Now, it is (for many) one of the most prized veggies. It is a favorite in the paleo diet, as it can substitute for rice or even potatoes when prepared right. And it even comes in colors now, like a rainbow.
Purple.
And yes, white.
As Thanksgiving is coming up, how about some cauliflower "mashed potatoes" as a treat? This is a recipe my spouse, the family cook, makes occasionally.
Cauliflower "Mashed Potatoes"
One Head cauliflower, cut up into the florets. Of the various types, spouse likes the orange best. (I wouldn't use the purple kind. White works, though.)
Light butter, to taste
Parmesan Cheese, to taste
Method
1. Cook cauliflower in microwave or steam until fork tender. Microwaving preserves nutrients. Spouse does not use chicken broth - rather, he uses water.
2 Puree in blender until smooth, adding just enough cooking liquid so it will come out as a thick puree. As you puree, add 1 tbsp light butter in to taste, along with 2 tbsp freshly grated Parmesan cheese. Salt to taste.
4. Warm in microwave before you serve it.
5. And that's it. Enjoy! I won't give suggested number of servings. That is up to you.
Not only that, it is simple enough, if you have time and a food processor, to make "cauliflower rice".
Some people even make pizza crusts with cauliflower, and these crusts can be purchased commercially.
Have you fallen in love with cauliflower?
Tomorrow is my MusicMovesMe post, but I'll be back Tuesday with another recipe suitable for Thanksgiving.
Wait...are you saying that white cauliflower isn't natural? That purple and orange should really be the less expensive varieties? Are we being duped by marketing again? And what's wrong with purple? I like purple! (Or are you just saying purple mashed cauliflower would be kind of weird? I don't think so, but I kind of get it. Not everyone really wants purple food. Purple cabbage can look weird, after cooking, and if the colors run... but is there any other reason?
ReplyDeleteA number of more modern white cauliflower varieties are "self-blanching" ie the leaves will naturally curl around the head. But, if you grow heirloom varieties, you will have to do the job yourself. As for orange cauliflower, I have read that it was found in 1970 (a genetic mutation), and has been bred so it will reproduce true. The colors of veggies is a fascinating topic to me. Some colors fall in and out of favor (such as white, yellow or even purple carrots, or white or orange watermelon). Right now these unusual colors seem to be in favor with cooks and gardeners.
DeleteI love cauliflower. I've made "potato soup" out of it and "mac & cheese" and of course rice. It's a fooler!
ReplyDelete:) gwingal
Wow! Love the colors. I make a cauliflower soup which is quite good even if I say so myself.
ReplyDeleteO My God I had no idea at all that cauliflower can come in such pretty colours. I've only seen the while one and we all love it even thought the traditional way is the only way I know to cook it. I'l be looking up the rice recipe for sure.
ReplyDeleteI serve mine with a meat meal. So, I use margarine, pareve sour cream, and some hot sauce.
ReplyDeleteAh yes, I am familiar with riced cauliflower and cauliflower crust. I've tried the "mashed potatoes". I'm not a fan. And I've seen the various colors. Fun stuff.
ReplyDeleteI love cauliflower just steamed and buttered. Never seen colour ones before though.
ReplyDeleteLily