Cauliflower, a member of the cruciferous family (which includes broccoli, kale and cabbage), has taken the vegetable world by storm this year. Recipe books like Tim Noakes’ Real Meal Revolution feature the low carb ingredient in a variety of ways, making it deliciously versatile. Bloggers are sharing beautiful images and recipes for cauliflower-inspired dishes with supermarkets even increasing their price of the outlandishly-shaped vegetable due to such a high demand for it.
What makes it so great?
Chefs and home cooks are creatively steaming, roasting, stir-frying, mashing and even thickening soups with cauliflower. It’s really the most versatile veggie out there! And even though the taste and aroma takes some getting used to (it smells like wet socks!), once it’s cooked and seasoned nicely, you’ll be on your way back for seconds before you can say bon appetit! The added bonus is that it comes with a load of health benefits – like its impressive bulk of Vitamin C. It’s also high in fibre and has a stack of cancer-fighting properties.
How to enjoy it
We’ve rounded up a few recipes that feature this star vegetable. Have a look…
Roasted cauliflower salad
A fresh salad with fine beans and strips of crispy bacon, dressed with a light and zesty vinaigrette. This would make a wonderful side dish to steamed chicken or fish.
Cauliflower couscous
This recipe requires the help of a food processor to achieve the texture of couscous (or rice).
Garlic buttered cauliflower mash
Who can say no to a bowl of creamy mash? This is a Banting staple and can be served with any meat roast and gravy. No one will know it’s not potato mash!
Cauliflower soup
A great soup recipe for winter and so easy to prepare as cauliflower cooks rather quickly. Finish it off with some whipped cream or crème fraiche. Yum!
Cauliflower pizza with mushrooms
Another Banting favourite that’s had more hits on Pinterest than any food I can remember. It’s enriched with cheese and eggs but still retains a crispy light texture.
Cauliflower and white chocolate ice cream
Remember the video we did with MasterChef SA winner, Kamini Pather where she explains how to make this chilled dessert? If you’re one for adventurous and unconventional flavour combinations, this one’s for you!