White florets bundled together and cupped by fresh, green leaves - We are talking about a vegetable that is often taken for granted and is probably least appreciated. In an Indian household, cooking with cauliflower starts with the quintessential gobhi parathas, speeds up to pakodas and it mostly ends as being the regular side-dish.
Despite the unconditional attachment to this flowering veggie, cauliflower escapes the realm of culinary experimentation for many. But the good news is that this year, cauliflower is set to make a comeback. Chefs and restaurants have already begun experimenting with it and have predicted that it is going to be one of the most fashionable veggies that will rule 2015. It has become a regular on gourmet menus, all jazzed up with bold textures, sauces and spices.
(The Top Five Food Trends That Will Rule 2015)
This humble vegetable not only offers a wide range of unexplored culinary possibilities but also a handful of health benefits that you may have not known. Some studies have shown that cauliflower secretly holds anti-cancer properties. It is a rich source of a certain cancer killing compound called sulforaphane which is also great for maintaining blood pressure levels and kidney functions. It is enriched with vitamin c, anti-oxidants, essential micro-nutrients and fibre.
(Including White Vegetables in Your Diet is Beneficial)
Cauliflower aids in maintaining proper digestion and has anti-inflammatory properties as well. Not only this, it is low in fat, cholesterol and carbohydrates. With every 100 grams of cauliflower, you are consuming just 25 calories, 1 percent carbohydrates, less than 1 percent of fat and about 80 percent Vitamin C. According to health experts, Vitamin C is one of the most essential elements for human body. It helps our body combat viruses and bacterial invasion, and at the same time strengthens immunity.
Tips to Buy, Store and Cook
While buying cauliflower, always go for the ones that have white florets without any sign of discoloration. Make sure that the veggie is fresh in its entirety - from florets to its leaves. You can choose to cook its stem and leaves as well. Break it into small portions to speed up cooking. Do not overcook it as it may tend to get soggy. Go for a quick boil or steam it. You can choose to sauté or stir fry it or even add it raw to your salads for that extra crunchiness.
(Cooking With Cauliflower, a Feisty Vegetable That Can Take a Punch)
Cauliflower is very versatile and can be used in a lot of ways. From soul warming soups, cool fresh salads to snappy snacks, sensational curries and much more. You'll be surprised by the variety of dishes that it can serve you with. So don't hold back and experiment with our best recipes.
Bharwan Gobhi
Recipe by Chef Marut Sikka
From the kitchen of Chef Marut Sikka comes this classic Indian preparation. Stuff your cauliflower with a khoya and cheese mixture, bathe it in a batter and deep fry it to a crunchy, golden glory.
Honey Cauliflower
Recipe by Chef Niru Gupta
The sweet texture of cauliflower matched with honey and lime. A no-fuss appetizer to please to please those unannounced guests.
Cauliflower Cheese
Recipe by Chef Manju Malhi
A cozy dish with cauliflower, cream and lots of cheese!
Gobhi Masaledar
Recipe by Chef Niru Gupta
An everyday recipe made with a twist. A mix of masalas can jazz up any dish!
Tandoori Gobhi
Recipe by Chef Niru Gupta
Marinated cauliflower is grilled to perfection and served hot on your dinner table. It is difficult to resist this grilled sensation.
Corn and Cauliflower Soup
Recipe by Meenakshi Kapur (user recipe)
A gorgeous, thick and creamy soup that will keep you snug on a wintery day.
Cauliflower Salad
Recipe by Chef Vicky Ratnani
Shredded cauliflower teamed with raisins, capers, herbs, bell peppers, plums, white vinegar and vanilla
Gobhi Ka Paratha
Recipe by Chef Niru Gupta
The good old gobhi paratha! Make the perfect parathas and steal away some hearts!
Gobhi Shalgam Ka Achaar
Recipe by Chef Niru Gupta
Master the art of pickling. This one offers a variety of flavours -it's sweet, sour and spicy in one bite!
Cauliflower Chilli Fry
Recipe by Chef Naren Thimmiah, Mirchi-Taste of India, Singapore
Here's a fiery treat for you. Easy to cook, cauliflower florets are dipped in a spicy batter and fried golden.
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