Healthy Sides: Fun with the white stuff!!

Let me start by saying....I used to hate cauliflower. It looks weird and never liked the taste, especially raw on veggie trays.

 

After beginning paleo, I decided to give this vegetable another try. I was amazed of how when cooked the taste, not just consistency, is changed dramatically. Below are two of my new favorite ways to cook cauliflower as a delish and healthy side or snack.

Cauliflower "Mock" Mash Potatoes

My mock mash: topped with baked chicken, seasoned with salt and pepper.

 

 On the paleo diet, potatoes are a big no-no (exception: sweet potatoes). So when I came across this cauliflower mash potato recipe, I was excited to try. I was blown away by how much they really tasted like mash potatoes. They are spot on and GUILT free, as they are low carb and high in nutrients. This is such a healthy alternative to those fatty mash potatoes.

1. Steam florettes until soft.
2. Put in food processor with fresh garlic. Process until mash potato consistency.
3. Add salt and pepper to taste. (If you are not on a paleo diet or following strictly, add butter or margarine for better flavor).

Cauliflower Buffalo Bites

My buffalo bites!

Okay so this recipe is not really paleo. This recipe I used Franks Red Hot Wing Sauce, which contains a gum and preservative, both not allowed on paleo. Honestly will it wreck your diet? Probably not. This is just a relatively healthy recipe, with the sauce and cauliflower being the only 2 ingredients, especially compared to fried buffalo wings from a carryout. Overall this particular sauce contains no sugar, fat, or carbs.

 

I found a recipe for cauliflower with hot sauce, boasting it as an alternative to buffalo chicken bites. I was hesitant when making this recipe for the first time, but gave it a try and was glad I did! Full of flavor and with a great consistency (I wasn't honestly expecting) these are a great as a snack or as a side. There are some homemade paleo "ranch dressings recipes" out there. I'm sure pared together it would be great!

1. Toss florettes in hot sauce.
2. Bake at 450 degrees on foil lined baking sheet for about 10 mins. Flip. Bake another 10 mins.

Be careful to not over cook, or they will be soggy.