Typically you possibly can’t predict the long run. For example, who knew that cauliflower can be the most popular meals development of the last decade? Effectively, it's… and proper now, it’s in every single place.
Actually, I simply bought again from a run to Dealer Joe’s, the place they’re promoting every little thing from cauliflower gnocchi to cauliflower pizza to cauliflower “thins” you need to use to make sandwiches and tacos. And when Dealer Joe’s loves a meals that a lot, you realize it’s really 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 development that lasts endlessly. Right now, I wish to share three explanation 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 imagine what you may make with it!
It’s extremely good for you.
We speak on a regular basis about “consuming the rainbow,” as a result of brightly coloured veggies and fruits sometimes include essentially the most vitamins. However right here’s the deal: Although it’s often white (though there are orange and purple variations), cauliflower is a powerhouse of vitamins.
When it’s uncooked or flippantly 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 offers you an enormous dose of potent most cancers fighters together with sulforaphane and indole-3-carbinol. If you happen to’re critical about most cancers prevention, you want to make cruciferous veggies like cauliflower a cornerstone of your weight loss plan.
(One warning right here: If you’re shopping for cauliflower merchandise, learn the labels. Many additionally include flour or different components you may not need in your weight loss plan, so be skeptical till you’ve seen all of the components.)
It’s an excellent “swap” in case you’re going grain-free or low-carb.
I’m an important believer in minimizing grains in your weight loss plan—or higher but, eliminating them altogether—and I’m additionally a giant fan of limiting different carb-heavy meals. Actually, these are two of my greatest 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 possibly can benefit from the tastes you're keen on, guilt-free.
For example, in case you’re eager for pizza, try my Excellent 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 inventive 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 utilize cauliflower rice to make something from Cauliflower “Fried Rice” (scroll down the web page to seek out the recipe) to a beautiful, mild Hen and “Rice” Soup.
And whereas I don’t eat dairy, I do know individuals who just do advantageous with it—and in case you’re certainly one of them, you possibly can even make your individual cauliflower gnocchi. Right here’s a recipe from Weight loss plan Physician for Keto Gnocchi with Selfmade Pesto.
It makes superior vegetarian/vegan entrees.
If you happen to prefer to entertain, like I do—or you've got 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'll be able to 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 superb recipe). I additionally prefer 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 certainly one of their all-time favorites from the e book—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 components solely, reduce 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. Prepare 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 via.
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
