Cauliflower has gotten a bad reputation through the years as a flavorless and boring vegetable — until now. This nutrition powerhouse takes on the flavor of whatever you put on it, creating a perfect (and healthy) base for your favorite dishes. You can swap out starchy white rice for riced cauliflower, or replace a steak with a vegetarian cauliflower steak. The vegetable is so versatile that you’re guaranteed to find at least one recipe you like.
1. Cauliflower Fried Rice
While take-out Chinese food is the perfect late-night meal, it doesn’t take much time or effort to create this lighter, yet just as tasty, version of a Chinese restaurant classic: fried rice. By swapping out the rice for riced cauliflower, you can save almost 200 calories per cup. The riced cauliflower has great texture and picks up all the flavors you want in your fried rice. The dish also only takes 25 minutes to prepare, so it’s the perfect weeknight meal.
2. Cauliflower Mashed “Potatoes”
Sometimes, all you want is a big, comforting bowl of mashed potatoes, but don’t want the food hangover that forms afterwards. Cauliflower makes for the perfect substitute. After mashing some boiled cauliflower with a few tasty add-ins, you have delicious mashed “potatoes” that look and taste like the real thing.
3. Buffalo Cauliflower
Everybody loves crispy, spicy buffalo wings, but maybe not the full feeling that comes with them. Surprisingly, this cauliflower dish will make you forget that you’re not actually eating wings! By breading the florets of cauliflower before roasting them, you are left with a crispy exterior like you would have on a chicken wing. Then, simply toss the veg with your favorite buffalo sauce, and voila: you have your new favorite snack.
4. Cauliflower Steak
This is a perfect meal for vegetarians and vegans. The thick slices of roasted cauliflower offer a meaty texture, sure to please anyone who tries it (maybe even meat eaters).
#SpoonTip: Since cauliflower takes on the flavor of whatever you put on it, flavor the streaks with your favorite seasonings for an added touch of deliciousness.
5. Cauliflower Pizza Crust
This one is perfect for those who are gluten free, or just want to reduce some carbs from their diet. By mixing riced cauliflower with some type of binder, you can form a crust and top with your favorite pizza toppings.
Cauliflower can do so much more than you think, and makes it easier to lighten up some comforting dishes that might be getting in the way of your fitness goals. You can either take these ideas or create something different, but most importantly, enjoy your new favorite vegetable.