Garlic Cauliflower Mash - Healthy Recipe Ecstasy (2024)

by healthyrecipeecstasy

Jump to Recipe Print Recipe

P-A-L-E-O. It’s happening. OK, it’s not 100 percent “I’m giving up pasta for life” happening. No, that’s never happening because pasta = my happy place. But it’s like 80percent “I’m going to focus on lean proteins and veggies and fruit and nuts and seeds and all things caveman for a little while” happening because (a) I’m well into my fourth month postpartum and I’m still wearing maternity pants (not that I’m complaining too much because comfy…so comfy) and (b) I just got a knock down drag out summer stomach flu where I could eat nothing but bagels and butter for a week straight and I need a system reboot.

Cue the cauliflower mash.

Garlic Cauliflower Mash - Healthy Recipe Ecstasy (2)

My first foray into cauli mash was back in law school when my roommate and I were experimenting with the South Beach Diet (remember that old thang?). She seemedhappy to live on salads for two weeks, butI never made it longer than three days on Phase 1. Not eating bread was torture for me. Hashtags weren’t a thing back then but my hashtag would have been #thisgirlhasnowillpower.

Anywho, eating Paleo and eating South Beach are kind of similar: produce and lean protein = yeah and sugar and carby carbs = nah.Except South Beach is sooo 10 years ago. And, by this time tomorrow, I’m sure Paleo will be so five minutes ago but I’m still gonna go there because it makes my body feel mmm mmm good.

I don’t encourage jumping from one fad diet to another – you all know I’m all about the moderation – but I’m also all about a plan and following a certain diet for a little while is an easy way for me to stay on target and focus. With that said, I can NOT go for more than 20 minutes a few days without some bread-like substance which is why I’m not going full hog on the Paleo and I’m sticking to the 80/20 route. If 3 out of 4 of my meals for the day are Paleo or Paleo-like than my other meal can be whatever it wants to be, and let’s be serious, it probably wants to be some form of carb and dairy and/or a big ass piece of cake.

Back to the cauliflower mash. This I do not regret – ever. It’s basically a big fat bowl of vegetable mush and I LOVE IT. I know vegetable mush doesn’t sound attractive so let me rephrase – it’s creamy, silky, oily, potato-like goodness without the starch factor, the dairy factor or any other forbidden factors. All the flavor comes from roasted garlic, olive oil and veggiestock with some chives mixed in for good times. Even though Paleo is all about the meat, this dish is all about the veg so it’s vegan friendly.

Garlic Cauliflower Mash - Healthy Recipe Ecstasy (3)

I am so not a cauliflower fan when it’s rocking out au natural but when it’s all disguised up in a mash or pizza crust, it’s AMAZING.

If you don’t believe me, ask the potato-loving hubby. He said to me, and I quote: “I can’t believe I’m about to say this, but can I finish off the cauliflower mash? It was actually really good.”

By all means, sir. By all means.

Garlic Cauliflower Mash - Healthy Recipe Ecstasy (5)

Roasted Garlic and Chive Cauliflower Mash

Healthy Recipe Ecstasy

TO ROAST THE GARLIC: Preheat oven to 400 degrees F. Cut the top off the garlic bulb to expose the cloves. Place the cut bulb on a large piece of aluminum foil and drizzle with olive oil and salt. Gather the edges of the foil and press together to completely encapsulate the garlic. Bake for 30 minutes or until the cloves are completely soft. Unwrap the garlic bulb and squeeze the roasted garlic out of each clove into a bowl.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 10 minutes mins

Cook Time 15 minutes mins

Total Time 25 minutes mins

Course Side Dish

Servings 4

Ingredients

  • 1 bulb roasted garlic
  • 1 head cauliflower
  • 2 cups low-sodium vegetable stock you may need an extra cup if you have a large head of cauliflower
  • Coarse salt to taste
  • Freshly-ground black pepper to taste
  • 2 tablespoons diced fresh chives plus more for garnish
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil plus more for drizzling

Instructions

  • Coarsely chop the cauliflower. Add the chopped cauliflower and two cups stock to a medium sauce pan. Bring to a boil. Turn the heat down to low and simmer for 15 minutes or until the cauliflower is tender.

