Creamy Cauliflower Gratin with Whole Wheat Crumbs

• MAKE-AHEAD

Ingredients

1. Two 2 1/2-pound heads of cauliflower, cut into 2-inch florets
2. 2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
3. 3 garlic cloves, minced
4. 4 anchovy fillets, mashed to a paste
5. 6 medium scallions, thinly sliced
6. 1 cup chicken stock or canned low-sodium broth
7. 2 cups heavy cream
8. 1 1/2 cups fresh whole wheat bread crumbs
9. 3 tablespoons freshly grated Parmesan cheese
10. 1 tablespoon unsalted butter, melted
11. Salt and freshly ground pepper

1. Preheat the oven to 400°. In a large saucepan, steam the cauliflower until just tender, about 7 minutes; let cool slightly. Cut the cauliflower into 1-inch pieces and spread evenly in a 10-by-15-inch shallow baking dish.
2. Heat the olive oil in a large skillet. Add the garlic and anchovies and cook over low heat until fragrant, about 2 minutes. Add the scallions and cook, stirring, until softened, about 1 minute. Add the chicken stock and boil over moderately high heat until reduced by half, about 5 minutes. Add the cream and simmer over low heat until reduced to 1 1/2 cups, about 4 minutes. Pour the cream over the cauliflower.
3. In a bowl, toss the bread crumbs with the cheese and melted butter. Season with salt and pepper and sprinkle over the cauliflower. Bake in the upper third of the oven for about 20 minutes, or until bubbling and golden. Let stand for up to 20 minutes before serving.