Most food trends prove fleeting; ingredients tend to enjoy a moment in the spotlight before fading back into relative obscurity (remember the Beyoncé-fueled kale hysteria of 2014?). But the cauliflower, it seems, can do no wrong. In recent years it’s gone from school dinner staple to breakout star of the upmarket ‘sharing plate’ menu, and has become a popular substitute for rice, pizza dough, and even steak. Buoyed up by the ever-growing interest in paleo, gluten-free, and vegan diets, it also undoubtedly owes some of its success to the popularity of Middle Eastern cooking – Ottolenghi is a vocal champion of the humble cauli, describing it as ‘wonderfully versatile’ in its ability to take on complex flavours while retaining its own unique character. Here, we’ve gathered some of our favourite cauliflower recipes, from a gloriously cheesy pizza pie to a fragrant herb tabbouleh. Prepare to jump on the cauliflower bandwagon!
Cauliflower Korma with Blackened Rasins from Fresh India: 130 Quick, Easy and Delicious Recipes for Every Day by Meera Sodha
This vegetarian curry, made with roasted cauliflower, sweet caramelized onions, and blackened raisins, is a real crowd-pleaser. It's easy to whip up and delicious served with rice or chapattis as part of a dinner party spread.
From the book
Fresh India: 130 Quick, Easy and Delicious Recipes for Every Day
The go-to guide for vegetarian Indian cooking
130 stunning recipes with a fresh and light feel
Beautiful puddings with Indian-inspired flavours
Southern Fried Cauliflower from Vegan Comfort Classics by Lauren Toyota
An irresistable plant-based take on the American classic, this buffalo-fried cauliflower has it all; a crisp, golden-brown exterior, a deliciously meaty texture, and a moreish spicy kick.
Get your copy of Vegan Comfort Classics here.
Linguine with Cauliflower Pesto from The Smitten Kitchen Cookbook by Deb Perelman
Cauliflower is the ultimate chameleon – it shows up disguised as everything from pizza dough to brownies. Here, it's blitzed with garlic, almonds, cheese, sundried tomatoes, and capers to create a delicious pesto. Tossed with hot pasta, this is a speedy and addictively tasty midweek meal.
Get your copy of The Smitten Kitchen Cookbook here.
Cauliflower Shawarma with Pomegranate, Pine Nuts and Rose from Berber & Q by Josh Katz
Proving that you needn't rely on meat to create a show-stopping centrepiece, this cauliflower shawarma from Berber & Q is a thing of beauty. Marinated in spiced shawarma butter, roasted whole, and scattered wtih rose petals and pomengranate seeds, it's a truly impressive dish.
Get your copy of Berber & Q here.
Cauliflower Cheese Pizza Pie with Oozy Melty Cheesy White Sauce and Super-Crispy Crust from Veg: Easy & Delicious Meals for Everyone by Jamie Oliver
Two of the all-time greatest comfort foods rolled into one, this cauliflower cheese pizza from Jamie Oliver's Veg is a fuss-free weekend feast that's sure to be a hit with kids and adults alike.
Get your copy of Veg: Easy & Delicious Meals for Everyone here.
Green Herb Cauliflower Tabbouleh from The A-Z of Eating: A Flavour Map for the Adventurous Cook by Felicity Cloake
A gluten-free version of the classic Middle Eastern tabbouleh, this fragrant dish makes for a light and refreshing addition to a selection of mezze, as well as a perfect lunchbox salad.
Get your copy of The A-Z of Eating: A Flavour Map for the Adventurous Cook here.
Spiced Lamb Meatballs with Sumac Roasted Cauliflower and Pomegranate from The Quick Roasting Tin by Rukmini Iyer
In this quick and easy take on lamb kofte, lemon-infused cauliflower is paired with spiced lamb meatballs and juicy pomegranate seeds for a weekday dinner that's bursting with Middle Eastern flavour.
Get your copy of The Quick Roasting Tin here.
Buffalo Cauliflower Sandwich from Vegan Comfort Classics by Lauren Toyota
The cauliflower in this recipe is sliced into chunky steaks, coated in panko-style breadcrumbs, and sandwiched in a fresh bread roll. So good you'll forget fried chicken ever existed.
Get your copy of Vegan Comfort Classics here.
Saffron Cauliflower from Plenty by Yotam Ottolenghi
A signature dish from the patron saint of cauliflower, Yotam Ottolenghi. In this recipe, cauliflower is matched with saffron, olives, and sultanas for a veratile dish that's gorgeous served alongside lentils or fish, or as part of a mezze.
Get your copy of Plenty here.
Greek-inspired Cauliflower Stew with Olives, Zingy Lemon, Fresh Tomatoes, New Potatoes and Peas from Veg: Easy & Delicious Meals for Everyone by Jamie Oliver
Bring a little Mediterranean sunshine to a cold winter evening with this delicious vegan one-pot from Jamie Oliver's Veg. Flavoured with lemon, black olives, and fresh oregano, it's best eaten with crusty bread for the full Greek taverna experience.
Get your copy of Veg: Easy & Delicious Meals for Everyone here.
