Cauliflower - The Dieter's Friend! Faux Mashed Potatoes - Cauliflower Mash Recipe (2024)

Cauliflower - The Dieter's Friend! Faux Mashed Potatoes - Cauliflower Mash Recipe (1)

Cauliflower – The Dieter’s Friend! Faux Mashed Potatoes – Cauliflower Mash Recipe

Cauliflower – The Dieter’s Friend!

Faux Mashed Potatoes – Cauliflower Mash Recipe

Cauliflower - The Dieter's Friend! Faux Mashed Potatoes - Cauliflower Mash Recipe (2)

Coloured Cauliflowers: Image The Daily Mail

I love cauliflower, but my husband (and dad) are not that bothered by this most healthy of vegetables. Cauliflowers are part of the Brassica family and it has been claimed as the world’s healthiest vegetable:

Nutrients inCauliflower
1.00 cup raw (107.00 grams)
Nutrient%Daily Value

vitamin C 85.9%

vitamin K 20.7%

folate 15.2%

choline 11.1%

vitamin B6 10%

potassium 9.1%

fibre 8.5%

manganese 8.5%

molybdenum 7.1%

vitamin B5 7.1%

tryptophan 6.2%

phosphorus 4.7%

protein 4.1%

magnesium 4%

vitamin B2 3.5%

vitamin B1 3.3%

vitamin B3 2.7%

iron 2.5%

Calories (26) 1%

Cauliflower - The Dieter's Friend! Faux Mashed Potatoes - Cauliflower Mash Recipe (3)

Cauliflower

Setting aside its health benefits, I just love the taste, texture and versatility of the humble cauli, and one of my favourite meals is Cauliflower Cheese, as well as Cauliflower Cheese soup. I have also realised that when used as part of a low-calorie diet, such as the 5:2 Diet that I have been following for the last year, the cauliflower is an invaluable ally in my weight loss and recipe planning……as you can see from my most popular post for a fabulous low-calorie and paleo friendly pizza recipe here:Low-Calorie Cauliflower Crust Pizza: Gluten Free, Paleo and 5:2 Diet Pizza Recipe.

Low-Calorie Cauliflower Crust Pizza: Gluten Free, Paleo and 5:2 Diet Pizza Recipe

And, so it’s versatility endures with my latest 5:2 recipe today for Faux Mashed Potatoes – Cauliflower Mash. I showcased my cauliflower mash a few weeks ago when I shared a wonderful winter warmer, a recipe for, where I served it in place of the usual mashed potatoes……

Low-Calorie Comfort Food: Harvest Festival Minced Beef & Vegetable Casserole (5:2 Diet)

……and today I am sharing the simple recipe for my mashed cauliflower, or faux mashed potatoes as it is sometimes called. Look out for more cauliflower recipes on Lavender and Lovage over the next few weeks, as I slide into Autumn and cook up more comfort food dishes……..new recipes that I have created over the last few weeks and will be sharing are: Cauliflower Quiche; Cottage Pie with Cauliflower Mash as well as two non-diet recipes forThree Cheese Cauliflower Gratinand Cauliflower Cheese Soup……

Cauliflower - The Dieter's Friend! Faux Mashed Potatoes - Cauliflower Mash Recipe (6)

Three Cheese Cauliflower Gratin

Back to some VIBRANT colourful cauliflowers now, I was fascinated by this article by David Derbyshire that appeared in The Daily Mail recently: The orange, purple and green cauliflowers that scientists claim could be healthier for you.David tells us that “…..While traditionalists may baulk at the unusual colours, it is not the first time that plant breeders have changed the appearance of vegetables…….Until the 17th century most carrots eaten Europe were white, yellow or purple. The orange pigment was added by Dutch plant breeders looking for a way to celebrate Holland’s royal family….and “….In America, where colour cauliflowers have been available for several years, they have been a big hit with foodies. The orange cauliflower has higher than normal levels of beta carotene, a form of vitamin A that encourages healthy skin….”You can read more about these unusually coloured caulis here:Cauli-ful: The green, orange and purple varieties of cauliflower.

