Member of the Brassicaceae family, cauliflower comes from the Latin word caulis, which means "cabbage with a flower".
One of the most common cruciferous vegetables in Indian cooking is cauliflower. Packed with antioxidants, fibre, and vitamins C and K, it promotes heart health, digestion, and immunity. The versatile vegetable, which is mostly consumed in winter, can be used in a variety of Indian dishes, including pickles, stir-fries, and curries, making it a tasty and nourishing culinary necessity.
Let us begin with the nutritional values of cauliflower by going through how many nutrients 100 grams of cauliflower contains:
Cauliflower also contains 92 per cent water and helps keep the body dehydrated. Not to forget, it is also packed with vitamin C, vitamin K, calcium and iron, potassium, magnesium, folate, vitamin B6, vitamin B5, and choline.
Cauliflower Benefits:
— Rainy Nature (@rainy_nature) November 2, 2024
1. Cauliflower is rich in choline, a nutrient that supports brain health and memory.
2. It contains sulforaphane, an antioxidant linked to cancer prevention and improved heart health.
3. Cauliflower is high in fiber, promoting digestive health and helping… pic.twitter.com/YZj4nT0uMu
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Protection from cancer: Cauliflower is full of antioxidants that protect a body's cells from cancer. Iodine-3-carbinol (I3C) is a compound found in cauliflower that stops the growth of cancer cells and blocks the formation of tumours. The vegetable also contains sulforaphane, which kills cancer cells, whereas glucosinolates in cauliflowers are also known to prevent cancer.
A healthy heart: Consuming cauliflowers keeps a heart healthy because sulforaphane lowers cholesterol levels and promotes healthy blood pressure.
Nervous system on check: Choline is a substance not found in many vegetables. Cauliflowers contain choline, which keeps the nervous system healthy, regulates mood, and enhances a person's muscle and mood control. If enough choline is not consumed, one may be at risk of age-related cognitive disease, liver problems, and heart conditions.
Did you know: #Cauliflower is packed with health benefits! This versatile veggie is loaded with vitamins C and K, which boost immunity and support bone health. It’s also high in fiber, promoting digestion and keeping you fuller longer. #HealthyEating #Superfoods pic.twitter.com/5QD2fHySds
— Dougall Chiropractic (@DougallChiro) November 6, 2024
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During winter, cauliflower becomes stable in almost every Indian kitchen. Given that every Indian state has its own cuisine, there's no dearth of cauliflower dishes, and it is impossible to list them all. Therefore, we have listed our five favourite cauliflower dishes in the following paragraphs.
Gobi Manchurian: A favourite among vegetarians, crispy fried cauliflower is tossed in a spicy, sour sauce made with chilli, garlic, and soy. It can be eaten with noodles or fried rice as a main course, appetiser, or snack.
Cauliflower Kurma: A South Indian speciality, this dish consists of curry leaves, fennel, and green chillies cooked in a thick, coconut-based stew with cauliflower. It provides a rich and creamy treat that goes well with parathas, appams,
Gobi Paratha: In Northern India, Gobi Paratha is a stuffed flatbread with a spiced cauliflower filling. It's a filling, healthy choice eaten for breakfast, lunch, and even dinner, often served with curd, pickle, or butter.
Gobhi Parantha - Would you try this delicious paratha recipe today?#Recipe #Hungry pic.twitter.com/Ge1jcQNky5
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Phulkopi Shorshe Bata: This recipe involves simmering cauliflower in mustard oil, green chillies, and a mustard seed paste. A straightforward yet sophisticated Bengali treat, the mellow taste of cauliflower is exquisitely complemented by the sharp and acidic flavours of mustard.
So, there you have it—all the goodness of cauliflower, which you must incorporate into your daily meal throughout the winter season.
