Herb & Garlic Mashed Cauliflower
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This Herb & Garlic Mashed Cauliflower side dish is a healthy alternative to mashed potatoes that will please everyone! It’s full of flavor, and no one will even know the difference. Really!
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I have to tell you. About 95% of the time I make a recipe, I assume that it won’t turn out. Maybe it’s from the 10 batches in a row of cookies that I effed up a few years back. Or maybe it’s from my years of thinking that healthy food has to taste like flavorless cardboard.
It’s always a huge surprise for me when something actually turns out delicious.
And then when it turns out to be outstanding, well, I’m just over the moon giddy.
I’ve been hearing things about cauliflower mash, and I’ve wanted to try it. I’ve made cauliflower crust and a cauliflower sauce but the mash was just something I didn’t think would turn out for some reason.
I mean, I knew it would be good. But to compare with mashed potatoes? Can ANYTHING really compare? I think you know the answer to that one.
I felt it was my health-conscious duty to at least give the mashed cauliflower a shot though. And that it exactly what I did. I had no intentions of blogging about it. I basically made it with the intention of disregarding it as anything tasty or worthy of a spot at the holiday table.
And then I had the first bite. I though it had to be a mistake.
So I had a second.
And a third.
And before I knew it, I had eaten half the bowl.
It was THAT good, and I am still in shock.
I WILL be eating this mashed cauliflower on Thanksgiving, along with my homemade vegan roast recipe, and I will be proud to share it with my family as a healthy alternative to mashed potatoes.
Why You’ll Love This Mashed Cauliflower Recipe
- Cauliflower mash is a satisfying low-carb alternative to mashed potatoes!
- You only need simple ingredients to make mashed cauliflower.
- Garlic mashed cauliflower is versatile and can be paired with different dishes in your holiday feast or weekly rotation.
Ingredients And Substitutions
Vegetable oil – For cooking the onion and garlic until fragrant and delicious.
White onion and garlic cloves – Savory with a hint of sweetness, these aromatics make a flavorful foundation for this vegan mashed cauliflower.
Cauliflower florets – You can also use frozen cauliflower rice!
Carrot – We’ll sneak in some carrots to the creamy cauliflower puree for a bit of sweetness and added nutrients to this low-carb comfort food.
Water – For boiling the veggies.
Vegan butter – For that familiar mashed potato flavor.
Garlic powder, fresh rosemary, dried parsley, salt and black pepper – These basic pantry herbs and seasonings add complexity to the creamy garlic mashed cauliflower! Feel free to experiment with various fresh herbs and spices.
Tips For Making This Recipe
Get Perfectly Smooth Cauliflower Mash
For the smoothest mashed cauliflower, select a head of cauliflower with tightly packed florets, and do not include the stems. Additionally, chop your cauliflower in equal sizes so they’ll get cooked at the same time. If some cauliflower pieces are overcooked and undercooked, you’ll end up with a grainy mash!
Toppings and Mix-Ins to Try
You can top your garlic mashed cauliflower with anything from sauteed mushrooms and chopped green onions to dairy-free cheddar shreds and vegan gravy! You can also stir in more herbs and some lemon zest for brightness.
Storage Tips
Transfer your leftover cauliflower mashed potato to an airtight container and keep it in the fridge for up to 5 days. To serve, reheat over low heat or microwave until warm.
Cauliflower Mash Recipe FAQs
Why is my mashed cauliflower watery?
Draining after cooking the cauliflower is important, as any excess liquid can make the mashed cauliflower watery.
Why is my cauliflower mash grainy?
Undercooked bits of cauliflower can make the mash grainy, so cook your veggies until fork tender!
Should I steam or boil cauliflower?
It’s up to you, but steaming is great if you’re worried about the excess moisture from boiling. Steam the cauliflower in a steamer basket on the stove for 6 to 8 minutes or use an Instant Pot.
What is the best appliance to mash cauliflower?
You’ll get the smoothest cauliflower mash with a blender or food processor. But if you prefer to have a bit of texture on your garlic mashed cauliflower, use a potato masher.
What to serve with mashed cauliflower?
This creamy mashed cauliflower will make a delicious alternative to mashed potatoes for lentil shepherd’s pie! You can also serve it as a side for vegan roast, Thanksgiving veggie burger, or vegan stuffing.
More Delicious Vegan Holiday Recipe Ideas
- Vegan Mashed Potatoes
- Holiday Vegan Charcuterie Board
- Vegan Green Bean Casserole
- Vegan Pumpkin Pie
- Vegan Sweet Potato Pie
I found this recipe for Vegan Creamy Curried Cauliflower Soup that I HAVE to try!
Yay! You have made it this far, and I am so glad! Hey – If you make this recipe, I’d love for you to give it a quick review & star rating ★ below. Your comment and/or rating helps other readers!
Healthy Herb & Garlic Mashed Cauliflower
Equipment
Ingredients
- 2 tsp vegetable oil
- 1 medium white onion, chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 5 cups chopped cauliflower (approximately one head)
- 1 medium carrot, cut into small slices
- 1/2 cup water
- 1/4 cup vegan butter
- 2 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tbsp fresh rosemary, chopped
- 1 tbsp dried parsley
- Salt to taste
- Pepper to taste
Instructions
- Heat oil in a pot over medium heat.
- Add the onion and garlic and saute for 4 to 5 minutes or until browned.
- Add the cauliflower, carrot, and water to the pot and bring to a boil.
- Reduce heat to medium-low, cover, and simmer the veggies for 10 to 12 minutes or until tender. You can add a few tablespoons of water if the pot becomes too dry before the vegetables are cooked.
- Drain the excess liquid from the pot and transfer the vegetables into a food processor or blender. You can also use an immersion blender.
- Add the vegan butter, spices, and seasonings. Blend until smooth and well incorporated.
- Taste and adjust the seasonings as desired.
Notes
- For the smoothest mashed cauliflower, select a head of cauliflower with tightly packed florets, and do not include the stems. Additionally, chop your cauliflower in equal sizes so they’ll get cooked at the same time. If some cauliflower pieces are overcooked and undercooked, you’ll end up with a grainy mash!
- You can top your garlic mashed cauliflower with anything from sauteed mushrooms and chopped green onions to dairy-free cheddar shreds and vegan gravy! You can also stir in more herbs and some lemon zest for brightness.
- Transfer your leftover cauliflower mashed potato to an airtight container and keep it in the fridge for up to 5 days. To serve, reheat over low heat or microwave until warm.
I’ve never tried Mashed Cauliflower before but it sure does look delicious!