Cauliflower - The Dieter's Friend! Faux Mashed Potatoes - Cauliflower Mash Recipe (7)

Romanesco

I am also a big fan of the Romanesco, and have a wonderful recipe for it here:Fractal Fun! The Christmas Tree Vegetable ~ Romanesco with Parmesan Cheese and Pine Nuts…….Romanesco broccoli, or Roman cauliflower, is an edible flower of the species Brassica oleracea, and a variant form of cauliflower. Anyway, that’s enough fractal fun for today, my simple recipe forFaux Mashed Potatoes – Cauliflower Mash is shared below with some tasty additions for those who want something a little more than just mash! See you soon and keep popping back for more news, new recipes, reviews and also some new giveaways too, have a great day, Karen

Options:

Add finely diced garlic or garlic granules for an extra 5 calories for 1 teaspoon.

Add one cooked and finely diced onion for an extra 28 to 30 calories.

Add some chopped chives for an extra 2 to 3 calories for 2 to 3 tablespoons.

Add some finely diced spring (green/scallion) onions for an extra 4 calories for 2 tablespoons.

Add some grated Parmesan cheese for an extra 22 calories for 1 tablespoon.

Cauliflower - The Dieter's Friend! Faux Mashed Potatoes - Cauliflower Mash Recipe (8)

Faux Mashed Potatoes – Cauliflower Mash

Faux Mashed Potatoes – Cauliflower Mash

Print recipe

Serves 2 to 3
Prep time 5 minutes
Cook time 10 minutes
Total time 15 minutes
Dietary Vegetarian
Meal type Lunch, Main Dish, Side Dish
Misc Child Friendly, Serve Hot
Occasion Casual Party, Christmas, Easter, Formal Party, Halloween, Thanksgiving
By author Karen S Burns-Booth

A tasty low-carb Faux Mashed Potato recipe for Cauliflower Mash with a little cream cheese for a creamy texture. This is perfect for anyone following a low calorie or low-carb diet and is a perfect substitute for spuds. For those on the 5:2 diet, each portion is only 32 to 35 calories!

Ingredients

  • 1 small head of cauliflower, cut into small florets (about 275g to 300g in weight = 66 to 70 calories)
  • 1 tablspoon low-fat cream cheese (35 calories)
  • salt and black or white pepper

Note

A tasty low-carb Faux Mashed Potato recipe for Cauliflower Mash with a little cream cheese for a creamy texture. This is perfect for anyone following a low calorie or low-carb diet and is a perfect substitute for spuds. For those on the 5:2 diet, each portion is only 32 to 35 calories! Serve with

Directions

Step 1 Steam or gently boil the cauliflower florets in a little water for 8 to 10 minutes or until tender. Drain well and replace the pan lid.
Step 2 Add the cream cheese and mash with a potato masher until smooth. (You can also use a food processor for a more puréed texture)
Step 3 Season to taste with salt and pepper and serve.
Step 4 Options: Add finely diced garlic or garlic granules for an extra 5 calories for 1 teaspoon. Add one cooked and finely diced onion for an extra 28 to 30 calories. Add some chopped chives for an extra 2 to 3 calories for 2 to 3 tablespoons. Add some finely diced spring (green/scallion) onions for an extra 4 calories for 2 tablespoons. Add some grated Parmesan cheese for an extra 22 calories for 1 tablespoon.

Cauliflower - The Dieter's Friend! Faux Mashed Potatoes - Cauliflower Mash Recipe (11)

Faux Mashed Potatoes – Cauliflower Mash

As I used a locally grown cauliflower from my nearest farm shop for this recipe, I am entering it into Elizabeth’s Local Ingredient challenge.

Cauliflower - The Dieter's Friend! Faux Mashed Potatoes - Cauliflower Mash Recipe (12)

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Cauliflower - The Dieter's Friend! Faux Mashed Potatoes - Cauliflower Mash Recipe (2024)

FAQs

How do you make cauliflower mash less watery? ›

If your mashed cauliflower is too watery: Try adding in more cooked cauliflower to offset the liquid. You can also place the pot over medium-low heat and try to cook off some of the excess liquid. Stir frequently to prevent the mash from burning.

Why is my cauliflower mash grainy? ›

When you're cooking your cauliflower florets, make sure they're fork-tender before removing them from the pot. If the cauliflower isn't cooked long enough, it can make your mashed cauliflower grainy. Don't Overmix. As with mashed potatoes, you want to be careful not to overmix your mashed cauliflower.

Does cauliflower mash taste like cauliflower? ›

Sure, if you puree cauliflower and add cream, butter, and salt, you have a tasty side dish. It even looks like mashed potatoes. But mashing something doesn't transform it into a different vegetable. It will taste like what it is, no matter what form you serve it in.

