{Meatless Monday} Roasted Purple Cauliflower, Two Ways

Food and culinary experts are speculating that cauliflower is anticipated to be the new kale.

And this makes sense when you consider that both cauliflower and kale fall into the same vegetable family. They both contain unique compounds called glucosinolates which are not only responsible for giving these vegetables their pungent aroma and somewhat spicy flavor (they are also in the same family as wasabi!), they have also been associated with a lot of health benefits, too. For starters, they’ve been linked to lowering risks of lung, stomach, colorectal, breast, and prostate cancer.

I love that cauliflower is anticipated to be the next nutrition rock-star. It’s always been one of my personal favorite veggies. So when Frieda’s produce sent me this beautiful purple cauliflower last week, I was so excited to use it for a couple of my Meatless Monday dishes.

Here’s what we came up with:

Recipe #1: Roasted Purple Cauliflower and Chickpeas

Ingredients:

1 head purple cauliflower

1 15 ounce can chick peas, drained

2 tablespoon extra virgin olive oil

1 tablespoon red wine vinegar

1 tsp Dijon mustard

Salt & pepper to taste

Instructions:

1.      Preheat oven to 400 degrees.

2.      Wash and cut cauliflower into small florets. Spread cauliflower and chickpeas onto a baking sheet with 1 tablespoon olive oil.

3.      Roast in the oven for about 30-40 minutes.

4.      Stir 1 tablespoon olive oil and red wine vinegar in a bowl. Add mustard, salt, and pepper. When the vegetables are done, toss them with the dressing in a large bowl.

Recipe #2: Balsamic Roasted Cauliflower

Ingredients:

1 large cauliflower head (chopped into florets)

2 tablespoons olive oil

Sprinkle of salt & pepper

2 tablespoon balsamic vinegar

Freshly grated Parmesan cheese, to taste

Instructions:

1.      Preheat oven to 450 degrees.

2.      Wash and cut cauliflower into small florets. Combine cauliflower florets, oil, salt and pepper in a medium bowl. Mix well.

3.      Spread out on a baking sheet and drizzle with balsamic vinegar.

4.      Bake for approximately 25 minutes.

Optional: Top with Parmesan cheese the last couple minutes of baking.

Enjoy, preferable with those you love.