An easy way to get in more veggies! Try whipping up a batch of these mashed cauliflower "faux" potatoes. They are creamy, cheesy, and low carb!
I've been hosting Thanksgiving at my house for over four years now, and every year I make sure a version of this cauliflower mash goes on the table. For the first couple of years, I thought that NO ONE would eat it, but turns out that year after year it's one of the first things that disappear.
Yes, we usually make a batch of my MILs mashed potatoes as well, so we aren't without real mash potatoes on Thanksgiving. Somehow though, this cauliflower mash still shines through as a winning side dish.
The rest of the year, I'm too lazy to make real mash potatoes though, so I typically make cauliflower mash at least one time a month, especially in the winter months. It's easier to make than real potatoes because all you have to do is steam the cauliflower and then blend it up in the Vitamix or food processor. I will say though; I prefer the resulting texture of the food processor over the Vitamix. It's a bit creamier and smoother, but that's just my opinion!
Also if you are looking for more healthy Thanksgiving recipe ideas, check out this post!
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3 Health Benefits of Cauliflower
Just like kale and broccoli, cauliflower is part of the cruciferous vegetable family which is well known for its superior delivery of nutrients and health benefits to the body. There are a whole host of benefits to eating more cruciferous vegetables, but here are just three that pertain specifically to cauliflower!
1. Natural Weight Loss Food
Cauliflower packs a fiber punch which helps keep you full and satisfied for hours on end. It is also an excellent substitute for potatoes in many recipes, making it a delicious low carb option.
2. Cancer Prevention
Packed with a nutrient punch consisting of a variety of vitamins, phytochemicals, and antioxidants which fight cancer by activating enzymes which block cancer growth.
3. Anti-inflammatory
Nutrients, such as Vitamin K from cauliflower help to stimulate compounds which fight inflammation in the body. Chronic inflammation puts stress on the body’s immune system and has been linked with many types of auto-immune and other diseases such as cancer. You may also consider adding it to a meal after an intense sweat session to help the body recover.
Low Carb Garlic & Herb Cauliflower Mash
Ingredients
- 1 head cauliflower large (or 2 medium)
- 2 tablespoon minced garlic
- 2 wedges garlic & herb laughing cow wedges
- 1 tsp dried chives
- ¼ tsp crushed rosemary
- salt too taste
- pepper too taste
- ½ cup shredded cheddar cheese
Instructions
- Steam head of cauliflower on the stove or in the microwave. (To microwave: add the florets to a large glass dish with enough room so that there is one inch between cauliflower and rim, add 1 inch of water and cover with saran wrap. Place in microwave for 10-13 minutes or until tender/easily pierced with a fork.)
- Preheat oven to broil.
- Add all ingredients (except shredded cheddar) to the food processor or Vitamix (leave the lid off to allow venting if florets are still hot) and process until desired consistency is reached.
- Add mixture to an oven safe dish and top with cheddar cheese and a sprinkle of chives. Broil for 2-3 minutes until cheese is melted, bubbly, and golden brown.
To Make Ahead In the Oven:
- Follow the instructions for 1 & 3 but do not turn on the oven. Once the cauliflower mixture is ready, place it in an oven safe dish that has a cover, such as a pyrex container. Top with shredded cheddar cheese, cover, and store in the refrigerator.
- When you are ready to reheat the cauliflower mixture, preheat the oven to 350F. Cover the dish with foil and bake for 35-45 minutes until hot in the center. Uncover dish and broil for 1-3 minutes until cheese is melted, bubbly, and golden brown.
To Make Ahead Using The Microwave:
- Alternatively, you can follow the follow the instructions for 1 & 3 but do not turn on the oven. Once the cauliflower mash is done place it in a microwave-safe dish that has a cover, such as a pyrex container and then place it int he refrigerator. DO NOT TOP IT WITH CHEESE.
- When you are ready to cook it, remove the dish from the refrigerator. Microwave for 10-15 minutes stirring every five minutes until the dish is hot in the center. You can then add the cheese on top. Melt the cheese using the microwave or place the whole dish under the broiler for 1-3 minutes until cheese is melted, bubbly, and golden brown. (This can be done in the toaster oven as well!)
Nutrition
Like this recipe? You may also like:
Low Carb Buttermilk Cauliflower Mash
Roasted Green Beans with Bacon
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adanelz6 says
I need to get on this mashed cauliflower bandwagon!