| Prep: 15 mins | Cook: 20 mins | Difficulty: Easy | Serves: 6 |
| kcal | fat | saturates | carbs |
| 101 | 5g | 3g | 12g |
| sugars | fibre | protein | salt |
| 2g | 2g | 4g | 0.39g |
If there’s one recipe that embraces both my New England upbringing and my hunger for simple, hearty food, it has to be Cauliflower Mashed Potatoes. This dish encapsulates the essence of coastal cuisine while incorporating a hearty vegetable synonymous with the fall season in the region. The pure comfort of mashed potatoes coupled with the infusion of cauliflower creates an unforgettable side dish.
More than Just Hearty, It’s Healthy
As a culinary enthusiast focused on nourishing food, I love that Cauliflower Mashed Potatoes aren’t just delicious, they also carry significant health benefits. Cauliflower, a super vegetable, is packed with Vitamins C, K, and B6, and is an excellent source of dietary fiber. Combining it with russet potatoes, which themselves have Vitamin C and potassium, elevates your typical mashed potato dish to a new level of nutritious satisfaction.
A Perfect Fit for Any Meal
The versatility of Cauliflower Mashed Potatoes is what truly endears this recipe to me. Need a side dish? It complements nearly any entrée, especially my treasured coastal specialties like New England Clam Chowder. Looking to shake things up for the holidays? Replace traditional mashed potatoes with this creative, nutrient-packed version. You can even top your dish with some locally sourced Maine lobster for that classic New England appeal.
And yes, even my two daughters, Erin and Samantha, who can at times be picky eaters, have given their seal of approval on this dish. When our family gathers around the table and they reach for seconds of these Cauliflower Mashed Potatoes, I’m reminded why I chose the culinary path and the power of a good meal to bring us together.
What You’ll Need
- 1 medium-sized cauliflower head
- 1 lb russet potatoes
- 2 cloves garlic
- 1 cup milk
- 4 tablespoon unsalted butter
- 2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- Chopped chives, for garnish
Method
Step One
Start by preparing all the ingredients. Cut the cauliflower into small florets, peel the russet potatoes and cut them into chunks. Peel and mince the garlic cloves.
Step Two
Place the cauliflower florets and potato chunks in a large pot. Add enough water to the pot to fully submerge the vegetables. Bring the water to a boil over high heat, then reduce to medium heat and let it simmer until the vegetables are tender. This should take about 15-20 minutes.
Step Three
Drain the vegetables in a colander and return them to the pot. Add the butter, minced garlic, milk, salt, and black pepper. Mash the mixture with a potato masher or hand mixer until it reaches your desired consistency. If the mixture is too thick, you can add more milk. If it’s too thin, let it cook on low heat to let some of the liquid evaporate.
Step Four
Once your cauliflower mashed potatoes are ready, taste them and adjust the seasonings as needed. Transfer the mashed potatoes to a serving bowl, garnish with chopped chives, and serve warm.
