Cauliflower Cake

Ingredients for Cauliflower Cake

• 1 small cauliflower, outer leaves removed, broken into 1 1/4-inch/3-cm florets (450g /450 g)

• 1 medium red onion, peeled (170g /170 g)

• 5 tablespoons /75 ml olive oil

• 1/2 teaspoons finely chopped rosemary

• 7 eggs (scant 450g /440 g)

• 1/2 cup/15 g basil leaves, chopped

• 1 cup/120 g plain flour, sifted

• 1 1/2 teaspoons baking powder

• 1/3 teaspoons ground turmeric

• 140g /150 g coarsely grated Parmesan or another mature cheese

• Salt and black pepper

• Melted unsalted butter, for brushing

• 1 tablespoon white sesame seeds

• 1 teaspoon nigella seeds

Preheat the oven to 204°C/200°C.

Place the cauliflower florets in a saucepan and add 1 teaspoon salt. Cover with water and simmer for 15 minutes, until the florets are quite soft. They should break when pressed with a spoon. Drain and set aside in a colander to dry.

Cut 4 round slices off one end of the onion (each 1/4 inch/5 mm thick) and set aside. Coarsely chop the rest of the onion and place in a small pan with the oil and rosemary. Cook for 10 minutes over medium heat, stirring from time to time, until soft. Remove from the heat and set aside to cool. Transfer the onion to a large bowl, add the eggs and basil, whisk well, and then add the flour, baking powder, turmeric, Parmesan, 1 teaspoon salt, and plenty of pepper. Whisk until smooth before adding the cauliflower and stirring gently, trying not to break up the florets.

Line the base and sides of a 9 1/2-inch/24-cm spring-form cake pan with parchment paper. Brush the sides with melted butter, then mix together the sesame and nigella seeds and toss them around the inside of the pan so that they stick to the sides. Pour the cauliflower mixture into the pan, spreading it evenly, and arrange the reserved onion rings on top. Place in the centre of the oven and bake for 45 minutes, until golden brown and set; a knife inserted into the centre of the cake should come out clean. Remove from the oven and leave for at least 20 minutes before serving. It needs to be served just warm, rather than hot, or at room temperature.

Disclaimer

While every effort has been made to ensure the information is accurate and up to date, individual needs may vary and dietary requirements can differ based on personal health conditions. Always check food labels and allergen information before preparing or consuming any recipe. If you have specific health concerns, allergies, intolerances, or are following a medically prescribed diet, seek advice from your GP, pharmacist, or a registered dietitian before making significant changes to your diet or lifestyle.