Description
Deliciously creamy and healthy mashed cauliflower recipe that mimics traditional mashed potatoes, enhanced with roasted garlic and cottage cheese for a smooth, rich texture. Perfect as a low-carb, nutrient-packed side dish.
Ingredients
Scale
Vegetables
- 1 medium head of cauliflower, cut into florets
- 1 head of garlic
Dairy
- 1/2 cup cottage cheese or Greek yogurt
Oils & Seasonings
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1/2 tsp sea salt (or more to taste)
- 1/4 tsp ground black pepper
Optional
- Unsweetened almond milk (as needed)
Instructions
- Roast the Garlic: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Slice off the top of the garlic head to expose the cloves, drizzle with 1 tablespoon of olive oil, and wrap it in aluminum foil. Roast for 35-40 minutes until the cloves are soft and golden. Let cool slightly, then squeeze out the roasted garlic from the cloves.
- Cook the Cauliflower: Bring a large pot of water to a boil. Add the cauliflower florets and cook for 10-12 minutes, or until fork-tender. Drain well and let cool slightly to prepare for mashing.
- Drain Moisture from Cauliflower: Place the cooked cauliflower in a clean kitchen towel and squeeze out as much moisture as possible. This step is crucial for achieving a thick and creamy consistency without excess water.
- Blend Ingredients: In a food processor, combine the cauliflower, roasted garlic, cottage cheese (or Greek yogurt), remaining 1 tablespoon olive oil, sea salt, and ground black pepper. Blend until smooth, stopping occasionally to scrape down the sides to ensure even mixing. Taste and adjust seasoning as desired.
- Adjust Texture: If the mashed cauliflower mixture is too thick, add a splash of unsweetened almond milk slowly while blending until it reaches your preferred creamy consistency.
Notes
- Roasting garlic mellows its flavor and adds a delicious sweetness to the mash.
- Using cottage cheese adds creaminess and protein, but Greek yogurt is a great alternative for a tangier taste.
- Squeezing out excess moisture from cauliflower is key to avoid a watery mash.
- Unsweetened almond milk is optional and can be replaced with any milk of choice depending on dietary preferences.
- Season to taste; add more salt or pepper as preferred.
