An Alkaline Alternative to the Potato
Who would’ve thought that lowly cauliflower, so often hidden under a blanket of cheese sauce, could be elevated to “hot veggie” status? Cauliflower is making a comeback on the menus of family-style restaurants and high-brow eateries alike as an alternative to the higher-carb potato.
Boasting a mere 29 calories per cup, and a rich source of vitamin C, vitamin K, folate and fiber, cauliflower deserves its newfound status as a go-to vegetable for side dishes, salads and as part of flavorful stews and main dishes.
Best of all – it’s high in alkalinity!
Balsamic & Parmesan Roasted Cauliflower
Roasting isn’t usually the first cooking method you think of for cauliflower but the results are quite delicious. The florets are cut into thick slices and tossed with extra-virgin olive oil and herbs. Wherever the flat surfaces come into contact with the hot roasting pan, a deep browning occurs that results in a sweet, nutty flavor.
INGREDIENTS
- 8 cups 1-inch-thick slices cauliflower florets, (about 1 large head; see Tip)
- 2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
- 1 teaspoon dried marjoram
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- Freshly ground pepper to taste
- 2 tablespoons balsamic vinegar
- 1/2 cup finely shredded Parmesan cheese
PREPARATION
- Preheat oven to 450°F.
- Toss cauliflower, oil, marjoram, salt and pepper in a large bowl. Spread on a large rimmed baking sheet and roast until starting to soften and brown on the bottom, 15 to 20 minutes. Toss the cauliflower with vinegar and sprinkle with cheese. Return to the oven and roast until the cheese is melted and any moisture has evaporated, 5 to 10 minutes more.
TIPS & NOTES
- Tip: To prepare florets from a whole head of cauliflower, remove outer leaves. Slice off the thick stem. With the head upside down and holding a knife at a 45° angle, slice into the smaller stems with a circular motion—removing a “plug” from the center of the head. Break or cut florets into the desired size.
NUTRITION
Per serving: 149 calories; 10 g fat ( 3 g sat , 6 g mono ); 7 mg cholesterol; 10 g carbohydrates; 7 g protein;4 g fiber; 364 mg sodium; 490 mg potassium.
Credit: Eating Well Website
