How to Cut Cauliflower Into Florets and Steaks

Cauliflower is a brassica, a type of cabbage with a bright, sweet flavor. Cauliflower has a large stem (its name actually comes from the Latin word caulis, meaning “stem” or “stalk”) from which a mass of flower buds called the curd, or head, protrudes. You can consume cauliflower raw in salads and stir-fry dishes, roast cauliflower for a side dish, or add it to soups and stews,

This cruciferous vegetable is filled with nutrients. One serving contains vitamin K, calcium, potassium, magnesium, and the daily recommended value of vitamin C. Cauliflower is also gluten-free and low-carb, making it a popular alternative to rice and potatoes.

One way to cut cauliflower is into florets, the flower-shaped pieces that make up the head of the cauliflower and are connected together. You can easily cut cauliflower florets into bite-sized pieces.

1. 1. Select a fresh cauliflower. When shopping for cauliflower in the grocery store, look for whole heads of cauliflower that are firm and white with no brown spots. Brown spots are an indication that the cauliflower is old and can give the cauliflower a bitter flavor.
2. 2. Remove the cauliflower leaves. Place the cauliflower on a cutting board and snap off the outer leaves from the base. You can also use a sharp chef’s knife or paring knife to remove the leaves if they don’t tear off easily.
3. 3. Cut off the stem. Next, cut off the stem from the base of the cauliflower with the knife.
4. 4. Slice the cauliflower in half. Place the cauliflower stem-side down on the cutting board. With your knife, carefully cut the cauliflower in half, running your knife from the top of the crown down the center of the cauliflower.
5. 5. Tear the florets. You will now see the individual large florets of the cauliflower that connect to the stem. Using your hands, tear off the large florets from the stem, or use a knife to cut them off.
6. 6. Halve the florets. If you want smaller florets, cut the larger florets in half. You can keep the stems on the cauliflower (the stems contain vitamin C and vitamin K and are edible). You can also discard the stems. One cauliflower should yield three to four cups of florets.

You can use cauliflower florets in your favorite cauliflower recipes, such as cauliflower soup. You can also roast the florets on a baking sheet and toss them with buffalo sauce to make buffalo cauliflower.

A popular way to cut cauliflower is into large steak-sized pieces. These thick steaks of cauliflower are perfect for roasting with olive oil. Roasted cauliflower steak is a popular vegan main dish.

1. 1. Select your cauliflower. To make cauliflower steaks, choose a large head of cauliflower at the grocery store.
2. 2. Snap off the cauliflower leaves. Place the whole cauliflower on a cutting board and snap off the green leaves from the cauliflower base. You can also use a sharp chef’s knife or paring knife to remove the leaves if they don’t tear off easily.
3. 3. Remove the stem. Using a knife, cut off the stem from the cauliflower base.
4. 4. Slice the cauliflower in half. Place the cauliflower stem-side down on the cutting board, then carefully cut the cauliflower in half.
5. 5. Cut the halves into slices. Cut the cauliflower into thick slices that are three-quarters of an inch wide.

Season the cauliflower steaks with kosher salt, black pepper, garlic powder, paprika, and extra virgin olive oil for an easy cauliflower steak recipe. You can even add parmesan or lemon juice. Place the cauliflower steaks on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Roast in a 400-degree Fahrenheit oven for ten minutes or until the cauliflower is crispy and golden brown, and serve the cauliflower as an entree with chimichurri sauce.

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