Cauliflower: A culinary blank canvas

Everywhere you turn, there it is: cauliflower rice, cauliflower wings, cauliflower steak and cauliflower pizza crust (at Chuck E. Cheese, no less!). Cauliflower and cauliflower products abound and for good reason. Just now coming into season in Southern California, the white cruciferous vegetable is nutrient-dense and offers bona fide health benefits. High in fiber as well as vitamins B, C and K and antioxidants, it is said to promote weight loss and colon and brain health and to lower the risk of heart disease and cancer. Diet-friendly, cauliflower is standard fare for most eating trends, from weight loss programs to vegan to gluten-free to paleo, keto, clean and beyond. But you don’t have to be into fad diets to appreciate this veritable culinary blank canvas. Its neutral taste, texture and color make it perfect for exploring different flavors and cooking techniques. Here are some recipes to tickle your palate.

Ceviche vegetariano

YieldsServes 6 as a main dish or 8 to 10 as a first course

Maacher jhol (Bengali fish curry with eggplant, cauliflower and potato)

Time1 hour 45 minutes

YieldsServes 4

Grilled Cauliflower Wedges

Time30 minutes

YieldsServes 2 to 4

Cauliflower "Panna Cotta" With Beluga Caviar

Time3 hours

YieldsServes 12

Roasted rainbow cauliflower tacos

Time1 hour

YieldsMakes 6 tacos

Triple cheese curried cauliflower gratin

TimeTotal time: 3½ to 4 hours

YieldsServes 12

Mustardy Meatball and Cauliflower Gratin with Gruyère

Time1 hour

YieldsServes 4

Salt and Vinegar Cauliflower

Time35 minutes

YieldsServes 4

Whole Roasted Cauliflower With Spicy Tahini Sauce

Time1 hour 30 minutes, largely unattended

YieldsServes 2 to 4

Everyday cauliflower (Roz ki gobi)

Time15 minutes

YieldsServes 4

Crunchy cauliflower steaks alla parmigiana

Time1 hour

YieldsServes 4 to 6