We're back with another recipe from our Food Writer Allison of Seek Satiation. We went back and forth about the concept for this smoothie bowl and I am psyched to hear it turned out so well! Be sure to give her some love by leaving a comment at the end of the post! xoCandace
Did you read "cauliflower" in the title and immediately become turned off? Hold up! Don't be scared! Don't be turned off. I guarantee, this is a wonderful combination.
In the past year, I have seen more health-conscious food bloggers and Instagram influencers post smoothie recipes with cauliflower bases. At first, I scratched my head and crinkled my nose. Anyone that has consumed it in its raw or steamed form can easily pick up its distinct cruciferous taste; frankly, I find cauliflower to be highly unappealing unless it's roasted within an inch of its life.
Conversely, you can't discount the health benefits of cauliflower. In its raw form, it's loaded with fiber, vitamins, and minerals. Even when steamed, it still processes high amounts of fiber, potassium, and Vitamins B12 and C. (Read a quick overview here.)
On my own food blog, Seek Satiation, I attempted to make a Chocolate Blueberry Cauliflower Smoothie a few months ago. I wasn't totally turned off by the result; I liked it enough to actually put it on my blog. Ha! Still, I wasn't 100% sold after making it, though I knew there must be a good cauliflower-based smoothie combination out there. I was determined to find it!
Pumpkin Cauliflower Smoothie Bowl
One weekend, while visiting my parents in Connecticut, I decided to try my experimentation. Armed with some pumpkin purée, a hunk of steamed then frozen cauliflower and carrots, a banana, and some milk, I said, "Just do it, girl!" So...I did it! I opted for some warming autumnal spices, such as cinnamon and nutmeg; I was thinking "pumpkin pie". After all of the ingredients seamlessly melded in the blender, I apprehensively stuck my spoon in, took a small bite...then a large bite...and then another bite! "Damn! Mom!", I shouted into the living room, "You've got to get in here and try this!" She approached as timidly as I first had, her eyebrow slightly raised with apprehension. She took a small bite as well, but she soon came to love it! Even my father, a self-professed pumpkin disliker, enjoyed it!
The best part? I honestly could not taste a hint of cauliflower. It provided an amazing creamy base, in conjunction with the banana, and it was a wholly satisfying bowl.
Pumpkin Cauliflower Smoothie Bowl
Game over. DONE. I found the ULTIMATE cauliflower-based smoothie recipe. I win! I've reached my recipe development zenith for 2017! Ha!
Okay, okay, perhaps I'll make a few more recipes for y'all... ;-)
Pumpkin Cauliflower Smoothie Bowl
Pumpkin Cauliflower Smoothie Bowl
(Makes 1 large bowl for the extra hungry OR 2 smaller bowls to share; makes 2 - 3 glasses worth of smoothies if the smoothie bowl concept isn't up your alley!)
Ingredients:
- 1 cup cauliflower, chopped fine, steamed, then frozen
- 1/4 cup carrot, chopped fine or shredded, steamed, then frozen
- 1 cup pumpkin purée
- 1 banana
- 1 cup milk, dairy or non-dairy
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 1 tablespoon maple syrup (optional)
- Toppings of choice! (For these photos, I used sprouted pumpkin seeds, diced carob, and ground cinnamon)
Note:
- Store-bought frozen vegetables can be used here, if preferred. Be sure to check the ingredients; the only ingredient listed should the vegetable! Not even salt should be added. (I'm speaking from personal past mistakes...errrr, experience. Ha!)
Directions:
1.) To steam cauliflower and carrots, add roughly 1/4" water to the bottom of a medium or large saucepan; if you have a steamer basket, place on bottom of saucepan. Turn heat onto medium-low. Add cauliflower and carrots, cover, and steam for 10 minutes. Remove from heat, allow to cool, place in container, and place in freezer for at least 1 hour.
2.) In a blender, add frozen vegetables, pumpkin purée, banana, milk, cinnamon, and nutmeg. Blend until combined and smooth. Taste and add maple syrup for extra sweetness, if desired. Pour into bowl(s) and place in freezer for 15 minutes to set up if you prefer a thicker frozen consistency, or top with toppings and eat immediately!