Ingredients
Equipment
Method
Cook the Cauliflower
- Combine cauliflower florets, smashed garlic, and vegetable broth in a large pot. Bring to a boil over high heat, then reduce to a simmer and cook until the cauliflower is completely tender and easily pierced with a knife, about 15 minutes. The cauliflower should almost fall apart when poked.
- Using a slotted spoon, transfer the cooked cauliflower and garlic to a high-speed blender. Add 1 cup of the cooking liquid, the butter, heavy cream, Parmesan, salt, pepper, and nutmeg. Blend on high until completely smooth and silky, 1 to 2 minutes, scraping down the sides as needed. If the sauce is too thick, add more cooking liquid a few tablespoons at a time.
- Taste the sauce and adjust seasoning with more salt if needed. Add the lemon juice and pulse once more to combine. The sauce should coat the back of a spoon and taste rich and slightly nutty from the Parmesan.
- Serve immediately over pasta, roasted vegetables, or grilled chicken. Top with additional grated Parmesan and freshly cracked black pepper.
Notes
For a vegan version, swap the butter for olive oil, use cashew cream instead of heavy cream, and substitute nutritional yeast for the Parmesan. The sauce thickens considerably as it cools - thin with reserved pasta water or warm broth when reheating. Make ahead and refrigerate for up to 4 days; the flavor actually improves overnight.
