Mashed Cauliflower is a creamy delicious low carb alternative to mashed potato. This easy mashed cauliflower recipe is made at its basic with just 3 ingredients~cauliflower, salt, and butter. But that is very basic in my opinion, I would definitely elevate the flavors with some add ons~ garlic powder, sour cream, parmesan perhaps, lots of crushed black pepper, chives etc. But the question remains, does it taste like mashed potatoes? I’d say YES and NO. If you’re a purist and an avid lover of holiday mashed potatoes, then No. But if you’re flexible and want enjoy mashed potatoes but something lighter, lower in carbs then yes this recipe is definitely for you.
Cauliflower mimics certain aspects of potatoes, but lacks the creaminess and richness that potatoes offers, so keep that in mind. To make up those potato qualities we add sour cream/buttermilk, a little cheese and butter. Alternatively you could do 50/50 if you want more of a potato texture, you can do half mashed potatoes with half mashed cauliflower. Either ways this recipe is delicious, lighter if you’re looking for low carb alternative and it also happens to be a quick one for weeknight dinners.
I like using sour cream, buttermilk or parmesan to add some smooth richness to the cauliflower. If you’re making this for a dinner party or desire something extra and a sour cream, butter and Parmesan. It takes the whole thing over the top and ultra creamy and mashed potato flavor, I think either ways it comes very close to he real thing and I love that its much lighter.
How to Make Mashed Cauliflower
Start by breaking the fresh cauliflower into smaller florets. Then boil them in a steamer or large pot with water or broth until the florets are tender. Transfer them to a food processor or use an immersion blender I prefer the food processor. At this point I like to season and add the flavor makers like (sour cream, warm, salt, black pepper, butter, garlic powder, chives, onion powder) or any other flavors you like. Adding a touch butter, buttermilk or sour cream and fresh cracked black pepper gives it that creamy, mashed potato flavor. Blend until just smooth over doing it can easily turn it into a thick soup.
What to Serve it With
Here are some of my favorite ways to serve mashed cauliflower.
- Grilled Salmon or Fish
- Roast Chicken
- Mushroom Strogonoff
Mashed Cauliflower
Equipment
- Large Food Processor or Immersion blender
Ingredients
- 1 large cauliflower broken into florets
- water or veg broth to steam
- â…“ cup sour cream or buttermilk
- ¾ tsp sea salt or to taste
- freshly cracked black pepper as needed
- 1-2 tbsp salted butter
Optional Add On Flavors
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp onion powder
- ¼-½ cup grated parmesan
- 3 tbsp chives chopped
Instructions
- Place the cauliflower florets in a steamer or large pot, steam or boil cauliflower until soft.
- Drain the cauliflower, then transfer the florets to a food processor. Add sour cream/ buttermilk, butter, salt, pepper and other optional flavors desired. Purée until just smooth, be careful not to over do it or it very quickly turns into a thick soup.
- Taste and adjust seasoning as needed. Serve!
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