There's no denying that cauliflower's versatile — what other veggie can you turn into delicious, low-carb pizza crust? And with its mild, nutty flavour, cauliflower is super easy to sneak into soups, sauces, or even oatmeal for a much-appreciated nutrient boost. As tasty as a more complex cauliflower-based recipe can be, though, it takes time and effort to process any vegetable into something new. Taking cauliflower back to basics can free up tons of time in the kitchen and still result in a side dish or a main course that will blow your mind. Up your cruciferous veggie game by following these quick and easy methods for preparing cauliflower that will turn out perfect every time. (And if you do happen to enjoy experimenting in the kitchen, these methods are important foundational skills to have for just about any cauliflower-adjacent recipe.)
4 Easy Ways to Cook Cauliflower
4 Easy (and Very Different) Ways to Cook Cauliflower
1. How to Roast Cauliflower
Roasting is a fool-proof method for making just about any veggie taste amazing, especially cauliflower, and it may also be the easiest. Chop your washed cauliflower into bite-sized pieces, then toss them in a bowl with a drizzle of olive oil and your favourite spices and salts. If you're feeling fancy you can include smashed garlic, fresh herbs, or even parmesan cheese. Transfer the cauliflower to a baking tray, then throw everything into an oven preheated at 450 degrees for prime caramelization. Roasted cauliflower is easy to make up as you go along, but if you're more comfortable following a recipe, there are tons out there.
2. How to Steam Cauliflower
Steaming isn't necessarily the tastiest way to enjoy cauliflower, but it's an important skill to have in your pocket if you want to make more complex cauliflower-based dishes. Just boil about two inches of water in a large pot. Put your chopped cauliflower into either a steaming basket or a heat-proof colander, then slide the basket into the pot. Cover everything with a lid and let the steam cook the cauliflower for three to eight minutes, depending on your desired texture. It's easy to throw the steamed cauliflower into a food processor to use in dozens of recipes, but don't dismiss steamed cauliflower just yet — it's totally delicious as-is with a drizzle of butter, salt, and pepper.
3. How to Mash Cauliflower
Put your roasting and steaming skills to the test by mashing your cooked cauliflower into a delicious purée. You can think of this method as a yummy alternative to mashed potatoes or simply your new favourite way to eat your veggies. Just throw your cooked cauliflower into a high-speed blender along with your favourite mashed potato additions like broth, butter, salt, milk, sour cream, or roasted garlic. Blend everything to your desired consistency and serve — you can even top it with bacon and cheese. Be sparing with your liquids at first, though, because cauliflower is much less starchy than your typical potato and might not need as much moisture.
4. How to Grill Cauliflower
The previous methods can result in the perfect side dish, but grilling your cauliflower into "steaks" can help it stand as a main course. Chop off the leaves surrounding the cauliflower's stem and then cut off the end of the stem so that your cauliflower can balance on its base. The outermost sides of the cauliflower won't work for this method because the florets will fall apart, so cut them off (you can reserve them to be steamed or roasted). Then slice the remaining cauliflower into two or three "steaks." Be careful not to cut them too thick or else they might not cook evenly. Brush both sides of your steaks with a mixture of olive oil and your favourite seasonings, then place them on a grill at medium-high heat. Let each side cook for five minutes, or until charred and tender all the way through, and then feast.