What’s in Season? Cauliflower

It is well known that we should eat a rainbow of fruit and veggies – the more colours the better!
But don’t write off white and other colourless veggies just yet!

The humble cauliflower is making a comeback in the health world – on high-end menus and homemade recipes alike. It is packed with many of the same nutrients found in super foods, with a serving providing a great source of Vitamin C and a source of Folate.

With the chilly winter weather upon us, now is the perfect time to warm up with a classic cauliflower cheese, or for a tasty yet nutritious after-school snack, how about cauliflower popcorn?

Check out these simple recipes from 5+ A Day to get your cauliflower fix!

Cauliflower Cheese

Serves: 6 to 8     |     Preparation: 10 minutes     |     Cooking: 20 minutes


Ingredients
  • 1 whole cauliflower
  • 25g butter
  • 3 tablespoons flour
  • 2 cups low fat milk
  • 1 cup tasty cheese, grated
  • Zest from ½ lemon
  • ½ teaspoon mustard powder
  • ½ cup panko breadcrumbs
  • A handful of fresh parsley leaves, torn

Method

1. Cook cauliflower whole in water in a large pot until tender

2. Make the cheese sauce while the cauliflower is cooking. Melt butter in a saucepan and then stir in flour mixing constantly to avoid lumps, then add milk gradually while still stirring

3. Once mixture has thickened add ¾ cup cheese, mustard powder and lemon zest, take of the heat and mix well

4. Drain cauliflower and place it in the ovenproof dish you will be serving it in

5. Pour over the cheese sauce, sprinkle the remaining cheese and breadcrumbs over the top and grill until golden

6. Serve with fresh parsley for a pop of colour


Cauliflower Popcorn

Serves: 4 to 6     |     Preparation: 5 minutes     |     Cooking: 30 minutes


Ingredients
  • 1 medium sized cauliflower
  • 1/2 cup grated parmesan, plus a little extra
  • 2 teaspoons fresh rosemary
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil

Method

1. Pre-heat oven to 180°C, line an oven tray with baking paper

2. Rinse and break up cauliflower into small round florets

3. Grate parmesan and finely chop rosemary

4. Combine cauliflower, parmesan and rosemary in a bowl and drizzle with a little olive oil, mix until well covered

5. Spread cauliflower onto oven tray, top with a little extra cheese

6. Bake for 30 minutes or until golden brown


Recipes courtesy of 5+ A Day. Search @5adaynz on social media and like them for fresh inspiration & recipes.