Low carb mashed cauliflower with butter, Parmesan and garlic tastes amazing. Who needs mashed potatoes?
This mashed cauliflower is creamy and so delicious. It’s such a wonderful substitute for high carb mashed potatoes. It feels good to eat something that’s comforting AND good for you!
How do you make mashed cauliflower?
It’s so easy. Simply steam the cauliflower in the microwave, then quickly process in your food processor with butter, parmesan, and spices into a wonderfully creamy cauliflower mash.
Is mashed cauliflower healthy?
I think it’s very healthy. Cauliflower is of course healthy, and the addition of a little butter, parmesan and seasonings does not detract from its healthfulness. At the very least, it’s a vast improvement over starchy mashed potatoes, even olive oil mashed potatoes.
But does it taste good?
Yes! Mashed cauliflower closely mimics mashed potatoes in texture and taste. The first time I tasted it, I was amazed. How can it taste so good? How can this keto, low carb dish be almost as good as mashed potatoes?
There’s something about cauliflower. It’s an extremely versatile vegetable that really helps low carbers find great substitutions for high-carb foods. Examples? Cauliflower pizza crust and cauliflower rice – both really, really good!
Even non-low-carb eaters like mashed cauliflower. The fact that my husband and I like it is not surprising. We’ve been low carbers for a while now, so our palate has changed. But the fact that my teenage kids love this side dish is the real proof that it’s truly delicious, and not just to a low carb palate.
Having said that, if you deeply dislike the taste of cauliflower, then I don’t think you should try this recipe. Perhaps try mashed butternut squash instead. But if you like cauliflower, or even if you are just indifferent to it, I think you will really enjoy this recipe.
What to serve with mashed cauliflower?
Mashed cauliflower is a very versatile side dish that you can serve with almost anything. It’s especially good when you make a saucy dish and want to serve it on something that would absorb the yummy juices. I often serve mashed cauliflower with the following saucy dishes:
Beef Bourguignon
Pork stew
Sloppy Joes
Barbecue beef stew
I also use cauliflower mash to top my healthy, low carb shepherd’s pie. It’s wonderful when topped with roasted garlic! And obviously, you can serve it with any dish that you would traditionally serve with mashed potatoes, such as ribeye roast.
What about leftovers?
Leftovers keep very well in the fridge for 3-4 days. This is one of those dishes that tastes good even after a few days in the fridge. Unlike mashed potatoes, that don’t keep well. Gently reheat the leftovers in the microwave, covered, on 50% power.
Mashed Cauliflower
INGREDIENTS
- 1 medium cauliflower, trimmed (1 lb.)
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, soft
- 1 teaspoon minced garlic
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan
- 1 teaspoon kosher salt
- 1/8 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
INSTRUCTIONS
- Wash the cauliflower, towel dry, trim outer leaves and cut into florets, or just into chunks. Place in a microwave-safe bowl, add a tablespoon of water to the bottom of the bowl, cover with a microwave-safe plate and microwave on high for about 10 minutes, until very tender.
- Meanwhile, place the butter, garlic, Parmesan, salt and pepper in your food processor's bowl.
- When the cauliflower is cooked, carefully remove it from the microwave (bowl and plate will be hot and steam will escape) and transfer to the food processor. Process until very smooth, 1-2 minutes. Serve immediately.
