How to Cook a Head of Cauliflower: Creative Recipes and Tips

Cauliflower is a versatile vegetable that can be prepared in countless ways, from roasted cauliflower to creamy soups and more. Below, we explore several imaginative and delicious methods to cook your cauliflower, catering to different tastes and preferences.

Bloomin’ Cauliflower

Here's a recipe for a crispy and flavorful Bloomin’ Cauliflower. This dish is perfect as an appetizer or side dish.

Preparation
Remove the core of the cauliflower and break it down into florets. Place the florets in a large bowl and toss them with a lawry’s seasoned salt (2 tsp), paprika (2 tsp), and vegetable oil (2 tbsp). Baking
Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or aluminum foil. Spread the seasoned florets evenly on the baking sheet. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and bake the cauliflower for 25-30 minutes, until it is browned and crispy. Dipping Sauce
In a separate small bowl, mix mayonnaise (1/2 cup), ketchup (2 tsp), white horseradish puree (2 tbsp), paprika (1 tsp), cayenne pepper (1/2 tsp), dried oregano (1/4 tsp), salt (1/2 tsp), and black pepper (1/2 tsp).

These steps make a simple yet delicious recipe that will delight any guest or family member.

Cauli-mash

Cauli-mash is a creamy and comforting side dish that complements both meats and vegetables. Here is a straightforward method to prepare it.

Preparation
Remove the outer leaves of the cauliflower and cut it into florets. You can steam the florets for 5-7 minutes or boil them in water for 8-10 minutes. Blending
If using a microwave, follow the steam-in-bag instructions. Otherwise, steam the cauliflower the traditional way. Place the steamed cauliflower in a food processor or blender and pulse until it is relatively smooth. Add 2 tablespoons of milk and 2 tablespoons of salted butter, adjusting for thickness, salt, pepper, and garlic powder to your taste.

Curry Cauliflower

For a flavorful and aromatic dish, consider adding curry flavors to your cauliflower. This recipe takes a little more time but the result is well worth it.

Preparation
Break up the cauliflower florets and sauté some onions. Add a handful of your favorite curry spices such as Kashmiri chili, cumin, cardamom, ginger, and turmeric. Toss in some tomatoes, potatoes, and the cauliflower florets, including the roughly chopped stems. Add a can of coconut milk. Simmer until the vegetables are soft. Serving
Serve this dish with long grain rice, or use it as a topping for your favorite grains or sides. You can find specific flavors by experimenting with different spice blends (masalas).

Roasted Cauliflower

Roasting is a simple and effective method to cook cauliflower. It creates a perfect balance of caramelized and crispy textures.

Preparation
Toss the cauliflower florets and stems in a little olive oil, season with salt and pepper, and then roast it in the oven at 425°F (220°C) for 20-25 minutes, turning occasionally until it is golden and crispy. Serving
Serve the roasted cauliflower as an appetizer, side dish, or even a standalone main course garnished with fresh herbs.

Blanched Cauliflower

Blanching cauliflower can help to soften it and make it more versatile for different dishes. Here are a couple of ideas:

Salad
Blanch the cauliflower until just tender, then toss it in a nice vinaigrette. You can also serve it with a cheese sauce. Salad Toss
Add blanched cauliflower and boiled potatoes to a hot and cold salad. For an extra zing, toss them in dill pickle juice while still warm.

Cream of Cauliflower Soup

For a comforting and creamy soup, you can make cream of cauliflower soup. Here is a basic recipe:

Braising
Start with a mirepoix of onions, carrots, and celery. Add an herb bundle, black peppercorns, and fresh herbs of your choice, as well as a couple of bay leaves. Simmer until done. Blending
Remove the herb bundle and whoosh the mixture up with a hand blender. Add cream or coconut cream to taste, depending on your dietary preferences. Serving
Garnish with fresh herbs when serving. This soup is perfect for cold weather.

In conclusion, cooking a head of cauliflower can be as simple or as complex as you like. From roasted dishes to soups, the options are endless. Try different recipes and enjoy the versatility of this nutritious vegetable!