Balsamic and Parmesan Roasted Cauliflower

You may have heard through “fad-diets” to avoid colorless foods and to only eat the foods that bring a lot of color to your plate. While a colorful plate can be appreciated, don’t count cauliflower out! Cauliflower contains antioxidants and phytonutrients that can protect against cancer, fiber that helps with satiety (feeling of being full), healthy digestive tract, and properties that are essential for learning and memory. Below are some fun facts and a super easy cauliflower recipe, check it out!

Cancer Prevention: Cauliflower’s antioxidants are known to help prevent cellular mutations and reduce oxidative stress.

Digestion: Cauliflower is high in fiber and water content, helping to prevent constipation and maintain a healthy digestive tract. Recent studies have shown that consuming adequate amounts of dietary fiber could play a role in regulating the immune system and inflammation (which, in turn decreases the risk for conditions such as heart disease, diabetes, cancer, and obesity).

Memory: Loaded with choline, cauliflower is a very versatile food that has the ability to help with sleep, muscle movement, learning, and memory.

Ingredients:

8 C 1-inch-thick slices cauliflower florets (about 1 large head)

2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil

1 teaspoon dried marjoram

¼ teaspoon salt

Freshly ground pepper to taste

2 tablespoons balsamic vinegar

½ C finely shredded Parmesan cheese

Instructions:

Preheat oven to 450° F.

Toss cauliflower, oil, marjoram, salt, and pepper in a large bowl. Spread on a large rimmed baking sheet and roast until starting to soften and brown on the bottom, 15 to 20 minutes. Toss the cauliflower with vinegar and sprinkle with cheese. Return to the oven and roast until the cheese is melted and any moisture has evaporated (5-10 minutes).

Serving Size: 1 cup

Makes: approximately 4 servings

149 calories per serving, 10g fat, 10g carbohydrates per serving, 7g protein, 4g fiber