There’s no doubt that nachos are a football fan’s finest friend. But how about calling an audible and subbing in some roasted cauliflower for those salty nacho chips? I know, for a nacho traditionalist this probably seems like a foul play. But once you try Cauliflower Power Nachos, you’ll start to come around. Here’s why:
1. The Toppings
If it ain’t broke, why fix it? Just stack your your starting lineup with protein-packed beans, nutrient-dense veggies and heart healthy oils from olives and avocado. Don’t forget to top it off with some calcium-rich cheese (not the nuclear orange stuff you get in stadiums!).
2. The Flavour
This is a game-time decision. I flavour my cauliflower with cumin and chili powder, throw down on some jalapeño slices and serve with cilantro and salsa. But maybe you have a different playbook. With all the toppings running interference, you don’t need to add any extra salt to this flavour-packed dish.
3. The Nutrition
When you skip the chips, you save yourself over 200 hundred calories and 500 mg of sodium. Plus, with all that fibre, you’ll be less likely to overdo it on the rest of the greasy, game-day spread. Even better, cauliflower is chock full of important nutrients like vitamin C, folate, potassium.
Now here’s a glimpse inside the playbook for this fumble-proof snack.
- 1 head cauliflower, raw
- 1 Tbsp. olive oil
- 1 tsp. chili powder
- ½ tsp. cumin
- 50 mL cheese, cheddar, grated
- ½ cup bell pepper, diced
- 2 Tbsp purple onion, diced
- 2 Tbsp sliced black olives, drained
- 60 mL black beans, drained and rinsed
- 2 Tbsp avocado, diced
- 2 - 4 Tbsp salsa (to taste)
- 2 Tbsp. cilantro, roughly chopped
- Preheat oven to 425°F.
- Break cauliflower into florets and place in large bowl. Drizzle with olive oil and season with cumin and chili powder. Toss to coat.
- Bake on parchment paper lined baking sheet for 20-25 minutes.
- Once roasted, transfer to baking pan or cast iron skillet.
- Sprinkle with cheese, peppers, onions, olives and beans and place in the oven until the cheese has melted, about 3 to 5 minutes.
- Remove nachos from the oven and top with salsa, avocado and cilantro.
**50 g hard cheese = ½ cup grated
What are some of your favourite nacho toppings? I’m always looking for fresh new ideas!
Happy Grey Cup Canada!
