5 recipes that will change the way you look at (and cook with) cauliflower
We know what you’re thinking: Banting. Think again – you don’t have to be on the LCHF bandwagon to love cauliflower. Abigail Donnelly shares five new ways that bring out cauliflower’s best flavours, textures and aromas.
Cauliflower is a versatile brassica that takes well to a range of ingredients – from almonds, capers, Cheddar, chilli, chocolate, cream and cumin, to mustard, nutmeg, saffron and walnuts.
It’s the perfect ingredient for carb-conscious eaters (replace half the pasta in a dish with chopped cauliflower to cut down on carbs) but you don’t have to be Banting to love cauliflower – we’re pretty sure Abigail Donnelly’s five new ways with cauliflower will convert you.
Before you get cooking, make sure your cauliflower is firm with no brown spots on the florets. The stem and leaves should be crisp and shouldn’t have a rubbery texture (a sign it’s going bad).
Storage tips: Store in the fridge in a sealed Ziploc bag for up to five days (cut a whole head into florets to save space).
Abi’s top tips for cooking with cauliflower:
CAULIFLOWER RICE: Cauliflower rice makes for an easy side when tossed with coriander or basil pesto.
WHOLE CAULIFLOWER: Try roasting whole cauliflower smeared with butter mixed with parsley, garlic and chopped olives. Add sultanas for sweetness.
CAULIFLOWER WRAPS: The perfect substitute for flour wraps. Make a Mexican-inspired version with chilli con carne, sour cream and guacamole.
CAULIFLOWER FLORETS: Chop the florets and toss with chopped sundried tomatoes and olive tapenade in a salad. Delicious with a roast or in a lunchbox.
ROAST CAULIFLOWER WITH CHIMICHURRI
If it’s the nutty flavour of cauliflower you want, roast it. Add chimichurri and you’ve got an explosion of flavour.
BIANCO CUCINA (ANCHOVY AND-CAULIFLOWER PASTA)
If you want to transform cauliflower into a deliciously creamy veg, Abi recommends frying it. Some chilli and anchovy completes this cauli-pasta dish.
SPICY NO-CARB TOMATO “TABBOULEH”
Take tabbouleh up a notch by adding a Korean twist.
WHOLE BAKED CAULIFLOWER WITH CHEESE SAUCE
Keep it simple and scrumptious with a whole baked cauliflower. Add mature white Cheddar and you’ve got the perfect Sunday lunch side.
CRUDO CAULIFLOWER TORTILLAS
The carb-free cauli wraps from Woolies have a spongy texture that is satisfying and as good as ordinary wraps. Fill with salmon, avo and red cabbage and you’re good to go.
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