In case you are a latecomer to the cauliflower trend (some may say it’s a craze), there has been much chatter among foodies and non-foodies alike about the many ways you can enjoy this (usually) white cruciferous vegetable. (It can come in a variety of shades.) And just when you think there couldn’t be another way to consume it, someone comes up with another idea (cue pizza crust).
So, as a true lover of cauliflower, I have compiled nine ways to eat more cauliflower beyond the usual steaming. If you are a newcomer or an occasional dabbler in the cauliflower patch, welcome to some possibly new ideas. Even if you fancy yourself to be a cauliflower connoisseur, you may find one or two surprises on this list.
Read about the many benefits of cauliflower
1. Buffalo wings
Cauliflower buffalo wings are a great way to get your finger food barbeque fix if you are trying to eat less animal protein. This recipe for cauliflower buffalo wings goes great with your favorite dipping sauce and will please both meat-lovers and veggie-lovers alike.
2. Ice cream
No, your eyes are not deceiving you. According to those in the know (i.e., people who have tried it), cauliflower ice cream doesn’t taste like the veggie but has a hint of coconut and vanilla. Check out this cauliflower ice cream recipe and let us know what you think!
3. Mashed
When cauliflower broke into food fame, mashed was one of the first entries. Mashed cauliflower is a low-calorie, higher-fiber substitute for white potatoes. I make this all the time and just add garlic, pink salt, and butter-flavored coconut oil from our partner Barlean's.
4. Pizza crust
Commercial varieties of cauliflower pizza crust have hit the marketplace, and they have scored high with people who want a gluten-free, low-carb, high-fiber, lower-calorie alternative to wheat pizza crust. More good news: you can make it yourself.
5. Pudding
Once you have tried cauliflower rice, then the pudding is next. Cauliflower rice pudding is easy to make, and you can substitute various ingredients to give it your own personal flair.
Read about a broccoli and cauliflower soup recipe
6. Rice
Cauliflower rice was one of the first new ways to serve this veggie when the trend started. If you want a low-calorie, low-carb alternative for rice, this is for you. My husband and I love it this way. I fry up some veggies in avocado oil, add the cauliflower pieces, two-three eggs, pink salt, and San-J tamari.
7. Smoothies
Here are the benefits of using frozen cauliflower in your smoothie. One, it adds low-calorie, no-fat bulk and fiber to your smoothie. Two, it’s inexpensive. Three, it doesn’t change the taste of your favorite smoothie flavors, which means that, four, it’s a great way to sneak a nutritious veggie into your kids’ smoothies. Here’s just one of the scores of cauliflower smoothie recipes you can try.
8. Steak
True, the only resemblance between a beefsteak and a cauliflower steak is probably that they are both in the form of a slice. However, if you are trying to cut down on red meat, cauliflower steak provides fiber, vitamins and minerals. Cauliflower steaks are super simple to make too – just add your favorite marinade and you are good to go!
9. Waffles
Another food trend is to see how many different foods you can put in a waffle iron. Cauliflower is one of them. Cauliflower waffles can be served sweet or not sweet, and they complement any meal.
Bottom Line
Cauliflower is a versatile vegetable and now you have nine ways to enjoy it and all of its health benefits.
Read next: Plant-Based Chickpea and Cauliflower Curry
