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Homemade Creamy Garlic Mashed Cauliflower photo

Creamy Garlic Mashed Cauliflower

This Creamy Garlic Mashed Cauliflower is a healthy, flavorful alternative to mashed potatoes that's easy to make and perfect for any meal.
Prep Time10 minutes
Cook Time15 minutes
Total Time25 minutes
Course: Side Dish
Cuisine: American
Keyword: Comfort Food, Easy, Gluten-Free, Healthy, Low-Carb, Vegetarian
Servings: 4 servings

Ingredients

  • 1 medium head cauliflower cut into florets
  • 1/4 cup skim or reduced-fat milk (or unsweetened non-dairy milk)
  • 1 tablespoon extra virgin olive oil
  • 2 cloves garlic minced
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • Freshly ground black pepper to taste

Instructions

  • Start by rinsing the medium head of cauliflower under cold water. Cut it into florets, ensuring that they are roughly the same size for even cooking.
  • In a large pot, bring water to a boil and add a pinch of salt. Once boiling, add the cauliflower florets. Cook for about 10-12 minutes, or until the cauliflower is tender and easily pierced with a fork.
  • Once the cauliflower is cooked, drain it in a colander. Allow it to steam dry for a few minutes to remove excess water, which helps achieve a creamy texture.
  • While the cauliflower is draining, heat the extra virgin olive oil in a small skillet over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and sauté for 1-2 minutes until fragrant, but be careful not to burn it.
  • Transfer the drained cauliflower to a food processor. Add the sautéed garlic, skim milk (or your non-dairy substitute), salt, and freshly ground black pepper. Blend until smooth and creamy, adjusting the consistency with more milk if needed.
  • Taste your creamy garlic mashed cauliflower and adjust the seasoning as necessary. You may want to add a bit more salt or pepper according to your preference.
  • Spoon the creamy garlic mashed cauliflower into a serving bowl and drizzle with a little extra olive oil, if desired. Garnish with fresh herbs or a sprinkle of paprika for an extra touch. Enjoy this delicious dish with your favorite main course!

Equipment

  • Large Pot
  • Colander
  • Food processor or blender
  • Measuring Cups and Spoons
  • Knife
  • Cutting Board
  • Small Skillet

Notes

  • If the mashed cauliflower is too watery, drain it longer or add more cauliflower to absorb excess moisture.
  • For a thicker consistency, reduce the amount of milk during blending.
  • Enhance flavor by adding herbs like thyme or rosemary during blending.
  • For a chunkier texture, pulse the cauliflower instead of blending completely smooth.
  • Substitute skim milk with unsweetened non-dairy milk to make this dish vegan-friendly.