Cauliflower never quite gets the respect it deserves, always getting passed over for broccoli and other types of leafy greens. But cauliflower deserves some attention. It’s a healthy and tasty vegetable that can be cooked in a bunch of different ways and can make an interesting ingredient in side dishes. And it’s probably worth mentioning again that it’s healthy.
Cauliflower is a cruciferous vegetable that’s in the same family as broccoli, kale, and cabbage. It’s high in antioxidants and anti-inflammatory benefits, and it’s also high in fiber, which means that it helps in digestion.
There’s plenty of ways to cook cauliflower, but here are four tips on how to cook cauliflower below. Enjoy!
How to Cook Cauliflower in the Oven
Preheat oven to 400 degrees Fahrenheit. Wash cauliflower and cut into florets. Throw into a large bowl. Mince 3 cloves of garlic and add to bowl, along with 1 Tbsp of lemon juice and 1 Tbsp of olive oil. Spread cauliflower florets onto an oiled roasting pan. Sprinkle lightly with salt and pepper. Roast for 30 minutes or until cauliflower is lightly browned. Sprinkle with grated parmesan immediately after taking out of the oven.
How to Steam Cauliflower
Fill a large frying pan with a quarter inch of water, heat over high heat and bring to a boil. Wash and cut cauliflower into small florets. Add 1/2 tsp of salt to the water, along with cauliflower. Cover and steam for 5-8 minutes (if you steam longer, the cauliflower will come out softer). Once cauliflower is steamed, drain water and top with butter and salt and pepper to taste.
How to Mash Cauliflower
As an alternative to mashed potatoes, try mashed cauliflower for an interesting and low calorie side dish. Start by washing cauliflower and cutting off the stems and setting them aside. Finely chop the stems. Add 1 cup of water to a medium saucepan and bring to a boil. Add cauliflower florets and stems, and add boil for 15 minutes or until they’re tender. Once it’s finished, drain the water. Add 1 Tbsp of butter, 2 Tbsp of sour cream, and 3 Tbsp of milk. Mix well and mash with a potato masher until the mixture is as smooth as you’d like (you can also keep it chunky if that’s more your style). Season with salt and pepper to taste, and top with chopped chives. Serve warm.
How to Saute Cauliflower
Wash and cut cauliflower into florets. Fill medium sized saucepan with water, and add a teaspoon of salt. Bring to a boil. Add cauliflower and cook 8-10 minutes or until it’s just slightly tender. Take off heat and drain water. Heat 1 Tbsp of oil in a medium skillet over medium high heat. Add cauliflower florets and saute until slightly crisp. Season lightly with salt. Serve warm.
Do you like cauliflower? Share your favorite cauliflower recipe with us in the comments!
