It can be chicken, rice, steak, pasta. Cauliflower can do it all, and the culinary world is still discovering new ways to put it on the menu.
It wasn’t always this way. Before cauliflower became the ultimate vegan substitute, it was, according to Vox, “best known in the US for being ignored on plates of crudités.” Now, it’s the star ingredient in comfort food for people who want to up their vegetable intake without sacrificing the taste of familiar favorites. Snack, entree, or appetizer, let’s dive into the power of cauliflower.
Cauliflower Wings
Last year, ordering chicken wings was like ordering the catch of the day. Inflation drove chicken wing prices higher and higher. Fortunately, plenty of diners could still get their fix thanks to the versatility of cauliflower. Cauliflower wings have grown a whopping 324 percent on U.S. menus over the last four years according to Datassential SNAP!
Cauliflower wings might be a low-carb appetizer option, but they shouldn’t be low on flavor. Chefs have been pushing the envelope—and the heat—on wings. In addition to classic Buffalo and garlic, explore sweet and spicy combinations as well as global ingredients like harissa and gochujang.
Cauliflower Pizza
One reason for the rise of cauliflower is that it allows people to enjoy comfort food while sticking to particular diets. Cauliflower crust offers the perfect base for vegan, gluten-free pizzas. Chickpea, nearly as versatile as cauliflower, can serve as an unexpected topping with vegan tikka masala, berbere, BBQ sauce, or hummus.
Another great topping for cauliflower pizza crust? Cauliflower itself! Roast cauliflower with other veggies, prepare it with BBQ or Buffalo sauce, or cook it with curry powder to make a flavorful topping.
Cauliflower Bites
With the recent popularity of all-day snacking and shareables back on menus, it’s prime time for cauliflower bites. Cauliflower florets baked in zesty seasonings make for a healthy appetizer, whereas riced cauliflower fried in a mixture of flour, cheese, and peppers creates an addictive treat.
A small snack is a small commitment for consumers, meaning they are more likely to take a risk and try new flavors. Pack a punch in each bite with extra hot peppers or experiment with unusual combinations, like apple and cheddar. When in doubt, wrap mini cauliflower treats in bacon for instant menu appeal.
Your Sourcing Solution
Behind the cauliflower craze are conflicting viewpoints on plant-based food. Some consumers are turned off by over-processed meat alternatives, turning to plants that look and taste like plants. Still, other consumers are pretty turned off by the taste of vegetables. Cauliflowers are a happy medium. They’re easy to disguise as popular comfort food without necessarily involving extensive processing.
For restaurants that haven’t capitalized on the power of cauliflower yet, it isn’t too late. Find a wide variety of cauliflower products available at Dot Foods.
Explore the comforts of cauliflower on our website.