How to Cook with Sweet Potatoes,How to Cook with Cauliflower

Cauliflower is a versatile, nutrient-packed vegetable that can be used in a wide range of dishes. It’s low in calories, high in fibre, and full of vitamins, making it an excellent addition to any diet. Whether you’re roasting, steaming, or using cauliflower rice, this guide will help you make the most of this healthy vegetable.

Recipes

Roasting cauliflower brings out its natural sweetness and creates a deliciously crispy texture.

Ingredients:

  • 1 medium cauliflower head
  • 2 tbsp olive oil
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • Optional: garlic powder, paprika, cumin, or fresh herbs like thyme or rosemary

Method:

  1. Preheat your oven to 200°C (180°C fan-forced).
  2. Remove the outer leaves of the cauliflower and cut it into florets (bite-sized pieces).
  3. In a bowl, toss the cauliflower florets with olive oil, salt, pepper, and any additional seasonings you like (garlic powder, paprika, or herbs work well).
  4. Spread the cauliflower florets evenly on a baking tray lined with baking paper.
  5. Roast for 20-25 minutes, flipping halfway through, until the cauliflower is golden brown and crispy on the edges.
  6. Serve as a side dish or toss it into a salad, grain bowl, or pasta for a nutritious addition.

A creamy, comforting mac and cheese alternative with cauliflower standing in for pasta. This dish is rich, cheesy, and satisfying!

Ingredients:

  • 1 medium cauliflower head, cut into florets
  • 1/2 cup grated cheddar cheese
  • 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • 1/4 cup milk (or plant-based milk)
  • 1 tbsp butter
  • 1 tbsp flour (or gluten-free flour)
  • 1/2 tsp garlic powder
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • 1 tbsp breadcrumbs (optional)

Method:

  1. Boil the cauliflower florets in salted water for 5-7 minutes, until tender.
  2. In a pan, melt the butter and whisk in the flour to form a roux. Cook for 1-2 minutes.
  3. Gradually add the milk, stirring constantly until the mixture thickens (about 3-5 minutes).
  4. Stir in the cheddar cheese, parmesan, garlic powder, salt, and pepper, then continue to stir until the cheese is fully melted and smooth.
  5. Drain the cauliflower and toss it in the cheese sauce. Optionally, sprinkle breadcrumbs on top and bake at 180°C for 10 minutes until crispy.
  6. Serve hot and enjoy this comforting dish!

These crispy fritters make a great snack or a light meal, paired with a simple yogurt dip.

Ingredients:

  • 1 small cauliflower head, grated
  • 1/2 cup breadcrumbs (or gluten-free breadcrumbs)
  • 1/4 cup grated cheese (optional)
  • 2 eggs
  • 1/4 cup fresh herbs (parsley or coriander), chopped
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • 1 tbsp olive oil (for frying)

Method:

  1. Grate the cauliflower into small pieces using a box grater or food processor.
  2. In a large bowl, mix the grated cauliflower, breadcrumbs, grated cheese, eggs, herbs, salt, and pepper.
  3. Heat olive oil in a frying pan over medium heat.
  4. Scoop spoonfuls of the mixture into the pan, flattening them with a spatula into small fritters.
  5. Fry for 3-4 minutes on each side until golden and crispy.
  6. Serve with a side of yogurt or tzatziki for dipping.

Tips for cooking with cauliflower:

  • Storage: Store cauliflower in the fridge for up to a week. If you need to keep it longer, you can freeze it - just blanch the florets before freezing to maintain their texture.
  • To remove the stems: The stems of cauliflower can be tough and fibrous, so it’s best to remove them before cooking. Simply slice off the tough stem and cut the florets into bite-sized pieces.
  • Roast for extra flavour: If you want a caramelised, nutty flavour, roasting is your best bet. Just make sure not to overcrowd the cauliflower on the tray so it can crisp up evenly.