Cauliflower health benefits and recipes

Brassica oleracea or cauli flower is a common vegetable and is cultivated widely during winter.This tight headed vegetable resembles to broccoli and is a member of the cruciferous vegetable family.Other vegetables in this family includes cabbage, broccoli,collard greens and other.This winter vegetable is used to make several dishes.Typically the head and the leaves are used for cooking.Because of its high nutrition content, it is considered as a super food among vegetables.

This distinctive white vegetable is related to cabbage and broccoli.Cauliflower means cabbage flower that has not fully developed.It is an incredible vegetable and and its versatility makes it one of the most cooked and liked vegetable during winter.Delicious curries and dishes are prepared using cauliflower.Cauliflower is known as phool gobi in India.Some of the major and delicious food cooked using cauliflower are Gobi paratha,gobi masala(spicey cauliflower curry),Gobi pakora(cauliflower fritters),Gobi fry(Roasted cauliflower).Apart from these dishes, it is also used as a major vegetable in mixed vegetables,vegetable Korma and other.

Health benefits

Cauliflower is a great source of heath and nutrition.It is a rich source of fiber which is great for the digestive system.It is full of vitamins and minerals.Vegetables including cauliflower may help in obesity and other health related conditions.The high fiber and water content in cauliflower helps in constipation and other digestive conditions.

The antioxidants flound in cauliflower helps in protecting cells from free radicals and inflammation.Cauliflower is high in choline.Choline is an essential nutrient and has several benefits in the body.Choline plays important role in brain and memory development.The brain and nervous system need it to regulate mood,memory,muscle control.Apart from cauliflower,this nutrient is found in vegetables like broccoli,Brussels sprouts and other.Cauiflower is also rich in antioxidants like sulforaphane which has many benefits to the human body.

Recipes

There are incredible cauliflower recipes to must include.Some of the top Indian cauliflower recipes that can be cooked easily are-

Gobi paratha/Cauliflower stuffed tortilla

Gobi paratha is a common dish prepared using cauliflower and is one of the most preferred stuffed tortilla during winters.A spicey stuffing with cauliflower and other ingredients is prepared and thereby stuffing it into the regular tortilla dough.It is then roasted using butter or oil combining with dahi/yogurt or chutneys.

Gobi fry/roasted cauliflower

Roasted cauliflower is one of the easiest recipe to must include.It is sautéed in oil and spices like turmeric powder,chilli powder and coriander powder.Green peas or chopped carrots can be added to it for a more colorful look and taste.

Gobi Masala/Spicey cauliflower curry

Gobi masala is a gravy based curry which is cooked using tomato puree,chopped onions and flavorful spices.This is a common cauliflower recipe in Indian homes and taste delicious.People also like to add some chopped potatoes into it to enhance the taste.

Gobi pakora/Cauliflower fritters

Gobi pakora or cauliflower fritters is a deep fried Indian savory and an appropriate dish to enjoy during cold weather.This dish is prepared by dipping chopped cauliflower into a spicey mixture of gramflour and other spices.It is thereby deep fried and served with sauces and chutneys.

Summary

Cauliflower is a healthy as well as versatile vegetables and can be consumed solely and also can be cooked with other vegetables.