Cauliflower is both a traditional and vegetarian diet staple. It is quite a versatile vegetable. It is also nutritious. Fresh cauliflower contains 80% of the daily recommended amount (RDA) of vitamin C, a powerful antioxidant that we need to help fight damaging free radicals. This cruciferous vegetable is very low in calories and a good source of dietary fiber.
There are so many ways to prepare cauliflower. Raw in crudités and salads, pickled, sautéed in oil, Boiled, steamed, puréed or mashed, roasted, priced, and many more.
Many vegetarian and vegan chefs now offer grilled cauliflower steaks as a main course in their restaurants. The beauty of this is that you can cook the cauliflower for a shorter period of time and retain most of the nutrients. This makes for a filling meal when served with a delicious sauce and a side of leafy greens.
Grilling cauliflower on a Foreman Grill is about as easy as it gets. You don’t need an advanced or premium grill, except that some of them provide more surface area for grilling larger quantities. You can use your basic Foreman Grill with the top and bottom grill plates.
Grilled Cauliflower Steaks on a Foreman Grill
Ingredients
- 1 head of washed cauliflower
- extra virgin olive oil
- sea salt
- fresh ground pepper
Instructions
- Preheat the grill to 375° F.
- Slice the cauliflower lengthwise into large steaks that are approximately 1/2 inch thick. Don’t cut them too thick.
- Coat the steaks with some extra virgin olive oil, sea salt, and pepper.
- Place the steaks, one or two at a time in a single layer, on the bottom grill and close the lid.
- Cook for approximately 4 to 6 minutes with the top closed.
Notes
- Complete the meal with some wilted greens, green sauce, and some crusty bread. See the recipe below.
Nutrition
Round Out the Meal
Now that you can make grilled cauliflower in minutes with the Foreman Grill, let’s make a more complete meal out of these hardy steaks. Place the steaks in a warm oven while you make the rest of the components.
Cauliflower is sort of a blank canvas that soaks up the colors and flavors of whatever it is paired with.
Wilted greens, a green sauce, and some crusty bread will complement the cauliflower. Next are the additional recipes to bring the meal together.
Chimichurri Sauce Recipe for Cauliflower Steaks
Ingredients
- 1/2 cup fresh flat-leaf parsley
- 1 tablespoon fresh oregano
- 1 tablespoon fresh thyme
- 1 garlic clove
- 1/8 teaspoon cayenne pepper flakes
- 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil (EVOO)
- 2 teaspoons red wine vinegar
- 1/2 teaspoon sea salt
- few drops of water if needed
Directions
In a food processor, chop the garlic.
Add the herbs, vinegar, salt, and cayenne. Blend until herbs are minced.
Add EVOO and blend to mix, adding a little water only if needed. Serve over the steaks.
Wilted Greens Recipe
Ingredients
- 1 bunch of kale, washed
- 1 bunch of Swiss chard, washed
- 1 medium sweet onion, thinly sliced
- 2 to 4 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil (add as needed)
- 1 to 2 teaspoons sea salt
- 1/4 cup toasted pine nuts or chopped hazelnuts
- squeeze of fresh lemon
Directions
Heat the extra virgin olive oil (EVOO) in a large pot over medium heat and sauté the onions for 6 minutes.
Meanwhile, remove the tough stems and ribs of the greens and discard them or save them for soup stock. Cut or tear the leaves across into 1” strips.
Add the greens to the onions, and more EVOO if needed, and cook down until wilted, about 2 minutes.
Add the salt and pine nuts. Toss, squeeze a little fresh lemon over the top, and serve with the cauliflower steaks.
Grilled Bread
You can use your Foreman Grill to toast some crusty bread. Slice the bread. Rub with fresh garlic, and brush on some EVOO. Sprinkle with a little salt and just toast lightly on the grill like you would a Panini. Serve on the side with the cauliflower and greens.
Eat Your Vegetables
Many of us are trying to eat better these days. Including more fresh vegetables in our diets is really important for getting the nutrients we need to keep us healthy. Grilled vegetables are so easy, tasty, and nutritious. With a Foreman Grill, we really don’t have an excuse not to eat more produce. The grill is not just designed for meat.
The next time you want to be a little bit healthier, try going vegetarian or vegan for a day. You can grill up tons of different vegetables inside or outside to have throughout the day. Pair the grilled vegetables with sauces, and grains like brown rice or quinoa, and add some toasted bread for crunch. You may be surprised by how satiated you are and how good you feel.
Loved all the recipes, thank you. Makes a delicious plant-based meal.