When patients ask ‘what foods are healthy?’ my answer is often “if it was raised or grown, it is a healthy choice.” Paleo is a trendy word to describe what I consider healthy. Eating healthy requires homemade meals, avoiding packaged foods and eliminating bread, pasta and grains. The health benefit of living a “paleo” lifestyle includes a healthy immune system and a clear, sharp mind. Cutting out processed food can do wonders for joint pain, inflammation and your waistline.
Cauliflower is healthy for the brain, kidneys, and heart; it is detoxifying and cancer fighting. And it tastes great! Cauliflower is also one of the easiest cruciferous vegetables to convert to a paleo perfect dish. It can replace potatoes and rice, or even wheat in a pizza crust! Here are a few new twists on some old favorites.
These are my top three. Enjoy!
Cauliflower Pizza Crust
Cutting out pizza is a big change for people, this recipe is a surprisingly delicious substitute for pizza lovers. The key on the pizza crust is straining the steamed cauliflower through a dish towel, and when you think you’ve strained all the water out, strain it some more!
Ingredients:
4 cups raw cauliflower rice (about one medium head)
1 egg, beaten
1/3 cup soft goat cheese (chevre)
1 tsp dried oregano
Pinch of salt
Instructions:
- Preheat over to 400F
- To make the cauliflower rice, pulse batches of raw cauliflower florets in a food processor, until a rice-like texture is achieved.
- Fill a large pot with about an inch of water, and bring it to a boil. Add the “rice” and cover, let it cook for about 4-5 minutes. Drain into a fine-mesh strainer.
- THIS IS THE SECRET: Once you’ve strained the rice, transfer it to a clean, thin dishtowel Wrap up the steamed rice in the dishtowel, twist it up, then SQUEEZE all the excess moisture out! It’s amazing how much extra liquid will be released, which will leave you with a nice and dry pizza crust.
- In a large bowl, mix up your strained rice, beaten egg, goat cheese, and spices. (Don’t be afraid to use your hands! You want it very well mixed.) It won’t be like any pizza dough you’ve ever worked with, but don’t worry—it’ll hold together!
- Press the dough out onto a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. (It’s important that it’s lined with parchment paper, or it will stick.) Keep the dough about 1/3” thick, and make the edges a little higher for a “crust” effect, if you like.
- Bake for 35-40 minutes at 400F. The crust should be firm, and golden brown when finished.
- Now’s the time to add all your favorites—sauce, cheese, and any other toppings you like. Return the pizza to the 400F oven, and bake an additional 5-10 minutes, just until the cheese is hot and bubbly.
- Slice and serve immediately!
Take from the following website: http://detoxinista.com/2012/01/the-secret-to-perfect-cauliflower-pizza-crust/
Paleo Cauliflower “Mashed Potatoes”
Cauliflower also doubles well as “mashed potatoes.” For the last two years, I have made this around the holidays and it’s been a hit!
Ingredients:
1 Large Head of Cauliflower, washed and trimmed
1-2 cloves – peeled and sliced
4 T pastured butter
Celtic or Himalayan Sea Salt – liberal amount to taste
Fresh Cracked Pepper to taste
Dash of Nutmeg (optional)
Instructions:
- Steam cauliflower until soft, about 10 minutes.
- Combine steamed Cauliflower, Garlic, Butter, Sea Salt, Pepper and Nutmeg into a food processor and process until smooth. You can adjust amount of Sea Salt, Butter, and Garlic to your liking.
- Serve!
Taken from the following website: http://nomnompaleo.com/post/1657598867/best-make-ahead-side-garlic-cauliflower-mashed
Cauliflower “Rice”
Pairs nicely with your favorite curry or bulgogi stir fry!
Ingredients:
1 clove Garlic, minced
1 Tbsp Organic Coconut Oil
½ Head Cauliflower
½ cup Yellow Onion, chopped
1 tsp Salt and Pepper
Instructions:
- Rinse cauliflower under cool water and pat dry.
- Use a food processor to pulse the cauliflower to a coarse texture (or use a cheese grater).
- Heat the coconut oil in a skillet over medium heat.
- Sauté the onion and garlic over medium heat.
- Add in the cauliflower rice and continue to sauté for 4-5 minutes.
- Season with salt and pepper, and serve.
Taken from following website: http://www.primalpalate.com/paleo-recipe/cauliflower-rice/