“Cauliflower Mash”

Do you tend to go a bit overboard where food is concerned especially on the weekends? Someone is always inviting you out to dinner or over to someone’s house for drinks and dinner. Maybe you go to dinner and a movie with all the buttery popcorn. I know you know what I’m talking about. You just feel the need to get back on track for the week because another weekend is just around the corner. To help jump-start your week try this easy side dish, Cauliflower Mash.

Making substitute mashed potatoes using cauliflower is a breeze. If you like cauliflower then this is a great side served with most anything from chicken to beef, to pork and seafood. Eating more vegetables these days then this will work for you and your family. Another food fact, this is a low carb side for those of us counting carbs.

Cauliflower Mash

Cauliflower Mash is nothing new to the culinary world and a 100 variations exist. When I first started making Cauliflower Mash years ago, I was using heavy cream. But I’ve started leaving out the cream because of fat content. Yes I know heavy cream is the bomb. This dairy wonder makes everything taste so good. But I’m selective where I use this blissful ingredient. As a result it is not necessary to use cream in this recipe.

The use of Parmesan cheese and a little cream cheese does the trick. I’ve even made my husband a believer as cauliflower is not one of his favorite vegetables. He will ask for this recipe quite often to my surprise. So put cauliflower on your grocery list. and whip up Cauliflower Mash one weeknight soon. You’ll find yourself serving this recipe as a go-to when in a hurry to get dinner on the table.

Cauliflower Mash

Cauliflower Mash

1 head cauliflower, cleaned and chopped

1 T. whipped cream cheese

1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese

1 garlic clove, minced

1/2 t. kosher salt

1/4 t. black pepper

1 t. chopped fresh or dry chives

3 T. unsalted butter

Place cauliflower in a large saucepan or stock pot, cover with water and bring to boil. Cook for 6 – 7 minutes until tender.

Drain cauliflower thoroughly. Pour cauliflower in a large bowl and add in cream cheese, Parmesan cheese, garlic, salt, pepper, chives, and butter. Using a potato masher or food processor, mash or pulse until smooth or desired consistency is achieved. If a potato masher is used a coarser texture will result and a smoother texture will result in a food processor.

Reheat if necessary and serve with butter and chopped chives for garnish.

Makes 6 servings. Carbs, 21.6 g.