Cauliflower is a fibrous and hearty cruciferous vegetable, full of anti-inflammatory nutrients and vitamins.
Even better, this versatile veg is able to take on flavours easily, can be used as a substitute for other ingredients and can be cooked in many different ways!
Check out these 5 different ways to make cauliflower go from side dish, to the star of the show.
1. ROASTED:
- Roasted whole cauliflower head or florets are a simple and tasty way to bring out the crispy, caramelized flavour of this vegetable.
- Season the cauliflower with S&P and your spices of choice.
- Drizzle lightly with oil.
- Roast at 400°F for 20-30 minutes (longer for a whole head) until golden brown and so that you can easily pierce with a fork.
Check out this Summery Roasted Cauliflower Salad recipe or Roast a Whole Cauliflower with a Raw Honey Glaze
2. RICE:
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Cauliflower rice is a grain-free, low carb alternative to traditional rice.
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Simply add chopped cauliflower to a food processor and give it a few pulses until it’s rice sized.
- To cook the “rice”, season it, add oil to a pan and sauté. Or roast the cauliflower in a sheet pan in the oven.
- Customize toppings with your favourite veg or garnish.
Check out this Cauliflower Rice with Sautéed Onions recipe
3. MASH:
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Similar to cauliflower rice, a cauliflower mash is a low carb alternative to mashed potato.
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Cook the cauliflower; steam, boil, or roast it.
- Next sauté garlic in a pan with butter. Once garlic is cooked, puree all the ingredients together.
- For the best results, use an immersion blender or food processor to get the cauliflower creamy, like mashed potatoes.
- Garnish and voila!
4. GRILL:
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Prepare an outdoor bbq or grill to medium-high heat. Or heat the oven to 400°F.
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Cut cauliflower vertically from stem to tip in 1 inch to 1.5 inch thick “steaks”.
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Add cauliflower steaks to a baking sheet and then season with oil and your favourite grilling spices such as chili powder, smoked paprika and garlic salt.
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Place steaks oil side down on the grill and let cook for 5-7 minutes. Flip and cook another 5 minutes till both sides of the cauliflower are golden brown and smoky.
Check out this Cauliflower Steaks with Pine Nut, Currant & Herb Salsa recipe
5. AIR FRYER:
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Cut up cauliflower into small and medium florets.
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Lightly coat in oil and toss in a spice mix such as za’atar and S&P.
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Heat air fryer to 370°F and add florets to air fryer basket in an even, single layer.
- Fry for 15-20 minutes or till cauliflower is golden brown.
- Serve with a drizzle of lemon or tahini and chopped parsley or cilantro.
Read more on the benefits of cauliflower here!