  • Remove the cauliflower from the pot with a slotted spoon.

  • Add the cauliflower to a food processor along with 2 tablespoons stock, 2 tablespoons olive oil, roasted garlic, salt and pepper. Process until combined - add more stock if needed for desired consistency.

  • Stir in the fresh chives. Garnish with additional chives and a heavy drizzle of olive oil. Trust me on the heavy drizzle. It's amaze-balls.

« Beer-Braised Lamb Tacos with Chive Tzatziki and Radish Salsa

Paleo Asian-Style Turkey and Mushroom Lettuce Wraps »

Comments

  1. Garlic Cauliflower Mash - Healthy Recipe Ecstasy (6)Ann says

    Just curious, did you serve this hot? Is it a summer, room-temp or cold dish?

    • Garlic Cauliflower Mash - Healthy Recipe Ecstasy (7)healthyrecipeecstasy says

      Yes, I served it hot. You can serve it warm but I wouldn’t serve it cold. It’s not a summer dish specifically but it can be enjoyed year round because it’s so light. It would go great with a nice piece of crispy fish or some grilled chicken.

  2. Garlic Cauliflower Mash - Healthy Recipe Ecstasy (8)Bam's Kitchen says

    Garlic Cauliflower Mash - Healthy Recipe Ecstasy (9)
    Michelle, you have made me want to try this. Your version looks so creamy and delicious. Eating like a caveman is good stuff! We have been trying to do that more around here too. Difficult with teenagers but trying all the same.

    • Garlic Cauliflower Mash - Healthy Recipe Ecstasy (10)healthyrecipeecstasy says

      Thanks Bobbi!

  3. Garlic Cauliflower Mash - Healthy Recipe Ecstasy (11)Meg @ Noming thru Life says

    Did someone say roasted garlic? Okay. I’m sold! This looks fantastic and your photos are BEAUTIFUL!!

    • Garlic Cauliflower Mash - Healthy Recipe Ecstasy (12)healthyrecipeecstasy says

      Thanks so much Meg! Glad you stopped by. 🙂

      • Garlic Cauliflower Mash - Healthy Recipe Ecstasy (13)S. Smith says

        Sorry if this is a stupid question, but do I have to roast the garlic first? The ingredients call for a bulb of roasted garlic. Or do I buy it that way? Thank you 🙂

        • Garlic Cauliflower Mash - Healthy Recipe Ecstasy (14)healthyrecipeecstasy says

          Hi! There are instructions for roasting the garlic at the top of the recipe – right before the ingredients. Yes, you have to roast the garlic first and then you squeeze the roasted garlic cloves out of the skin to mix them with the cauliflower.

      • Garlic Cauliflower Mash - Healthy Recipe Ecstasy (15)S. Smith says

        Can I substitute minced garlic in a pinch? Or fresh garlic, not roasted?

        • Garlic Cauliflower Mash - Healthy Recipe Ecstasy (16)healthyrecipeecstasy says

          You can use minced garlic but I’m not sure of the ratio. Roasting the garlic takes away the bite of the fresh garlic so you can use a lot more of it (a whole bulb) and get a deeper flavor. If you use minced garlic I would start with just a few cloves because when it’s fresh it can be overwhelming.

  4. Garlic Cauliflower Mash - Healthy Recipe Ecstasy (17)theresa says

    Garlic Cauliflower Mash - Healthy Recipe Ecstasy (18)
    This was delicious and easy enough for this beginner level chef!! And perfect to serve for my lactose intolerant friends. I got rave reviews all around the table – I’ll definitely be making this again, thank you!

    • Garlic Cauliflower Mash - Healthy Recipe Ecstasy (19)healthyrecipeecstasy says

      That’s awesome Theresa! I’m so glad you enjoyed it!

  5. Garlic Cauliflower Mash - Healthy Recipe Ecstasy (20)Melissa says

    Garlic Cauliflower Mash - Healthy Recipe Ecstasy (21)
    Once this is made, how long can it keep in the fridge? Or can it be?

