Garlic Mashed Cauliflower
This garlic mashed cauliflower makes an excellent stand-in for mashed potatoes. So, next time you want to sneak in a vegetable, instead of mashed potatoes, try this for your family dinner table.
- 25 min
- Serves 6
- 8 ingredients
Steps
- Melt butter in a large skillet, over medium heat. Add minced garlic and cook until fragrant, about 30 seconds.
- Stir in thawed, riced cauliflower, salt, pepper, and nutmeg. Add chicken broth and bring to a boil, stirring frequently.
- Cook, covered, about 8 minutes, then remove cover and continue cooking and stirring until most of the liquid evaporates, an additional 5 to 8 minutes.
- Use an immersion blender to purée cauliflower until smooth. If an immersion blender is not available, spoon cauliflower into a blender to purée. When smooth, place in a serving bowl and garnish with snipped chives.
Frequently asked questions
Why is my mashed cauliflower watery?
The liquid was not cooked off. The method uncovers the pan after 8 minutes and keeps going for another 5 to 8 specifically so the half cup of broth evaporates. Blending before that stage leaves you with soup rather than mash.
Can I use fresh cauliflower instead of frozen riced?
Yes, grate or blitz a head into rice-sized pieces to replace the 2 pounds. Fresh holds less water than thawed frozen, so it may need less cooking before the liquid goes and it will taste slightly sweeter.
Can I make this without an immersion blender?
Yes, the method allows a jug blender instead, working in batches. A potato masher gives a coarser, more rustic texture, which some people prefer to a completely smooth puree.
Can I make mashed cauliflower vegetarian?
Swap the half cup of chicken broth for vegetable broth and nothing else changes. Everything else is butter, cauliflower, garlic and seasoning.
Can I make mashed cauliflower ahead of time?
Yes, it reheats well in a pan over low heat. It thickens as it cools, so loosen it with a splash of broth or a knob of butter rather than water, which dilutes the flavour.
What do you serve with garlic mashed cauliflower?
Anything you would put mashed potato beside, such as roast chicken, steak or sausages. It is lighter than potato and takes gravy just as well, which is largely the point of it.