How to Cook Fresh Cauliflower

Cauliflower is a cabbage family vegetable that consists of a large head (curd) of white, purple, green or orange florets. It has a mild flavor and can be used as a substitute for broccoli or potatoes. Cook fresh cauliflower by steaming, boiling, mashing, roasting or sauteing.

EditSteps

EditBuying Cauliflower

Look for a cauliflower curd, or head, that is tightly packed. The florets shouldn’t have gaps, and the leaves should extend over the top. White cauliflower stays colorless because the leaves cover the florets, keeping them away from the sun.

Judge most varieties by how white they are. Avoid any curds that are browning or discolored in spots. This is an indication that they have been on the shelf too long.
- If you are buying a purple, green or orange variety, look for browning on the leaves and base of the curd.
- The brighter green the better.

Buy fresh, pre-cut cauliflower florets to save on prep time. You can purchase florets instead of a whole curd. The florets will deteriorate faster than a whole head, so plan to use them within 2 days.

Place the cauliflower in an open plastic bag or keep it in its original packaging until you can cook it. It will be fresh for 5 to 7 days. ^[1]

Blanch fresh cauliflower, if you can’t prepare it within 2 to 5 days. Put a large pot of water on the stovetop to boil. Pour the cauliflower florets in and boil for 3 minutes.
- Remove the florets and place them in an ice water bath. Remove, drain and freezer or place in the refrigerator.
- Blanched cauliflower can be frozen for up to a year. ^[2]

EditPreparing Cauliflower

Turn the curd on its side. Slice through the line where the stem meets the head.

Use the cauliflower leaves and stem if they are very fresh. They can be used in place of broccoli, spinach or other bitter greens. Discard them if they aren’t fresh.

Turn the curd downward, so that the head is resting on your cutting board. Insert a paring knife at a 45-degree angle and slice in a circular motion. Discard the woody core when it is removed from the florets.

Cut the stem of each cluster of florets with your knife. You should cut where the remaining core meets the stem. Move in a circle, dislodging each cluster around the curd. ^[3]

Break away the small florets from each other using your hands. Separate the small tree-like florets into bite-sized pieces. If they are difficult to snap off, use your paring knife to cut them into small pieces. ^[4]

Place the florets in a strainer basket. Rinse them thoroughly.

EditCooking Cauliflower

Steam the cauliflower. Bring a few inches of water to a boil in a saucepan. Place a steamer tray inside the pan, and then pour in the cauliflower florets.
- Cover the saucepan. Cook for 5 minutes for a small batch of 10 minutes for a large batch.
- You can also keep the cauliflower curd whole and steam it for 15 minutes.

Boil and mash the cauliflower. Keep the cauliflower curd whole and cut an “x” in the bottom stem that is 1/2 inch (1.3 cm) deep. Bring a medium pot of water to a boil.
- Set the cauliflower head inside the water. Let it boil for 20 to 25 minutes.
- If you are using florets, only let them boil for 5 to 10 minutes.
- Drain the water; add milk, butter and seasonings.
- Mash the cauliflower with a potato masher. Serve as you would mashed potatoes. ^[5]
- Puree the cauliflower in a food processor, instead of mashing it. Use the puree as a base for soups or dips.

Immerse your cauliflower in a sauce, stew or soup. Florets will be cooked after 15 to 20 minutes in a simmered liquid.

Saute fresh cauliflower. Heat 1 tbsp. (14.8 ml) of olive oil. Add a sliced garlic clove. Pour in the florets and saute until they are golden and softened.
- Consider adding a squeeze of fresh lemon juice and some chopped thyme before serving.

Roast your florets. Preheat your oven to 400 degrees Fahrenheit (204 degrees Celsius). Toss the cauliflower florets with 1 tbsp. of olive oil, salt, pepper and caraway seeds.
- Pour them onto a baking sheet and place them in the oven.
- Roast for 20 minutes or until golden brown.