Once regarded as the white-headed stepchild of the crudité platter, cauliflower now appears to be the heir apparent to the vegetable kingdom crown.This humble representative of the Brassica family (also home to broccoli, cabbage and brussels sprouts) is found – in one form or another – at kitchen tables everywhere now.It’s even become the carb-conscious darling of the fast-casual restaurant scene, landing itself in everything from pizza crusts to power bowls.), we’re here today to celebrate cauliflower “as-is,” by demonstrating six basic cooking methods that highlight its nutty, sweet, earthy flavor.Not just for its nutritional profile, but also for its flexibility in terms of dietary accommodations and flavor pairings.And it’s this vegetable’s literal physical flexibility that has allowed it to stand in for rice, potatoes, and a host of other starches.Lots of people aren’t bothered by the hints of sulfur or sharp bite of mustard that are common in cruciferous vegetables.Lucky for us all that these negative effects can be combatted in one of two ways: (a) proper cooking technique and/or (b) drown it in flavor!Cheese, lemon, butter, garlic, tomato, pickling brine… the list of flavors that pair with cauliflower is practically endless.Once you’ve mastered those, feel free to dust off your goggles and lab coat and start experimenting.Here’s my painless method for trimming a head of cauliflower with very little mess, very little waste, and perfectly sized florets for any use you can imagine.Beautiful crisp, caramelly, crusted edges give way to a buttery bite that practically melts in your mouth.Combine cauliflower florets with olive oil, salt, pepper and additional seasonings (see below for suggestions) in a large bowl.Spread the florets onto a parchment lined baking sheet in a single layer, leaving a bit of room between each one.MEDITERRANEAN: after roasting, toss with the juice and zest of 1 lemon, ¼ cup toasted pine nuts, and 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley.My children will gladly eat florets simply roasted with olive oil and salt.My children will gladly eat florets simply roasted with olive oil and salt.Dress it up with romesco sauce or pesto , or toss in a skillet with Mediterranean garnishes like olives, pine nuts, and parsley.– nutty roasted cauliflower pairs well with creamy pasta sauce or mild pestos.Add a head of garlic to the baking sheet, then make roasted cauliflower soup.The water helps steam the insides for tenderness, while the high oven temp yields a slightly firm crust that holds shape after “carving”.Drizzle with melted butter or olive oil, lemon juice, parsley, and/or finely grated parmesan cheese.with melted butter or olive oil, lemon juice, parsley, and/or finely grated parmesan cheese.Stovetop cooking will give you a beautiful golden brown color in about a quarter of the time.Added bonus: stir fried cauliflower is prime for saucing and soaks up flavor while keeping the buttery, nutty undertones.Remove the cover and sauté 1-2 minutes more, or any the cauliflower is golden brown and all moisture has been evaporated.in Step 4, toss, then cook until the sauce slightly thickens, 2-3 minutes more – serve with rice for a quick vegan lunch.If you’re having childhood flashbacks of soggy, limp cauliflower that’s somehow both sulfurous and flavorless, then let these steaming methods wash those memories away.Steamed fresh cauliflower is great on its own, lightly seasoned with hints of butter, lemon, or parmesan.Should the mood strike, it’s also ready to transform into an array of delicious mashes, purees, and soups.Combine cauliflower florets and ¼ cup water in a microwave safe bowl.BASIC: toss with melted butter or extra virgin olive oil, salt, and pepper.toss with melted butter or extra virgin olive oil, salt, and pepper.MEDITERRANEAN: toss with extra virgin olive oil, the zest and juice of one lemon, 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning – or 1 tablespoon fresh chopped herbs (basil, thyme, parsley) – and finely grated parmesan cheese to taste.toss with extra virgin olive oil, the zest and juice of one lemon, 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning – or 1 tablespoon fresh chopped herbs (basil, thyme, parsley) – and finely grated parmesan cheese to taste.ITALIAN: tossed with toasted bread crumbs, browned butter, and chopped fresh basil or parsley