Hidden Cauliflower Cheese Pasta Sauce

I found this recipe at Elizabeth's Kitchen Diary, whilst looking for something to do with cauliflower that had been languishing in the bottom of the fridge for a week or so. I'm not the biggest fan of cauliflower but one appeared in my veg bag so I had to do something with it! Usually I mash it but this pasta sauce is a perfect way of adding more veg secretly. I sprinkled some chopped tomatoes and olives over the top and voila, perfect supper!

Hidden Cauliflower Cheese Pasta Sauce (from Elizabeth's Kitchen Diary)
(Serves 4-6)

300g cauliflower florets
35g unsalted butter
35g plain flour
300ml milk
100g mature cheddar cheese, grated
1 tsp wholegrain mustard
pinch cayenne pepper
salt and pepper

Put the cauliflower in a saucepan and cover in water. Bring to a simmer and cook until tender, about 10-15 mins.

Meanwhile, heat the butter in a large saucepan until it is melted. Stir in flour and cook, while stirring, for one min. Remove the pan from the heat and gradually whisk in the milk. Return pan to heat in between each addition and stir until the sauce thickens. Remove pan from heat.

When the cauliflower is cooked, drain and purée with a blender. Stir the cauliflower purée, cheddar, mustard and cayenne into the sauce. Season with salt and pepper and serve over pasta.