Julie Giuffrida is Test Kitchen coordinator for the Los Angeles Times.
Its neutral taste, texture and color make it perfect for exploring different flavors and cooking techniques.
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