Who knew cauliflower was such a flexible vegetable? When ready the fitting approach mashed cauliflower has an identical texture to common mashed potatoes with a candy, buttery style. Add slightly garlic and garnish with inexperienced onions and so they style even higher!
I occur to like potatoes, however most of us are getting approach too many starchy white meals in our food regimen (fries anybody?). This cauliflower mashed potatoes recipe (or “fauxtatoes” as I prefer to name it) is a good aspect dish for Christmas or different holidays. We additionally prefer it for a wholesome household dinner any evening of the week. They’re naturally gluten-free, low-carb, and keto.
Why Eat Cauliflower “Potatoes” As an alternative?
Potato has some dietary advantages and a baked potato beats processed Frankenstein “meals” each time. Nonetheless, it may possibly’t prime cauliflower from a well being perspective.
Right here’s why cauliflower guidelines:
- They’re Low Carb – A small potato has over 20 grams of carbs. Cauliflower, as compared? A mere 5 grams. We want carbohydrates for vitality, however too many can work in opposition to us. These keto “potatoes” shield blood sugar ranges and stop insulin spikes that take a toll on well being.
- Fewer Pesticides – Potatoes rank excessive on the record of meals closely sprayed with pesticides. In equity, non-organic cauliflower is on the record as effectively however ranks a lot decrease (higher). When natural isn’t obtainable, cauliflower is a better option.
- Balanced Protein and Fiber – A white potato seems to win this one, with just a few tenths of a gram extra protein than cauliflower and about the identical quantity of fiber (should you eat the pores and skin). Alternatively, cauliflower does provide a extra balanced amino acid profile.
- Nutrient Dense – It’s true potatoes pack quite a lot of vitamin C and a very good quantity of B6, potassium, and iron. Nonetheless, only a cup of cauliflower has nearly 30 mg extra vitamin C than a potato, comparable ranges of B6 and folate, and an additional dose of vitamin Okay. To provide potatoes their due, they’re increased in potassium than cauliflower … once more, provided that you eat the pores and skin.
So how you can win your loved ones over to this better-for-you mashed cauli-potato?
Tips on how to Make the Greatest Cauliflower Mashed Potatoes (Youngsters Will Eat!)
That is one substitute I believe really tastes higher than the unique! A good friend made these for her husband and he even didn’t notice it was cauliflower. Veggies for the win! If it’s your first time remodeling cauliflower right into a “potato” aspect dish,” including cheese and further taste turns them into one thing scrumptious.
Most children received’t flinch on the distinction, and you’ll relaxation comfortable realizing you’re squeezing in further vitamins. Prime with melted cheese and even probably the most adamant veggie haters will give it a strive. It additionally tastes scrumptious served with this Marry Me Hen dish. By the way, we love to make use of cauliflower to make Paleo “rice” too.
With common mashed potatoes you need to use a meals processor or potato masher. Since cauliflower isn’t starchy it wants blended for a creamier texture.
Taste Choices
More often than not I exploit garlic powder to season my cauliflower potatoes. It’s also possible to use contemporary, minced garlic cloves. To actually ramp up the flavour strive roasted garlic as an alternative! Or just saute chopped garlic in olive oil over low warmth till aromatic.
For creaminess, I add Parmesan cheese and cream cheese or bitter cream. Greek yogurt additionally works and provides it a pleasant tang and slightly protein.
Right here’s how you can make cauliflower mashed potatoes which might be really visitor (and child) worthy:
Mashed Cauliflower Potatoes Recipe
These creamy cauliflower “mashed potatoes” are a tacky consolation meals with a nutritious kick. Made with buttery cauliflower, I believe they’re even higher than common mashed potatoes!
- 1 giant head contemporary cauliflower (OR 1-2 luggage of frozen cauliflower)
- ¼ cup unsalted butter
- 2 TBSP cream cheese (or bitter cream, non-obligatory)
- 2 TBSP Parmesan cheese (grated, non-obligatory)
- ¼ tsp garlic powder (to style OR 2-3 garlic cloves, minced)
- salt (to style)
- black pepper (to style)
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If utilizing a contemporary head of cauliflower, roughly chop it into uniform, giant cauliflower florets. Cauliflower rice will even work nevertheless it cooks a lot sooner.
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In a big pot, deliver just a few quarts of water to a boil.
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Add cauliflower and prepare dinner till fork tender.
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Drain effectively.
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Switch cooked cauliflower to a big bowl and add butter and non-obligatory cream cheese or bitter cream and Parmesan cheese.
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Use an immersion blender or hand mixer to mix till easy and creamy. That is crucial step … chunks of cauliflower are a giveaway!
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Sprinkle the cauliflower puree with further cheese if desired and serve heat.
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Garnish the cauliflower mash with contemporary chopped parsley or contemporary chives if desired.
Diet Info
Mashed Cauliflower Potatoes Recipe
Quantity Per Serving (0.75 cup)
Energy 116
Energy from Fats 90
% Every day Worth*
Fats 10g15%
Saturated Fats 6g38%
Trans Fats 0.3g
Polyunsaturated Fats 0.4g
Monounsaturated Fats 3g
Ldl cholesterol 26mg9%
Sodium 459mg20%
Potassium 298mg9%
Carbohydrates 5g2%
Fiber 2g8%
Sugar 2g2%
Protein 3g6%
Vitamin A 314IU6%
Vitamin C 46mg56%
Calcium 48mg5%
Iron 0.4mg2%
* P.c Every day Values are based mostly on a 2000 calorie food regimen.
Retailer in an hermetic container within the fridge and reheat any leftovers on the stovetop.
Extra of a visible individual? Take a look at my 90-second video tutorial right here:
Ideas for Success
When you’ve tried making mashed cauliflower potatoes earlier than and didn’t love the consequence, don’t be afraid to strive once more utilizing the next ideas:
- Make sure to drain the cooked cauliflower effectively and squeeze out any further liquid earlier than the mashing and whipping step
- Don’t simply mash, whip! My most well-liked technique is an immersion blender proper within the pot to get the “potatoes” good and ethereal.
- Gown it up! Prime with grass-fed butter, crumbled bacon, shredded cheese, and/or contemporary or dried herbs.
Dairy Free Mashed Cauliflower
I haven’t made this recipe dairy-free (right here’s my take on that), however respected manufacturers of butter-flavored coconut oil together with slightly coconut milk to loosen up the feel would in all probability work effectively. (p.s. When you’re suspicious about “flavored” coconut oil right here’s one rationalization.)
Tips on how to Make Mashed Cauliflower Potatoes within the Immediate Pot
After I first posted this recipe I received just a few questions on why I boil the cauliflower as an alternative of steaming to protect vitamins. I get the very best texture outcomes making ready the cauliflower this fashion, however so long as you begin with tender (however not overcooked and mushy) cauliflower, just about any cooking technique will work. (I take it again … no microwaving!)
The Immediate Pot is a good answer to this debate and really does an amazing job of preserving vitamins. When you’re new to it, right here’s the place I weigh in on my favourite Immediate Pot mannequin and cooking ideas!
Possibility for Immediate Pot:
- Wash and quarter cauliflower, eradicating leaves and stem.
- Add steamer/trivet basket to Immediate Pot together with 1 cup water.
- Add cauliflower items.
- Set to guide excessive stress for 4 minutes.
- Manually vent/launch stress.
- Open, drain, and take away interior basket.
- Gently squeeze any remaining liquid out of the cauliflower and return to the pot.
- Add different components and whip till creamy!
Will you do this mashed cauliflower recipe as an alternative of mashed potatoes? When you’re a mashed cauliflower believer, have any tricks to share? Please let me know within the feedback!