Cauliflower recipes

Cauliflower is a large, cream-coloured cruciferous vegetable that is closely related to broccoli. It’s popular in vegetarian recipes and for those looking to reduce calories.

Cauliflower is filled with powerful phytonutrients and antioxidants, such as choline. Some view it as a superfood, and its high fibre content is also excellent for supporting healthy digestion.

Originally hailing from Cyprus, cauliflower comes in four colours: the ubiquitous creamy white version, plus orange, purple and green. The latter also boasts the same chlorophyll content as the veggie's relative, broccoli. The firm, dense head is actually a cluster of immature flowers and is known more correctly as a 'curd'.

Low-carb and calorie-smart meal fans and anyone seeking to reduce calories in their diet will find cauliflower rice a fantastic grain alternative. As an alternative to these basmati rice recipes, try making your own cauliflower rice.

Simply whizz up florets in the food processor, or buy a ready-made version before preparing it in the same way that you would cook white rice. Add cooked and pureed cauliflower to soups or other dishes that are calling out for a rich, smooth and satisfying texture. In fact, this is a great way to sneak a portion of vegetables into your kids' dishes.

Have fun experimenting with recipes that use cauliflower in fresh ways. Try Mexican spiced cauliflower as a hearty side dish, or heat the oven and roast golden cauliflower florets with cheese sauce for a classic dish.

Use as the hero ingredient in a creamy curry made with plenty of coconut milk, turmeric and coriander, or try making it into a Middle Eastern-style cauliflower tagine. Roasted, spiced florets make a wonderful alternative to popcorn, served with a spicy tomato sauce or sour cream dip.

For something that sounds like fun, give this bang bang cauliflower recipe a whirl.