10 healthy ways to cook cauliflower

Source: Web exclusive, October 2010

Tip: When shopping for this tasty cruciferous vegetable, look for a firm stem and florets without "black spots." Store your cauliflower in the crisper of your refrigerator.

Roasted Cauliflower

Make an incredibly easy side dish by tossing cauliflower florets with a little olive oil and coarse salt. Roast in centre of a 400ºF (200ºC) preheated oven until fork-tender. Serve warm or at room temperature.

Cauliflower Paneer Palak Curry

Make a vegetarian curry following Korma Curry package directions, but instead of chicken use large cauliflower florets, cubes of paneer and baby spinach. Note: cauliflower may not take as long to cook with this recipe.

Cauliflower with Reduced-Fat Cheese Sauce

Next time you make a cheese sauce for cauliflower or broccoli, reduce the cheddar. Bump up the flavour by adding a bit of strong blue cheese and Dijon.

Middle-Eastern Cauliflower Wrap

Spread a whole-wheat pita with hummus and sprinkle with cilantro. Add lettuce, cooked cauliflower and pickled turnip. Wrap and enjoy.

Herbed-Cauliflower Soup

Simmer up a delicious Autumn-inspired soup by placing cauliflower florets in a small pot. Cover with chicken or vegetable broth. Sprinkle with freshly ground black pepper. Simmer until cauliflower is very tender. When cool enough to handle, pulse in a food processor until smooth. If very thick, thin with more chicken broth. Reheat if needed. Season with nutmeg and more pepper. Sprinkle with lots of chopped fresh herbs and a pinch of freshly grated Parmesan cheese.

Cauliflower, Almond and Arugula Salad

Make a delicious salad by topping fresh arugula with roasted cauliflower (see recipe above), toasted whole almonds and sliced green onion. Drizzle with homemade or store-bought vinaigrette.

Cauliflower Crumble

Drizzle a bit of oil into a non-stick frying pan. Add a sprinkle of breadcrumbs and dried Italian seasoning. Stir frequently until bread crumbs are lightly toasted. Add hot, steamed cauliflower florets. Toss to evenly coat. Best served warm.

Cauliflower Cassolet

Create a healthier version of this classic French favourite by simmering cauliflower florets, lean sliced sausages, and drained and rinsed canned beans in low-sodium tomato sauce. Season with dried thyme and smoked paprika.

Cauliflower Puree

This recipe makes a great sidekick for roast chicken. Place cauliflower florets in a small pot. Add just enough chicken broth to almost cover. Sprinkle with dried thyme and freshly ground black pepper. Simmer until cauliflower is very tender. When cool enough to handle, puree using a hand blender. Serve warm.

Cauliflower Tandoori Chili

Spike your next chili with a bit of tandoori curry paste. Add cauliflower and simmer just until tender. Serve this chili with naan in place of the usual crusty bread.

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