cauliflower and Tomato Gratin
OMG, I absolutely LOVE this!! and I SO love how you explained comfort food for you: “comfort food is food I have a relationship with. Emotional history.” So true! I absolutely love this! Very well said. Word.
Alice @ Hip Foodie Mom recently posted..Comfort Food Rewind: Mini Mac n Cheese Cups with Pork Shoulder Ragù for #SundaySupper
My last version of cauliflower gratin didn’t turn out but your recipe makes me want to try it again
Laura Hunter recently posted..Shepard’s Pie #SundaySupper
Mmmm that looks so delicious! I love comfort food that you can eat just a little too much of without feeling guilty
Erika recently posted..Pumpkin Scones
Me too!
The Wimpy Vegetarian recently posted..#SundaySupper: Rustic Cauliflower and Tomato Gratin
I love that you brought together “old and new friends.” I can’t wait to try this recipe!
Stephanie Zielinski recently posted..Day 89: Pistachio Cake Cookies for #SundaySupper
Perfect timing for this recipe! We have wind and rain and I’m definitely in the mood for a comforting supper. I love the spice and flavors you have in here! Definitely a warm and happy dish!
Hannah recently posted..Homemade Beef Jerky for October Unprocessed
Thanks Hannah! This is perfect for a windy rainy evening. Hope you and your family likes it
The Wimpy Vegetarian recently posted..#SundaySupper: Rustic Cauliflower and Tomato Gratin
Quick question – do you think I could prepare this ahead til the baking part, freeze it, then bake it later?
Hannah recently posted..Homemade Beef Jerky for October Unprocessed
Hi Hannah! I’m not sure about how it would affect the consistency – if it would make it more watery and soggy. It might be ok, I’m just not sure since I haven’t done it myself. I’d love to hear how it goes if you try freezing it first!
The Wimpy Vegetarian recently posted..#SundaySupper: Rustic Cauliflower and Tomato Gratin
That makes sense – just curious, since I like to stash a couple of casseroles in the freezer for quick week night dinners. Thanks for getting back to me!
Hannah recently posted..Homemade Beef Jerky for October Unprocessed
Love this recipe! It’s light AND comforting. Well done.
Dara recently posted..Autumn Minestrone
Thanks Dara!!
The Wimpy Vegetarian recently posted..#SundaySupper: Rustic Cauliflower and Tomato Gratin
That looks so delicious and I love the photo. If I may, I’d like to invite you to submit your photos to the new YumGoggle, a photo sharing site with the philosophy that if you worked hard to cook it and photograph it, we should show it off! Hope to see you there soon!
Yum Girl recently posted..The New YumGoggle!
Love this, Susan. Comfort food is THE reason my favorite season is winter. Yes, I’m atypical. Being cozy inside with a good book or movie after a “comforting” supper, is nirvana for me. Thanks for all the links!
Rita Held Cartalano recently posted..Comment on Salad Dressings — homemade or store-bought? by Rita’s Kitchen
I love fall and winter for much the same reason. That coziness is nirvana to me too
The Wimpy Vegetarian recently posted..#SundaySupper: Rustic Cauliflower and Tomato Gratin
Love, love the photo. What a beautiful gratin. I love anything cauliflower though haven’t cooked it in so long. Thanks for the inspiration!
foodwanderings recently posted..Indian Dumplings – Silent Sunday Of Sorts, A Work In Progress
Thanks so much – I love cauliflower too!! Thanks for stopping by
The Wimpy Vegetarian recently posted..#SundaySupper: Rustic Cauliflower and Tomato Gratin
This gratin is just perfect for the season! No wonder it was so popular on RecipeNewZ, and now you have one more feature on our Facebook page: http://www.facebook.com/RecipeNewZ and on our brand new Google Plus page: https://plus.google.com/106005539369109733836/posts Congratulations!
Oh wow! Thanks so much!!!
The Wimpy Vegetarian recently posted..#SundaySupper: Rustic Cauliflower and Tomato Gratin
I love comforting dishes like this – so perfect for when the temps dip. Looks great!
Renee recently posted..Give Thanks: Maple Cream Cheese Pumpkin Roll
Thanks so much!!
The Wimpy Vegetarian recently posted..#SundaySupper: Rustic Cauliflower and Tomato Gratin
Such a magnificent gratin! I love the combo of tomatoes and cauliflower…but even more, anything topped with bread crumbs and cheese
I am a big fan of cauliflower, but my husband isn’t. But with all these spices and goodness, he just might get on board.
Beautiful! I love this and the photos!
Angie @ Big Bear’s Wife recently posted..Sausage Gravy and Biscuits #SundaySupper
“Comfort food is a big warm hug from the past.”
‘Tis the truth!
I love the heat and textures going on in this dish. Hearty and healthy…
Amy Kim (@kimchi_mom) recently posted..Korean Short Rib Soup (kalbi tang) #SundaySupper
Love the touch of harissa in this!
Sarah Reid, RHNC (@jo_jo_ba) recently posted..Dark Rye with Fruit and Spicy Cacao
This dish sounds amazing! I love gratin. Tomaotes and cauliflower sound wonderful with the spices.
Sarah recently posted..5 day #Crock Pot Challenge day 4 Buffalo Chicken Sandwich
What a great way to add flavor to cauliflower!
Thanks Amanda. I love working with it – it goes so well with so many flavors!
The Wimpy Vegetarian recently posted..#SundaySupper: Graveyard Brownies in a Pool of Strawberry Syrup
This sounds really good. I love cauliflower, yet for some reason, I don’t cook it as often as I should. Hubby will like this one too, so definitely want to give it a try soon.
Anne @ Webicurean recently posted..Ossi di Morti (Bones of the Dead Cookies) #SundaySupper
I came to cauliflower late in life, but once I found it I keep finding new ways to cook with it. Hope you give it a try!
The Wimpy Vegetarian recently posted..#SundaySupper: Graveyard Brownies in a Pool of Strawberry Syrup