Remember when all you heard about was kale, kale and more kale? Everyone was making kale chips, kale smoothies and even wearing T-shirts telling us how much they love kale.
Well, now it’s cauliflower that has everyone excited. What was previously considered to be broccoli’s boring, bland cousin is now showing up in any number of ways in restaurants and homes across the country.
Available all year long, making it more accessible than some of the more typically ‘beautiful’ veggies, demand for this vegetable is on the rise. Not to mention its versatility: mashed, grilled, broiled or cut into steaks and barbecued, served on its own or in salad or tossed with herbs, vinegars and oils.
And we could go on and on about how it’s crazy healthy. Among other benefits, it’s a powerhouse of vitamin C, a good source of vitamin K, several B vitamins, fiber AND low in calories!
Part of the cruciferous family of vegetables – which includes broccoli, Brussels sprouts, and bok choy – cauliflower is a blank canvas that can take on a wide range of flavors and personalities. Here are three ways for you to get a head start on the trend:
Mash or Puree it!
Steaming then pureeing the softened cauliflower makes for an amazing mashed potato substitute and a tasty base for any number of soups! For a low-carb substitute, give this Creamy Mashed Cauliflower a try. This Cauliflower Soup with Caramelized Apples and Hazelnuts will keep you snug at night.
Grill or Roast it!
With a little seasoning and a quick pop in the oven or on the grill, you will have any number of delicious sides in no time! A little garlic and orange juice make this Grilled Orange Glazed Broccoli and Cauliflower from Birds Eye a perfect side at any BBQ. If you’re daring to try a different kind of cauliflower, this Roasted Kohlrabi is sure to impress your dinner guests.
Replace Bread with it!
Cutting back on gluten and grains? Then this veggie-packed pizza crust needs to make its way into your kitchen. Cauliflower serves as the base for this creative and delicious Cauliflower Pizza Crust. You can even fold it up and eat just like a traditional pizza!
