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Sunday, March 31, 2013

Mashed Cauliflower!


So many have asked for the mashed cauliflower recipe I use that I'm posting it here for you to try.

This is something I’ve recently discovered that I really REALLY like….and it gives me that yummy mashed potato feeling without the starchy guilt!

Ingredients:
1 medium head cauliflower
1 tablespoon cream cheese, softened
1/4 cup grated Parmesan
1/2 teaspoon minced garlic
1/8 teaspoon straight chicken base or bullion (may substitute 1/2 teaspoon salt)
1/8 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
1/2 teaspoon chopped fresh or dry chives, for garnish
3 tablespoons  butter (adjust as needed)


Directions:

Set a stockpot of water to boil over high heat.
Clean and cut cauliflower into small pieces. Cook in boiling water for about 6 minutes, or until well done. Drain well; do not let cool and pat cooked cauliflower very dry between several layers of paper towels.
((If you skip the drying part, the cauliflower will become watery! Ask me how I know!)) 
In a bowl with an immersion blender, or in a food processor, puree the hot cauliflower with the cream cheese, Parmesan, garlic, chicken base, and pepper until almost smooth.
Garnish with chives, bacon crumbles, shredded cheese or simply pats of butter.

Today I didn’t have cream cheese in the fridge, so I substituted sour cream, and it was equally good.

easter

19 comments:

  1. Bonnie that sounds deeeelish...when I started back with ww we gave up mashed 'taters ...Mashed Cauli ALL THE WAY!!! We LOVE garlic...don't know if you do...but I will 'roast' a whole garlic (cut off top..drizzle with a tsp or less of olive oil...wrap in foil..pop in oven for about 40-60 min - the temp depends if I'm cooking anything else at the time...by itself about 350)...when you are ready to mash your cauli..SQUEEZE out the garlic...O.M.G....Heaven! I've since found freshly peeled garlic cloves that I just grab a bunch (we really really love garlic and use no butter...so it helps with the taste)...drizzle and roast the same...no squeezing..easy peasy!

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    1. Gosh...can you tell I'm a fan of mashed cauli - I think I just hijacked the comments...sorry...but after reading everyone's info...I see I left a few other things out...I microwave my cauli for 8-10 minutes because...at least for US...anything longer makes it too soft and mushy...almost thin. I also add 2 wedges of Laughing Cow Swiss Lite...truly as a WW...I would have to eat the WHOLE deal to even count a point+. This has become a regular dish at our house.

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  2. OH YUMMMMMMMMMMM--thanks BONNIE--I have got to try these---wonder if I can sneak them into hubby? he is mashed taters to the hilt--with gravy---yuck

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  3. Always looking for a good cauliflower recipe! Do you think steaming it instead of boiling it would east up on the watery-ness?

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    1. I always microwave my cauli for about 8-10 minutes...I boiled it the first time and didn't drain it enough...too mushy...I'm safer with my micro!

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  4. Sounds yummy. But no way you could sneak this in as mashed potato....I have had mashed cauliflower and it tastes like cauliflower which is great taste. You want a treat, try it roasted with a little olive oil and Montreal Stein seasoning.

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    1. You are so right! Anyone thinking this will 'taste' like mashed taters would be really disappointed...nope, taters are taters - cauli is cauli...but such a great treat - I'm going to try your idea roasted with the oil and Montreal...we LOVE roasted veggies!

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  5. Oh I like the sound of this one. Heading to the big city to shop tomorrow and cauliflower is now on my list. I like Rabid Quilter's (above) idea of steaming. Healthier too. This could be spiced up a bit by using pepper jack cheese for a different flavor. Thank you for sharing.

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  6. mmm....I know this is something weight watchers advocates, although I've never been a big cauliflower fan, I need to give it a try...I really like the Thimblemouse idea above with the roasted garlic, that will make it a lil sweeter too. Yup, cauliflower is going on my shopping list too...thanks for the recipe Bonnie!

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    1. The roasted garlic really rocks it imho...if you can find the fresh peeled garlic cloves..that makes it so much easier. If you DO roast a whole garlic...be sure to let it cool a little before you squeeze it... :)

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  7. Looks and sounds very tasty. I lover mashed potatoes! Like texture, taste, and no carbs, what else can you ask for? A definite recipe for my short list. Thanks for sharing. Have safe travels.....

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  8. I wonder if you could substitute low fat Greek Yoghurt or lite sour cream and still get a nice creamy effect?
    This recipe looks tasty, might be a good one to try the kids might enjoy too.
    Thanks for sharing it Bonnie!

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  9. I got this recipe from skinnytaste.com, Gina is just wonderful and has a lot of gluten free. Her recipes use normal ingredients and makes thing fastastic. Lots of luscious crockpot recipes. I steam the cauliflower and add lite laughing cow wedges and light sour cream. My husband doesn't even know which is potatoes or which is cauliflower, he just eats it all up.

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  10. Cauliflower is on my list now too! Thanks Bonnie!! Have a safe trip.

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  11. I've never heard of this type of recipe, but it sounds really yummy. Do you suppose that putting the cooked cauliflower in a salad spinner instead of paper towels would work? I don't buy paper towels. I want to give this recipe a try. Maybe I'll try to sneak this past my husband's nose. He things veggies are poisonous, and sure needs some better nutrition. I'm game for any new recipes. Thank you!!

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  12. I've never heard of this type of recipe, but it sounds really yummy. Do you suppose that putting the cooked cauliflower in a salad spinner instead of paper towels would work? I don't buy paper towels. I want to give this recipe a try. Maybe I'll try to sneak this past my husband's nose. He things veggies are poisonous, and sure needs some better nutrition. I'm game for any new recipes. Thank you!!

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  13. I found it on LeeAnn's site (with Fly Lady). She called it Faux Tatoes!

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  14. I've made a similar dish many times but with the cauliflower boiled in the chicken broth and ricotta cheese mixed in. It's then baked at 350 for about 20 minutes. I am going to try patting dry the cauliflower and your additions next time. Thanks for sharing.

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