10 Ways to Use Cauliflower on AIP – Guest Post by Rebecca Boucher

I once thought cauliflower was boring and bland, but after following the autoimmune protocol my mind has forever been changed. Cauliflower has a fantastic reputation in the Paleo/AIP community and for good reason!

Cauliflower is a cruciferous vegetable and a nutrient powerhouse!  It’s high in antioxidants, fiber, and vitamin C; reducing cancer risk, aiding digestion, and decreasing inflammation. I don’t know about you but I am ALL for better digestion and less inflammation!

Cauliflower is extremely versatile. On its own, cauliflower has a mild nutty cabbage taste but depending on how it’s prepared, it can take on many different flavors and present different textures.  It really is amazing how one vegetable can be used in SO MANY ingenious ways.

Here are ten examples how boring cauliflower can be transformed into a delicious nutrient-dense totesAIP dish!

1. Mashed: Potatoes are eliminated on the autoimmune protocol, but lucky for us, cauliflower can be steamed and whipped into a delightful mash that is surprisingly similar to the real deal!  Check out how Sarah makes her mashed cauliflower in this post.

2. Riced: Cauliflower rice has become a staple in my home. You can make it yourself by grating cauliflower florets, but if you’re looking to cut down on kitchen time, the pre-packaged cauliflower rice is the way to go. It basically can be used anytime you would use white rice – alongside a stir fry or curry, in soup, or in a casserole. It can also be used to create a flavorful side dish! Eileen from Phoenix Helix shares four flavors of cauliflower rice here.

3. Porridge:  Although AIP breakfast most often consists of dinner leftovers or nourishing bone broth soup, once in awhile you just gotta have a traditional breakfast, such as porridge, or n’orridge! With a little creative thinking, cauliflower rice can be used to create a delicious AIP breakfast. This apple cinnamon n’orridge by Eat, Heal, Thrive is as comforting as it gets.

4. Soup: If you’re looking for a creamy puréed soup, cauliflower is THE ingredient to add.  This creamy cauliflower leek soup is a fave of mine.

5. Dips: Although traditional hummus contains legumes and seeds, there is a way to make an AIP compliant version – with cauliflower, of course! In this recipe, Mickey of Autoimmune Wellness recreates the flavor of traditional hummus with steamed cauliflower, roasted garlic, lemon juice, and olive oil.

6. Sauces: The texture of cooked then puréed cauliflower is perfect for creating creamy sauces, such as alfredo, gravy, or cheese sauce.

7. Cheese: Speaking of cheese, believe it or not, cauliflower can also be used to recreate an AIP compliant cheese. This cheese recipe by Flash Fiction Kitchen actually slices, grates and melts like the real thing!

8. Smoothies: Now this may sound a little strange, but hear me out! Frozen cauliflower will create an extra thick and frothy smoothie. Bonus, it adds extra nutrients without changing the taste. No really, it does! I know cauliflower in a smoothie doesn’t sound very appetizing, but I can assure you, the taste of the cauliflower is completely undetectable. Just add a handful of frozen cauliflower florets into your blender along with your fave smoothie ingredients and you’ll be getting an extra serving of veggies into your diet without even realizing it!

9. Raw: Of course, cauliflower can be eaten raw on its own or dressed up in a salad.  Use raw cauliflower rice to make AIP tabouleh or toss together a quick and simple cauliflower floret salad like this one. The great thing about raw cauliflower salad is that it holds really well, and can usually be made a day or two in advance for easy entertaining!

10. Roasted:  One of my personal favorite ways to eat cauliflower is roasted. There’s just something about a caramelized cauliflower floret, crispy on the outside and tender on the inside, yum!  I recently discovered cauliflower popcorn, which is basically bite-sized roasted cauliflower florets.  The texture is not identical to popcorn, but it certainly makes a fantastic movie snack! A movie snack that is nutrient-dense AND autoimmune protocol friendly. Winning!

Ingredients (cauliflower popcorn)

• 1 head of cauliflower, cut into bite-sized florets
• 2 tbsp avocado oil

• 1/2 tbsp dried chives
• 1/2 tbsp dried dill
• 1/2 tsp onion powder
• 1/2 tsp garlic powder
• 1/2 tsp sea salt
• 1/4 tsp ginger powder

Instructions

1. In a large bowl mix together all seasoning ingredients.
2. Add cauliflower florets and avocado oil. Toss to coat.
3. Pour cauliflower florets onto a baking pan.
4. Roast at 400 for 30-35 minutes or until browned.
5. Enjoy!