    • Garlic Cauliflower Mash - Healthy Recipe Ecstasy (22)healthyrecipeecstasy says

      Hi Melissa! Yes, you can keep it in the fridge. I kept it for about 3 days.

Trackbacks

  1. […] decided to compromise and surprise Alasdair with a filet and mash. Cauliflower Mash that is. Click here for my […]

  2. […] Low-Carb, Gluten-Free Pizza?? C’est Possible?? Yes, it’s possible AND delicious. If you’re on Pinterest, then it’s hard to miss the new rage in pizza: cauliflower-crust. Years ago, I remember testing out cauliflower mashed potatoes. I’ve never beena huge fan of cauliflower, soI was skeptical to say the least. But I was pleasantly surprised that cauliflower produced a creamy mashed substance that resembled mashed potatoes. Sure nothing can beat the real thing, but add a couple pats of butter and cauliflower becomes the potato’s first cousin. Check out myGarlic Cauliflower Mash recipe. […]

  3. […] time, it hit me. Cauliflower puree. I’ve made cauliflower crust pizza, cauliflower soup, and cauliflower mash, and each time, the cauliflower has taken on a new form that excites and delights my palate. As far […]

  4. […] time, it hit me. Cauliflower puree. I’ve made cauliflower crust pizza, cauliflower soup, and cauliflower mash, and each time, the cauliflower has taken on a new form that excites and delights my palate. As far […]

  5. […] getting a little carried away with the cauliflower. First the cauliflower crust pizza, then the cauliflower mash, now cauliflower soup. But I can’t help it. Cauliflower, former enemy number one, is now my […]

  6. […] meat.He’s even on board with the veggie part, especially when those veggies are drowning in olive oil and roasted garlic. And Paleo, for me, is really about upping the veggies. We’re not eating that much more meat […]

  7. […] a big plate of rice. Veggies? Not so much. But, in the past few weeks, he has happily gobbled down vegetable mashes, lettuce wraps, cabbage salads, and, most recently, noodle-less lasagna (more on that […]

  8. […] Roasted Garlic and Chive Cauliflower Mash from Healthy Recipe Ecstasy […]

  9. […] Crust Pizzaat The Nude Food Hero |Roasted Garlic and Chive Cauliflower Mashat Healthy Recipe Ecstasy |Roasted Cauliflower Tacos with Chipotle Creamat Floating […]

  10. […] Boiled and mashed, it’s a great potato substitute. Roasted Garlic and Chive Cauliflower Mash […]

Garlic Cauliflower Mash - Healthy Recipe Ecstasy (2024)

FAQs

What do you add to cauliflower to thicken mash? ›

You can add a litle softened cream cheese to the pot in the final step and stir until melted. Or you can add a keto thickener like glucomannan or xanthan gum. Be sure to whisk it in well when the mashed cauliflower is hot. You don't need more than about ¼ teaspoon per head of cauliflower.

How to make cauliflower puree Gordon Ramsay? ›

Remove the cauliflower stalks and cut them into small pieces. Heat the butter and milk in a pan and stew the cauliflower in it until softened. Add the cream and return to a high temperature. Immediately strain and liquidise the cauliflower then season and pass through a fine chinois.

Why is mashed cauliflower good for you? ›

Creamy Mashed Cauliflower is a healthier alternative to traditional mashed potatoes. Primarily due to the carbs. 1 cup of raw cauliflower has 5g of carbohydrates; where 1 cup of raw white potatoes has 12g. Perhaps even more important is the Glycemic Index score of the two.

How long does cauliflower puree last? ›

Make ahead: Mashed cauliflower can be made up to 3 days in advance and stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator. Storage: Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.

How do you firm up cauliflower mash? ›

Here are some popular options:
  1. Cream or Milk: Incorporate heavy cream, half-and-half, or whole milk to add creaminess to mashed cauliflower. Gradually add small amounts until you achieve the desired thickness.
  2. Butter: Butter contributes richness and helps achieve a smoother texture. ...
  3. Greek Yogurt or Sour Cream:
Apr 11, 2023

Why is my cauliflower mash grainy? ›

Why is my cauliflower mash grainy? If you don't cook the cauliflower through so it's nice and soft, it will be grainy when you blend it up. It also could be grainy if you don't blend it enough. These aren't mashed potatoes so you can blend for as long as it takes to get them nice and creamy.

