I have recently started a plant based eating regiment and have learned to love cauliflower. In all of my years, I never knew it could be so versatile and delicious. It has been a learning experience, no doubt, but one that I am happy to have gone through. As I have been experimenting with different vegetables during my meals, cauliflower has won over the hearts of my family.
I wont lie, it does take some time to get use to…especially cauliflower mash…but once you realize how yummy it can be, you and your children will ask for it often.
I wanted to share some of my favorite tips and tricks to welcoming this delicious vegetable into your meals and snacks.
Cauliflower Tips and Tricks
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Cauliflower rice is a great substitute for regular rice.
I love rice. My family loves rice. But when I started focusing more on my plant based eating regiment, I realized I needed more vegetables with my meals. One favorite dish in my home is teriyaki chicken served over rice. I had watched a few cooking tutorials on how to make cauliflower rice, but didn’t feel quite ready to take that plunge…so I hit the frozen food aisle at the grocery store and picked up a few bags of cauliflower rice. Best decision ever! Grab the bag, zap it in the microwave and serve. Using the cauliflower rice as the base instead of rice did not make a huge difference. Sure there is a slight taste and texture change but even my husband, who notoriously shuns vegetables, liked it. You can make it yourself, or buy it ready to zap. Either way it is a win in my household. -
Cauliflower mash can be just as good as regular mashed potatoes.
Hold on now…did I just say cauliflower mash can be just as good as mashed potatoes? Why yes, yes I did. Again, you can make this from scratch or just buy some cauliflower mash in the frozen food aisle. Typically I like to serve chicken patties with a side of mashed potatoes and gravy…but since being more plant based, I decided to try swapping out regular potatoes for cauliflower mash. Lots of people seemed to have had success with it, and so I decided it would be a positive change for me and my family. I really enjoyed homemade cauliflower mash. (I will try to make a tutorial on how I make mine soon) However, I struggled a little with the microwaved mash that I served the other night. It was okay, but not really something I wanted seconds of. So, anytime you have a recipe that calls for potatoes, consider this idea instead. It is an easy way to load up, and not feel guilt about eating too much.
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Cauliflower pizza crust is a dream to eat.
Just because you switch your eating regiments up a bit, doesn’t mean you have to forego the “good things” in life, like pizza. You can use cauliflower to easily make a pizza crust that gives you the great taste of pizza, with a healthy twist. Load up the cauliflower crust with your favorite toppings and don’t feel bad when you go back for thirds or fourths.
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Cauliflower chips are a good alternative to the French fries.
There is something very satisfying about having a hamburger with French fries. Reduce the grease and starchy intake, by making cauliflower chips and serving them on the side of a delicious burger. Crunchy and satisfying, while being healthy, gluten free, and plant based. Yes, I think I will. Thank you!
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Seasoning cauliflower gives it a completely different taste, but welcomes variety to any meal.
If you are a fan of buffalo wings, I recommend giving buffalo cauliflower a try. Prepared and cooked in the oven, like regular wings are, the buffalo cauliflower dish is perfect on a game day, or finger food frenzy. Serve with a side of blue cheese or ranch dressing, carrots, and celery, then you are in business. This same technique can also be used to make garlic parmesan cauliflower bites, as well.
I hope that you have enjoyed browsing these tips and tricks to loving cauliflower. Give them a try, and let me know how you like them! As always, enjoy!!
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