As I was not raised particularly religiously – Veggie Tales was not a big part of my upbringing. I got my morals from my mama, and my love for veggies from Jamie Oliver. The ever-so-charming Brit had a show where he taught littler ones the benefits of healthy eating and of better acquainting themselves with all the vegetables of the rainbow. Ever since falling hook, line, and sinker for the Naked Chef’s healthy preachings I now view avocados as being aces, broccoli is my beloved and kale is king. As of late I’ve added a new and adaptable veggie to my liturgy.

I’ve never thought much of cauliflower outside of being puréed into a rich and creamy soup. However, recently, I’ve happened upon some very interesting and delicious cauliflower recipes. Upon doing some research, I’ve also learned that this cruciferous vegetable offers a host of exceptional health benefits. A serving of cauliflower is chockablock with vitamins and minerals (vitamin C, potassium, detoxifying glucosinolates, and disease fighting sulforaphane to name a few), and not to mention is pretty much guilt-free.

While I do scarf down many handfuls of healthy greens and hummus throughout the week, as previously confessed, I also indulge in days of pure hermitdome. On these days I throw my healthy eating out the window and fall into a routine of ordering take-out and remaining  immobile. We are all prone to ‘treat yo’ self’ moments, and I’m not going to apologize for them. But to balance the scales a bit, here are some yummy recipes for some of our favourite *bad* foods where cauliflower is crowned the shining star.

Fried Rice

Source: Unami Holiday

My go-to delivery order at 4am almost always consists of shrimp fried rice. I absolutely love the stuff. Super salty with carby rice, crisp peas, and cute lil shrimp – it’s perfection. However, this dish is not really healthy in any way. Here’s a lightened up version of your favourite Chinese take-out where cauliflower is magically transformed into rice! Just type ‘Cauliflower Fried Rice’ into Google or Foodgawker and you’ll see a variety of different recipes using this idea.

Pizza

Source: Vodka & Biscuits

My next favourite thing to order in the wee hours of the morning is pizza. Now, I know what you’re thinking, “LEAVE PIZZA OUT OF THIS!” But guys, this recipe is too good to be true! Does the above image not look absolutely delicious? Would you not on first glance assume that it’s just another gorgeous photo of pizza? What’s the catch? The crust is made of cauliflower! Follow this recipe to perfect the base of your cauliflower pizza, and then get creative! Add whatever favourite pizza toppings your little heart desires to this healthy miracle.

Buffalo Wings

Source: Hot for Food

You’re sitting down to watch *the big game*. Your favourite brew in one hand, and what’s in the other? A sticky and delicious buffalo chicken wing? WRONG! A sticky and delicious cauliflower buffalo wing! Thanks to Toronto’s own Lauren Toyota, this majestic recipe for this healthy vegan version of everyone’s favourite pub food exists! Check out her blog for innovative and mouth-watering vegan recipes.

Mac ‘n Cheese

Source: Vegan Does It

I recently had my first vegan, dairy-free, gluten-free mac and cheese care of Doug McNish, and I’m happy to report that I’ve completely fallen in love. It was 100 times tastier than your typical boxed KD and with actual health benefits! I searched out a similar recipe that uses cauliflower as its main ingredient in the *cheesy* sauce. Sadly this will take longer than the 10 minutes prep time you’re used to, but the end result is going to be worth it.