How do you make cauliflower mash less watery? ›

Make the Thickest Mash Possible: Use less water in your steamer than you normally would, and be sure the vegetables don't touch the water while steaming. If they seem water logged, take the time to add the cauliflower to a cheesecloth or thing kitchen towel, and drain off some of the excess moisture.

Why do you soak cauliflower before cooking? ›

This process – which should last 10-20 minutes - destroys several microbes and large parasites. As cauliflower is highly susceptible to microbial attacks, it should be washed once again. This time, boil some water and put the cauliflower florets in it. Keep for five minutes and remove from the hot water.

Is cauliflower healthier than potatoes? ›

Besides offering a lower-starch option, cauliflower also packs a lot more nutrition than a simple white potato or white rice, especially the latter.

What is the most nutritious way to eat cauliflower? ›

5 Healthy Ways to Cook with Cauliflower
  • Roasted Cauliflower and Kale Soup. Soup is a quintessential comfort food, especially when it's rich and creamy and full of flavor. ...
  • Cauliflower Steaks with Caper-Anchovy-Garlic Sauce. ...
  • Cauliflower Mashed Potatoes. ...
  • Whole Roasted Cauliflower. ...
  • Cauliflower Tabbouleh.
Feb 20, 2018

What happens to your body when you eat cauliflower? ›

Cauliflower is high in fiber and water. Both are important for preventing constipation, maintaining a healthy digestive tract, and lowering the risk of colon cancer. Studies have shown that dietary fiber may also help regulate the immune system and inflammation.

Is pureed cauliflower hard to digest? ›

While everyone's tolerance is different, too much cauliflower can create G.I. distress, like excess gas and bloating. “Make sure to drink enough water to move it through your system,” suggests Lincoln. Cooking it can also dial back digestion woes.

Can dogs eat cauliflower? ›

Yes, dogs can eat cauliflower in moderation, either raw or cooked. Cauliflower is a source of dietary fiber, vitamin K, and vitamin C for dogs. Some dogs may dislike the slightly bitter taste of cauliflower. Avoid cauliflower with seasonings or oils, as they can cause upset stomach.

When should you throw away cauliflower? ›

As The Kitchn notes, cauliflower does see oxidative brown spots naturally, but it's not time to toss the cauliflower until the color turns from light brown to dark brown or black. That's the point of no return. Other telltale signs of spoilage for cauliflower include mold, off-smells, slimy texture, or soft spots.

How do you thicken soup with cauliflower? ›

You can make a creamy cauliflower soup without using milk or cream by using other ingredients to thicken and add creaminess to the soup. Some options include blending cooked cauliflower with vegetable or chicken broth and adding ingredients such as potatoes, cashews, or coconut milk to create a creamy texture.

How do you puree cauliflower to thicken soup? ›

But how can you achieve an indulgent, thick texture using only vegetables? Frugal Cooking recommends adding cauliflower, which provides a silky texture without all the fat found in cream. Just blend cooked cauliflower with your broth and add the mixture to your soup.

How do you make cauliflower rice less watery? ›

The best way to deal with the liquid is to put the riced cauliflower in a covered microwave-safe dish, heat it thoroughly to get all the liquid out of it you can, then drain it. If you have to cook it on the stovetop, add as little water as possible and stir frequently to keep it from sticking to the pan.

References

Top Articles
Latest Posts
Article information

Author: Lidia Grady

Last Updated:

Views: 5569

Rating: 4.4 / 5 (45 voted)

Reviews: 92% of readers found this page helpful

Author information

Name: Lidia Grady

Birthday: 1992-01-22

Address: Suite 493 356 Dale Fall, New Wanda, RI 52485

Phone: +29914464387516

Job: Customer Engineer

Hobby: Cryptography, Writing, Dowsing, Stand-up comedy, Calligraphy, Web surfing, Ghost hunting

Introduction: My name is Lidia Grady, I am a thankful, fine, glamorous, lucky, lively, pleasant, shiny person who loves writing and wants to share my knowledge and understanding with you.