How to cook a whole cauliflower

Cauliflower, a member of the cabbage family, is nutritious. It’s a rich source of vitamin C and a good source of potassium. Mixing cauliflower with other vegetables increases its antioxidant value.

One way to enjoy this great vegetable more often is to cook it whole rather than cutting it in pieces. Just follow these easy steps:

• Wash cauliflower, trim off the leaves, and cut off the stem.

• Bring two inches of water to boil in a pan.

• Add 2 tablespoons of lemon juice or a teaspoon of vinegar if the water in your area turns cauliflower yellow.

• Put a collapsible streaming basket in the pan.

• Place the cauliflower on the steaming basket, stem side down. You may need to cut a hole in the cauliflower if your basket has a center post. If you don’t have a steaming basket, just place the cauliflower in the pan. Cover the pan.

• Reduce heat to medium-low and make sure this setting keeps the water boiling.

• Check the cauliflower at 12 minutes. It takes about 15 to 20 minutes to cook a whole cauliflower.

Enjoy this delicious, nutritious treat frequently. I know I’m eating cauliflower more often with this quick cooking method.

Copyright 2010, Rita R. Robison, Consumer Specialist