Creamy Cauliflower Mashed Potatoes With Garlic

 Who knew cauliflower was such a flexible vegetable? When ready the appropriate method mashed cauliflower has an identical texture to common mashed potatoes with a candy, buttery style. Add a bit garlic and garnish with inexperienced onions they usually style even higher!

I occur to like potatoes, however most of us are getting method too many starchy white meals in our food plan (fries anybody?). This cauliflower mashed potatoes recipe (or “fauxtatoes” as I prefer to name it) is a superb facet 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 a substitute?

Potato has some dietary advantages and a baked potato beats processed Frankenstein “meals” each time. Nonetheless, it may’t high 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, compared? A mere 5 grams. We want carbohydrates for power, however too many can work towards us. These keto “potatoes” defend blood sugar ranges and stop insulin spikes that take a toll on well being.
• Fewer Pesticides – Potatoes rank excessive on the listing of meals closely sprayed with pesticides. In equity, non-organic cauliflower is on the listing as properly however ranks a lot decrease (higher). When natural isn’t accessible, cauliflower is a more sensible choice.
• Balanced Protein and Fiber – A white potato seems to win this one, with a couple of tenths of a gram extra protein than cauliflower and about the identical quantity of fiber (when you eat the pores and skin). Alternatively, cauliflower does supply a extra balanced amino acid profile.
• Nutrient Dense – It’s true potatoes pack numerous vitamin C and a very good quantity of B6, potassium, and iron. Nonetheless, only a cup of cauliflower has virtually 30 mg extra vitamin C than a potato, comparable ranges of B6 and folate, and an additional dose of vitamin Okay. To offer potatoes their due, they’re larger in potassium than cauliflower … once more, provided that you eat the pores and skin.

So the way to win your loved ones over to this better-for-you mashed cauli-potato?

The way to Make the Finest Cauliflower Mashed Potatoes (Youngsters Will Eat!)

That is one substitute I feel truly 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” facet dish,” including cheese and further taste turns them into one thing scrumptious.

Most children received’t flinch on the distinction, and you’ll relaxation pleased figuring out you’re squeezing in additional vitamins. Prime with melted cheese and even essentially the most adamant veggie haters will give it a attempt. It additionally tastes scrumptious served with this Marry Me Rooster 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. You may also use contemporary, minced garlic cloves. To essentially ramp up the flavour attempt roasted garlic as a substitute! 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 offers it a pleasant tang and a bit protein.

Right here’s the way to make cauliflower mashed potatoes which are 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 feel they’re even higher than common mashed potatoes!

• 1 massive 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)

• If utilizing a contemporary head of cauliflower, roughly chop it into uniform, massive cauliflower florets. Cauliflower rice may even work nevertheless it cooks a lot quicker.

• In a big pot, deliver a couple of quarts of water to a boil.

• Add cauliflower and prepare dinner till fork tender.

• Drain properly.

• Switch cooked cauliflower to a big bowl and add butter and non-obligatory cream cheese or bitter cream and Parmesan cheese.

• Use an immersion blender or hand mixer to mix till clean and creamy. That is an important step … chunks of cauliflower are a giveaway!

• Sprinkle the cauliflower puree with additional cheese if desired and serve heat.

• Garnish the cauliflower mash with contemporary chopped parsley or contemporary chives if desired.

Diet Details

Mashed Cauliflower Potatoes Recipe

Quantity Per Serving (0.75 cup)

Energy 116
Energy from Fats 90

% Each 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%

* % Each day Values are based mostly on a 2000 calorie food plan.

 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 attempt once more utilizing the next suggestions:

• You should definitely drain the cooked cauliflower properly and squeeze out any further liquid earlier than the mashing and whipping step
• Don’t simply mash, whip! My most popular methodology is an immersion blender proper within the pot to get the “potatoes” good and ethereal.
• Costume 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 a bit coconut milk to loosen up the feel would in all probability work properly. (p.s. When you’re suspicious about “flavored” coconut oil right here’s one rationalization.)

The way to Make Mashed Cauliflower Potatoes within the Instantaneous Pot

After I first posted this recipe I obtained a couple of questions on why I boil the cauliflower as a substitute 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 methodology will work. (I take it again … no microwaving!)

The Instantaneous Pot is a superb answer to this debate and truly does an important job of preserving vitamins. When you’re new to it, right here’s the place I weigh in on my favourite Instantaneous Pot mannequin and cooking suggestions!

Possibility for Instantaneous Pot:

1. Wash and quarter cauliflower, eradicating leaves and stem.
2. Add steamer/trivet basket to Instantaneous Pot together with 1 cup water.
3. Add cauliflower items.
4. Set to handbook excessive stress for 4 minutes.
5. Manually vent/launch stress.
6. Open, drain, and take away interior basket.
7. Gently squeeze any remaining liquid out of the cauliflower and return to the pot.
8. Add different components and whip till creamy!

Will you do that mashed cauliflower recipe as a substitute of mashed potatoes? When you’re a mashed cauliflower believer, have any tricks to share? Please let me know within the feedback!