Cauliflower: Who Knew?

Today I want to talk about:

CAULIFLOWER!

This crazy, brain-looking vegetable has always scared me just a bit.  Anyone else agree?  I never know what to do with it other than dip it into ranch.  But, I want to share with you today one of the coolest things ever that you can do with cauliflower.

First, let me begin by giving you a bit of back log about how this veggie caught my eye. It shouldn't be any secret by now that I struggle with maintaining my weight.  I've done Weight Watchers so many times, I feel like I should walk around with a t-shirt that says: "Yeah, I'm on WW....again, so what?"  Recently, I've taken up running and have found that the good old WW plan I've followed for years, doesn't seem to be taking off the pounds anymore.  I'm stumped.  So, after talking to a few people and doing some research, I've decided to count calories (they do it on The Biggest Loser, so it has to work, right?) and watch my carb intake.

But, I love carbs.

That's pretty much all I eat and to cut them down will be a definite challenge.  One of the first things I thought about was rice and noodles. I mean, how can you have a hearty meal without rice or noodles?  So, I started searching the Internet for substitutes.

Enter Cauliflower.

Apparently, there's this thing called "cauliflower rice".  Yeah, right.  My skeptical side says whatever, that sounds nasty.  But, I'm desperate.  So, I decided to give it a go.

Ummm, hello?  How did I not ever try this stuff before?

IT IS FABULOUS!!!!  You MUST try this stuff.  Not convinced?  Well, let's see how this compares calorie wise.

1.5 Cups brown rice = 250 calories
1.5 Cups of cauliflower rice = 45 calories

Yes, please....and the cauliflower rice isn't all chewy and funky textured like that brown rice can be.

So, here's what I did.  I processed 1/4 head of cauliflower in my food processor until it was the consistency of rice.  In a skillet, I browned a bit of chopped red onion in 1 T. of olive oil and a pat of butter.  Once the onions were browned, I added the cauliflower.  Cook it for about 4 min (stirring every minute or so) and then add in 1 clove of chopped garlic and salt/pepper to taste.  Cook until it is soft (though I left mine al dente).  Place it in a bowl and add chopped tomatoes and about 1 oz. of feta cheese.  Stir it all together and it's complete!

I topped my "rice" with baked salmon and a bit more feta.  Tada!

I used THIS RECIPE as a jumping off point and then added my own flair.  Now, it's your turn to give it a go and let me know what you think.

Next up on the food agenda - cauliflower mashed potates! ;)

Happy tasting!