Generally you possibly can’t predict the long run. For example, who knew that cauliflower can be the most popular meals pattern of the last decade? Properly, it’s… and proper now, it’s all over the place.
In truth, I simply acquired again from a run to Dealer Joe’s, the place they’re promoting all the pieces 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 understand it’s actually cool.
Now, I don’t all the time leap on the bandwagon relating to meals fads. However this time, I’m completely on board—and I hope it’s a pattern that lasts eternally. At present, I wish to share three explanation why I’m an enormous 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 usually comprise probably the most vitamins. However right here’s the deal: Despite the fact that it’s often white (though there are orange and purple variations), cauliflower is a powerhouse of vitamins.
When it’s uncooked or calmly cooked, cauliflower is loaded with vitamin C. It’s additionally wealthy in vitamin Okay, folate, and fiber. And right here’s the biggie: As a member of the cruciferous vegetable household, it provides you an enormous dose of potent most cancers fighters together with sulforaphane and indole-3-carbinol. In the event you’re critical about most cancers prevention, it is advisable to make cruciferous veggies like cauliflower a cornerstone of your food plan.
(One warning right here: Whenever you’re shopping for cauliflower merchandise, learn the labels. Many additionally comprise flour or different substances you won’t need in your food plan, so be skeptical till you’ve seen all of the substances.)
It’s a brilliant “swap” when you’re going grain-free or low-carb.
I’m a terrific believer in minimizing grains in your food plan—or higher but, eliminating them altogether—and I’m additionally an enormous fan of limiting different carb-heavy meals. In truth, these are two of my largest secrets and techniques for losing a few pounds, staying younger, and avoiding ailments like diabetes.
However I’m additionally human, and I do know it may be powerful to surrender the grains and different high-carb meals you’re keen on. (Hey, I’m an Italian woman. I really like my pizza too!) Now, because of cauliflower “swaps,” you possibly can benefit from the tastes you’re keen on, guilt-free.
For 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 attempt mashed cauliflower. Begin with my primary recipe right here, after which get artistic with chives, parsley, or bacon. If potato salad is extra your type, 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 dimension as grains of rice, and go from there. You need to use cauliflower rice to make something from Cauliflower “Fried Rice” (scroll down the web page to search out the recipe) to a stunning, mild Rooster and “Rice” Soup.
And whereas I don’t eat dairy, I do know individuals who do exactly advantageous with it—and when you’re considered one of them, you possibly can even make your individual cauliflower gnocchi. Right here’s a recipe from Food regimen Physician for Keto Gnocchi with Selfmade Pesto.
It makes superior vegetarian/vegan entrees.
In the event you wish to entertain, like I do—or you will have relations 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 superb 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 guide—and when you attempt 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, reduce into skinny rounds
4 cups (1 quart) hen 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 cut back the warmth to medium- low. Prepare dinner, stirring, for six to eight minutes, till softened.
Elevate the warmth to medium-high and add the broth, coconut milk, cauliflower, thyme, salt, and pepper. When the soup begins to simmer, cut back the warmth to medium-low and simmer for 15 to twenty minutes, till the cauliflower is cooked by way of.
Purée with an immersion blender, blender, or meals processor till clean 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
