Mashed Cauliflower Recipe

Above: Bowl full of mashed cauliflower.

I've been trying to eat healthier during the past few years. I do a lot of swim-bike-run workouts but still have a tendency to eat too much. I've seen a few websites posting up mashed cauliflower recipes as a healthier alternative to mashed potatoes, so I decided to make my own version and post the recipe to the Cuisine Diva blog. Mashed cauliflower makes a wonderful side dish to serve at your next dinner or holiday meal celebration.

Mashed potatoes are very high in carbohydrates and most versions are loaded with tons of milk, cream, butter and even sour cream. Mashed cauliflower, as prepared in this recipe, offers a lower carbohydrate, lower fat and lower calorie side dish that can be substituted for traditional mashed potatoes.

Above: A few of the ingredients used to make mashed cauliflower.

Mashed Cauliflower Ingredients

• 1 head cauliflower
• 1/4 vegetable broth
• 1 tablespoon margarine - I used Brummel & Brown spread
• 1 teaspoon dried or 2 teaspoons fresh thyme
• 2 cloves garlic - minced
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper

Above: Cut cauliflower into smaller florets and place in steamer basket.

Mashed Cauliflower Directions

1. Cut the core out of the base of the cauliflower and remove any blemished spots.
2. Cut the cauliflower into smaller pieces.
3. Steam the cauliflower for 30 minutes - I used my bamboo steamer placed inside my wok.
4. Add the vegetable broth, margarine, thyme, garlic, garlic powder, salt and pepper to a large pan placed over low heat.
5. Add the steamed cauliflower to the pan with the vegetable broth and seasonings.
6. Use a potato masher to finely mash the cauliflower.
7. Add additional vegetable broth if necessary.

Above: Vegetable broth and seasonings simmer while cauliflower is steaming.

Mashed Cauliflower Additions

You can add approximately 1/4 cup of any of these suggestions to your mashed cauliflower for some unique flavor variations. Unfortunately these additions also add a bit of fat and calories back into the recipe but they sure are tasty options.

• Crumbled goat cheese
• Crumbled feta cheese
• Regular or low fat sour cream
• French's fried onions - taste great sprinkled on top of mashed cauliflower.
• Instant potato flakes - to create a creamier consistency.
• Soy cheese - good option if you are lactose intolerant like I am.

Above: Mashed cauliflower sprinkled with French's fried onions.

Take care,
Lynn Smythe AKA the Cuisine Diva