This Garlic Mashed Cauliflower Recipe is a healthier twist to the traditional mashed potatoes. Don’t get me wrong though, I know how much we love mashed potatoes but not the loads of carbohydrates and heaviness in our tummy they bring.
Even recent health discoveries proclaim that cauliflowers have become the ultimate carbohydrate substitute. It definitely has a lower carb content despite its very similar taste to potatoes. Moreover, cauliflower will save you a lot of cooking prep time as it doesn’t need the tedious peeling of potato skins. In fact, you might not miss potatoes at all!
Generally, cauliflower has a better nutrient profile. It feeds your body with vitamin C, folate, vitamin K, vitamin B6, and potassium. The amazing nutrient called choline in this vegetable not only boosts brain development but it also improves cell nutrition and metabolism.
Now, here comes the addition of garlic. Garlic gives the taste of our mashed cauliflower a kick. It’s inarguably a great anti-inflammatory and immunity-protecting ingredient.
Nonetheless, while we instruct to boil the cauliflowers, steaming works too. Meanwhile, for dairy-free and vegan alternatives, simply replace regular unsalted butter with an equal amount of unsalted almond butter. Then you can add a cup of almond milk for a creamier taste; however, don’t mix the milk all at once but rather in increments to prevent an unpleasant soft texture.
Garlic Mashed Cauliflower
Equipment
- Saucepan
- Food Processor
Ingredients
- 8 cups cauliflower florets about 1 large head
- 1 teaspoon plus 2 tablespoons unsalted butter divided
- 2 cloves garlic sliced
- ¾ teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper freshly ground
- 1 tablespoon fresh sage chopped
Instructions
- Boil 1 to 2 inches of water in a large saucepan. Add cauliflower florets, cover, and cook for about 10 to 12 minutes or until tender.
- Meanwhile, sauté garlic in a teaspoon of butter using a small nonstick pan set at medium-low heat for about 1 to 2 minutes or until the garlic starts to brown. Remove from heat and transfer to a food processor.
- Once the cauliflower is done, drain, add to the food processor along with the garlic and pulse 2 or 3 times. Add in the remaining 2 tablespoons of butter and pulse until very smooth. Season with salt, pepper, and sage to taste. Transfer to a serving bowl, serve, and enjoy!
Notes
- Alternatively, you may use a food steamer for the cauliflower.
- For the dairy-free/vegan alternative, replace the unsalted butter with an equal amount of unsalted almond butter.
- For a creamier taste and mouthfeel, you may also add a cup of almond milk. However, just add a little at a time as it can make the recipe gooey otherwise. When that happens though, you would have to add in more steamed cauliflower to thicken it out. It’s still useful so don’t throw them away.
- This recipe yields 8 servings because it’s part of a 5-course menu. If you’re using this recipe as a standalone meal, simply double the serving size and consider the nutritional information doubled as well.
Nutrition
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