Sicilian Cauliflower and Kale is a delightful combination of flavors, textures and aromas bringing together creamy cauliflower and slightly bitter kale with the sweetness of raisins. It’s a wonderful side dish you can make in 15 minutes!
Raisins and cauliflower are a classic Sicilian combination. I have been inspired to include raisins in savory dishes since my trip to Sicily last fall.
When I created this dish I wanted to make a really flavorful vegetable dish that didn’t have too many ingredients and was easy to make.
I love making vegetable dishes with more than one vegetable. The contrasting tastes and textures make it more interesting.
People often write to me saying they want dishes with only a few ingredients. I agree it’s certainly easier to cook something when you only have to get together 4 or 5 items. You’ll be happy this recipe has only 5 ingredients.
As you know I’m a huge fan of vegetables, I put them in everything. They contain the vitamins, minerals and fiber you need to stay in optimal health. I try and eat vegetables at every meal and 2 at dinner.
Health Benefits
Kale makes the dish more beautiful and nutritious. It’s among the most nutrient-dense foods on the planet. It’s also great for aiding in digestion and elimination. I like to eat lots of kale because the high amount of iron and vitamin B6 gives us energy and improves our mood.
Cauliflower is a cruciferous vegetable, which means it’s rich in antioxidant vitamins that gives us an immune system boost. It also contains choline, an essential nutrient for your brain.
The key to making this dish a success is the way the vegetables are cut.
Start by removing the stems from the kale. Take a leaf, one at a time, grasp the stem in one hand and strip the leaves off with the other. (keep the stems for another use such as a vegetable sauté).
Then bunch the leaves together and cut them into thin slices.
It’s important to cut the cauliflower into very small florets so it will mix well with the kale, onions and raisins. Cut away most of the stems and you’ll be left with florets. If they’re still big cut them into bite size pieces.
Start by steaming or boiling the cauliflower until crisp-tender. You want it to keep its texture and shape.
Heat the olive oil in a large saute pan. Saute the onions, garlic and raisins together until soft. Add the finely cut kale and Celtic sea salt. Cook 2-4 minutes until tender.
Add the cooked cauliflower and stir together. That’s it. Serve with a splash of balsamic vinegar and a sprinkle of coarse sea salt. I like Maldon sea salt and aged balsamic vinegar.
This dish is crisp- tender slightly bitter, sweet and salty.
This will quickly become one of your favorite vegetable side dishes. And the best part is, you’ll have it ready in 15 minutes!
It’s a light, yet flavorful side dish that pairs beautifully with fish, chicken, beans, grains, tempeh, tofu or roasted meats.
Quick Tip: Take 5 deep breaths before your meal to activate the “rest and digest” mode for better digestion. You’ll enjoy your meal more and feel satisfied.
Sicilian Cauliflower and Kale
- Total Time: 15 minutes
- Yield: 2 servings 1x
Description
This vegetable side dish has a delightful combination of flavors, textures and aromas that brings together creamy cauliflower and slightly bitter kale with the sweetness of raisins.
Ingredients
- 2 cups cauliflower, cut into small florets, (1/2 medium cauliflower)
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 medium onion, thinly sliced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- ¼ cup raisins
- 4 cups kale, stems removed, thinly sliced
- 1/4 –1/2 teaspoon Celtic sea salt
- Pinch red pepper flakes (optional)
- Balsamic vinegar for garnish (I like this aged balsamic)
- Coarse sea salt for garnish (I like Maldon sea salt)
Instructions
- Steam or boil cauliflower until crisp tender and set aside.
- In a large saute pan, heat olive oil on medium-low heat. Add onions and sauté 3-4 minutes until they begin to turn translucent.
- Add garlic and raisins, sauté 30 seconds until garlic is fragrant.
- Add kale, salt and red pepper flakes (if using). Sauté until tender 3-4 minutes. Add a little water to the pan if it gets dry.
- Stir in cauliflower to evenly combine with the kale.
- Serve topped with balsamic vinegar and a sprinkle of coarse sea salt.
- Prep Time: 7 minutes
- Cook Time: 8 minutes
- Category: Vegetable, Side Dish
- Cuisine: Paleo, Vegan
If you like this recipe try these other delicious easy to make vegetable side dishes:
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