The Good White Food

The Good White Food

You have heard it a million times.  Stay away from white food.  I agree, stay away, except from this white one.  Cauliflower.

Cauliflower is not only a nutritional powerhouse but as you will see it is amazingly versatile and an easy way to sneak veggies into your diet ( or your kids’ for that matter). 

Cauliflower is a cruciferous vegetable that has been strongly linked to cancer prevention. It provides nutrients that help the body to get  rid of toxins .  It is an excellent source of vitamin C.  It’s broad spectrum of antioxidants support  our cells from stress which in turn lowers cancer riskl.  It provides an excellent source of vitamin K which helps lower inflammation in the body. Let’s not forget to mention fiber.  You will get 12 grams in every 100 calories of cauliflower. 

Many people think of cauliflower as that mushy tasteless lump our moms slapped on our plate beside the mushy tasteless tuna casserole.  Forget that.   Try tossing cauliflower florets in olive oil and roasting them for 20 minutes at 400 degrees.  Or stir fry them in a skillet with a little lemon and olive oil for 5 minutes with the spice of your choice.

Here is my favorite way to prepare cauliflower.  Cauliflower Puree.

• 1 head of cauliflower, steamed until very soft ( don’t worry it gets better).
• ¼ cup warmed vegetable broth
• Spices of choice.  I use garlic, cilantro and stone ground mustard.
• Blend in a food processor until creamy.

Cauliflower puree is a perfect side dish instead of potatoes or rice.  It goes exceptionally well with seafood. Or you can do the following.

• Mix the puree with brown rice for a creamy risotto.
• Mix the puree with mac and cheese to give it an extra nutritional boost.  Great idea for kid’s meals.
• Mix it with scrambled tofu and spinach and put it in a whole wheat wrap.
• Stir it in any soup, or chili for a creamy texture.
• Reduce the amount of creamed soup or sour cream you may use in a recipe and add the puree to cut calories, sodium and add nutrients.

I admit that cauliflower is not one of the more glamorous foods in the produce aisle.  But it is versatile and packs a nutritional punch.  When cooked correctly it can become the star of your