Why is mashed cauliflower good for you? ›

It's just as creamy and delicious as mashed potatoes, but has half the calories and one-third of the carbs. Cauliflower is a healthy eater's best friend. Especially when you're looking for a healthy way to indulge in “carby” things like bread, rice, pizza and potatoes.

What do you add to cauliflower to thicken mash? ›

You can add a litle softened cream cheese to the pot in the final step and stir until melted. Or you can add a keto thickener like glucomannan or xanthan gum. Be sure to whisk it in well when the mashed cauliflower is hot. You don't need more than about ¼ teaspoon per head of cauliflower.

How do you firm up cauliflower mash? ›

Here are some popular options:
  1. Cream or Milk: Incorporate heavy cream, half-and-half, or whole milk to add creaminess to mashed cauliflower. Gradually add small amounts until you achieve the desired thickness.
  2. Butter: Butter contributes richness and helps achieve a smoother texture. ...
  3. Greek Yogurt or Sour Cream:
Apr 11, 2023

Does cauliflower mashed potatoes taste the same? ›

Mashed Cauliflower may be low in carbs BUT they taste just as good as regular Mashed Potatoes. The secret lies in flavouring them with just the right ingredients to take them from bland to mouthwatering. If you haven't tried this before, you will fall in love with Cauliflower Mashed Potatoes!

What is the white powder on my cauliflower? ›

This fast growing fungus affects Brassicas, cucumbers, melons, peas and more. It may appear at any time of the season, but is most often a problem in humid areas, especially in cool (below 75 degrees F) wet weather (the spores need water to germinate and grow).

Why does my mash taste watery? ›

Too much liquid: This is the most common reason. In the mashing process you may have added too much milk or broth. Boiled too long: Boiling your potatoes for too long can make them water-logged, which (you guessed it) can contribute to runny mashed potatoes.

Is cauliflower healthier than potatoes? ›

Potatoes and cauliflower can both be solid choices to add to your regular diet. However, when it comes to cauliflower versus potato, cauliflower has some advantages including be lower in calories and carbs. Plus, cauliflower generally comes out ahead with versatility and nutrients profile.

Why do you soak cauliflower before cooking? ›

The separated florets have to be washed properly under a tap. This removes dirt and large parasites such as worms. The next step is cleaning the cauliflower in mildly warm water in which a little salt was dissolved. This process – which should last 10-20 minutes - destroys several microbes and large parasites.

How do you change the taste of cauliflower? ›

Blanching removes the astringency of cauliflower and makes it taste more like broccoli. Seasoning: When cooking cauliflower, you can add some seasonings, such as salt, sugar, pepper, lemon juice, etc., to enhance its flavor.

What happens to your body when you eat cauliflower? ›

Cauliflower is high in fiber and water. Both are important for preventing constipation, maintaining a healthy digestive tract, and lowering the risk of colon cancer. Studies have shown that dietary fiber may also help regulate the immune system and inflammation.

Is it okay to eat cauliflower everyday? ›

It also contains fibers that aid in better digestion. However eating cauliflower daily may hinder absorption of certain nutrients available in the other vegetables. Hence eating cauliflower once or twice a week along with other seasonal vegetables would be a better approach to incorporating other nutrients in the diet.

How many times a week should you eat cauliflower? ›

At a minimum, include cruciferous vegetables as part of your diet 2-3 times per week, and make the serving size at least 1-1/2 cups. Even better from a health standpoint, enjoy cauliflower and other vegetables from the cruciferous vegetable group 4-5 times per week, and increase your serving size to 2 cups.

How do you remove excess water from cauliflower? ›

Drain: After boiling or steaming the cauliflower, drain it well and allow it to cool and dry out for a few minutes. This will help remove excess water.

How do you remove water from grated cauliflower? ›

Once the riced cauliflower has been cooked (or thawed), transfer it to a clean, thin dishtowel. Wrap up the steamed rice in the dishtowel, twist it up, then SQUEEZE all the excess moisture out! (Be careful if your cauliflower is still hot-- let it cool before handling.)

How do you fix watery mash? ›

You can use what you have on hand: Flour, cornstarch, or powdered milk are all solid options that are probably already in your pantry. Potato flour and potato starch would work as well. Stir in the thickening agent gradually, about a tablespoon at a time, until the potatoes have reached your desired consistency.

Why does my cauliflower cheese go watery? ›

Cauliflower cheese can go watery if the cauliflower is overcooked. Overcooked cauliflower releases water, which will seep into the rest of the dish. So even if your sauce was thick when it went in the oven, if its in there too long, the water from the cauliflower will cause it to go watery.

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