What can I do with Cauliflower?

The versatile crucifer – cauliflower!

The cauliflower has cropped up in many recipes over the years and is such a big part of so many different meals due to its interesting texture and distinct flavours. An important addition to the cruciferous vegetable family, the cauliflower is related to broccoli, cress and cabbage.

Although the cauliflower was originally cultivated in the Mediterranean, nowadays it is grown in various places all over the world and is a key ingredient in many famous dishes, cauliflower cheese being the most obvious. Cauliflower is considered a ‘super food’, and as such means that it has major health benefits for those that eat enough of it. It is great for acting as an antioxidant, preventing cardiovascular disease, reducing inflammation or helping decrease the risk of contracting arthritis plus many other ailments.

The cauliflower as many of us will know it is a tough green stalk and leaves with a white flower head at the top (which is really the only bit of the plant you can eat raw). More rare varieties of cauliflower also include the orange, green and purple varieties. The more vibrant coloured cauliflowers do have even stronger health benefits than the traditional white cauliflower. The orange type for example contains beta carotene which is rich in vitamin A – a vitamin that is good for promoting healthy skin – who knew cauliflowers could be good for our complexion?

Cauliflower in different cuisines

Overall, the cauliflower is a very dynamic vegetable and constantly finds its way into different cuisines from all over the world, from Thai food to Indian to different types of salad. A popular Indian recipe that uses cauliflower is the delicious Aloo Gobi – a spicy dish that is packed full of spice and strong flavours. Cauliflower has also made its way into pasta dishes or on smaller plates as side dishes.

A simplistic yet tasty recipe I absolutely love is cauliflower with pine nuts and bacon – it has lots of little elements to it yet is very easy to prepare and is great as a side dish! Try mashing your cauliflower up, adding a few herbs and seasoning and make it into a lovely warming soup! Or dip into humus or sour cream and chive dips – whatever your preference.

There are so many different recipes to try with cauliflower that it would be silly not to, and with all the health benefits they possess, it would be a shame not to introduce more cauliflower recipes into our diets.