Generally you may’t predict the longer term. As an example, who knew that cauliflower could be the most popular meals pattern of the last decade? Nicely, it’s… and proper now, it’s in all places.
In reality, I simply obtained again from a run to Dealer Joe’s, the place they’re promoting every thing from cauliflower gnocchi to cauliflower pizza to cauliflower “thins” you should utilize to make sandwiches and tacos. And when Dealer Joe’s loves a meals that a lot, you realize it’s actually cool.
Now, I don’t all the time soar on the bandwagon relating to meals fads. However this time, I’m completely on board—and I hope it’s a pattern that lasts endlessly. As we speak, I wish to share three the reason why I’m a giant fan of this versatile vegetable. I’ll begin with the science lecture (it’s a nutrition-packed, cancer-fighting ninja) after which get to the great things—you gained’t consider what you may make with it!
It’s extremely good for you.
We discuss on a regular basis about “consuming the rainbow,” as a result of brightly coloured veggies and fruits sometimes comprise essentially the most vitamins. However right here’s the deal: Regardless that it’s often white (though there are orange and purple variations), cauliflower is a powerhouse of vitamins.
When it’s uncooked or frivolously cooked, cauliflower is loaded with vitamin C. It’s additionally wealthy in vitamin Ok, folate, and fiber. And right here’s the biggie: As a member of the cruciferous vegetable household, it offers you an enormous dose of potent most cancers fighters together with sulforaphane and indole-3-carbinol. For those who’re critical about most cancers prevention, it’s essential to make cruciferous veggies like cauliflower a cornerstone of your food plan.
(One warning right here: While you’re shopping for cauliflower merchandise, learn the labels. Many additionally comprise flour or different elements you may not need in your food plan, so be skeptical till you’ve seen all of the elements.)
It’s a brilliant “swap” when you’re going grain-free or low-carb.
I’m an amazing believer in minimizing grains in your food plan—or higher but, eliminating them altogether—and I’m additionally a giant fan of limiting different carb-heavy meals. In reality, these are two of my largest secrets and techniques for losing a few pounds, staying younger, and avoiding illnesses like diabetes.
However I’m additionally human, and I do know it may be robust to surrender the grains and different high-carb meals you’re keen on. (Hey, I’m an Italian lady. I really like my pizza too!) Now, due to cauliflower “swaps,” you may benefit from the tastes you’re keen on, guilt-free.
As an example, when you’re eager for pizza, try my Good Pizza with a Cauliflower Crust. When you’ve tried it, you’ll by no means return to that greasy, cardboard crust once more. Actually. Belief me on this one.
And are you lacking mashed potatoes? Then strive mashed cauliflower. Begin with my primary recipe right here, after which get artistic with chives, parsley, or bacon. If potato salad is extra your fashion, that’s a cinch, too—right here’s a recipe courtesy of Elena’s Pantry.
Or how about rice? Excellent news: It’s again on the menu, too! Simply blitz cauliflower in your blender till the items are the identical measurement as grains of rice, and go from there. You should use cauliflower rice to make something from Cauliflower “Fried Rice” (scroll down the web page to search out the recipe) to a beautiful, mild Hen and “Rice” Soup.
And whereas I don’t eat dairy, I do know individuals who do exactly effective with it—and when you’re considered one of them, you may even make your individual cauliflower gnocchi. Right here’s a recipe from Food plan Physician for Keto Gnocchi with Home made Pesto.
It makes superior vegetarian/vegan entrees.
For those who wish to entertain, like I do—or you have got members of the family who don’t eat meat—you all the time wish to have some vegan or vegetarian choices up your sleeve. And right here once more, cauliflower shines.
You possibly can substitute cauliflower for meat in curries, make a spicy tandoori cauliflower (hat tip to NomMom Paleo for this model), or serve a roasted cauliflower steak (right here’s a great recipe). I additionally wish to serve a heat, hearty cauliflower soup, so I’ll finish my ode to the wonderful cauliflower with this fabulous soup from my 10-Day Stomach Slimdown. My readers have voted this considered one of their all-time favorites from the e book—and when you strive it, you’ll see why!
CAULIFLOWER VICHYSSOISE
PREP TIME: 15 MIN. | COOK TIME: 25 MIN. | YIELD: 4 TO 6 SERVINGS
2 tablespoons ghee (clarified butter)
1 garlic clove, minced
2 leeks, white and pale inexperienced elements solely, minimize into skinny rounds
4 cups (1 quart) rooster bone broth
1/2 cup canned full- fats coconut milk
3 cups cauliflower florets
1/2 teaspoon dried thyme
1 teaspoon Celtic or pink Himalayan salt
1/2 teaspoon freshly floor black pepper, plus extra for serving
1/2 teaspoon arrowroot powder, blended with 1 tablespoon water, plus extra if wanted
In a big stockpot, soften the ghee over medium-high warmth. Add the garlic and leeks and scale back the warmth to medium- low. Cook dinner, stirring, for six to eight minutes, till softened.
Increase the warmth to medium-high and add the broth, coconut milk, cauliflower, thyme, salt, and pepper. When the soup begins to simmer, scale back the warmth to medium-low and simmer for 15 to twenty minutes, till the cauliflower is cooked by.
Purée with an immersion blender, blender, or meals processor till easy and creamy. Return to the stockpot and stir within the arrowroot combination. Simmer for 3 to five minutes, till the soup thickens, including extra arrowroot if a thicker soup is desired.
Serve heat, garnished with freshly floor black pepper.
Bon Appétit
