Description
This Creamy Cauliflower Mash is a delicious low-carb alternative to traditional mashed potatoes, combining cauliflower with butter, cream, and garlic for a rich, flavorful side dish. Perfect for those seeking a comforting, creamy texture without the heaviness of potatoes, it can easily be adapted to be dairy-free or vegan.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Ingredients
- 1 large head of cauliflower (about 4 cups florets)
- 2 tablespoons butter (or dairy-free butter for a dairy-free option)
- ¼ cup heavy cream (or almond milk for a dairy-free option)
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- ½ teaspoon salt (or to taste)
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
- ¼ teaspoon garlic powder (optional for extra flavor)
- ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese (optional for extra creaminess, can be omitted for dairy-free)
Garnish
- Fresh chives or parsley for garnish (optional)
Instructions
- Prepare the Cauliflower: Rinse the cauliflower and cut it into florets. This helps it cook evenly and quickly.
- Steam the Cauliflower: Place the cauliflower florets in a steamer basket over boiling water. Cover and steam until tender, about 10-12 minutes. The cauliflower should be soft enough to mash easily.
- Sauté the Garlic: While the cauliflower steams, melt the butter in a pan over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and sauté for 1-2 minutes until fragrant but not browned. This infuses the butter with garlic flavor.
- Mash the Cauliflower: Transfer the steamed cauliflower to a large bowl. Add the sautéed garlic and butter, heavy cream (or almond milk), salt, black pepper, and garlic powder (if using). Use a potato masher or immersion blender to mash until smooth and creamy.
- Add Parmesan and Adjust Seasoning: Stir in the grated Parmesan cheese if using, and adjust seasoning with additional salt and pepper to taste.
- Serve and Garnish: Spoon the mash into serving bowls and garnish with freshly chopped chives or parsley if desired. Serve warm as a comforting side dish.
Notes
- For a dairy-free version, substitute butter with plant-based margarine and heavy cream with almond milk or any other non-dairy milk.
- Garlic powder adds an extra layer of flavor but is optional.
- The Parmesan cheese can be omitted to keep the mash vegan and dairy-free.
- This mash pairs wonderfully with roasted meats, grilled vegetables, or as a base for hearty stews.
- To make the mash smoother, use an immersion blender or food processor instead of mashing by hand.
