Garlic Herb Mashed Cauliflower

$- 1 large head of cauliflower, cut into florets - 4 cloves of garlic, peeled - 3 tablespoons olive oil The main star of this dish is the cauliflower. It gives a light and fluffy base. I love using fresh cauliflower florets. They hold flavor well and mash up nicely. The garlic adds a punch of flavor. I use four cloves for a bold taste. Olive oil brings richness and a smooth texture. It helps to keep the mash creamy and delightful. - 1/2 cup unsweetened almond milk (or any milk of choice) - Optional: 1 tablespoon nutritional yeast for a cheesy flavor Unsweetened almond milk is my go-to for a creamy base. It adds a mild flavor without overpowering the dish. You can use any milk you like, but almond milk keeps it light. If you want a cheesy taste without dairy, try nutritional yeast. It adds a savory touch and makes the dish feel rich. - 1/4 cup fresh chives, chopped - 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped - Salt and pepper to taste Fresh chives and parsley brighten up the mash. They add color and a fresh flavor. I chop them finely so they mix well. Salt and pepper are key for balancing the flavors. Taste as you go to find the right seasoning for your palate. {{ingredient_image_1}} To start, you need to boil the cauliflower and garlic. First, fill a large pot with water and bring it to a boil. Once the water is bubbling, add the cauliflower florets and the peeled garlic cloves. Cook them for about 10 to 12 minutes. You want the cauliflower to be tender but not mushy. A fork should easily pierce through the florets. When the time is up, drain the cooked cauliflower and garlic in a colander. Now the fun begins with the mashing process. Transfer the drained cauliflower and garlic into a large mixing bowl. Add three tablespoons of olive oil and half a cup of unsweetened almond milk. If you want a cheesy kick, toss in a tablespoon of nutritional yeast. Next, sprinkle in the chopped fresh chives and parsley. Using a potato masher or an electric mixer, mash the mixture until it is smooth and creamy. If it feels too thick, add more almond milk until you reach a silky texture. For the final touches, season the mashed cauliflower with salt and pepper. Mix well to ensure the flavors blend throughout. You can taste and adjust the seasoning as needed. Serve the dish warm, either right away or keep it warm until your guests arrive. This dish pairs well with grilled meats or can stand alone as a tasty vegetarian option. Enjoy your creamy comfort dish! To make your garlic herb mashed cauliflower creamy, you can adjust the almond milk. Start with half a cup and mix it in. If you want it smoother, add more almond milk slowly. This way, you control the texture. Some prefer it thick, while others like it lighter. Find what works best for you. Spices and herbs can make a big difference in flavor. You could add paprika for warmth or a pinch of cayenne for heat. Fresh herbs like thyme or rosemary can also boost taste. If you want a cheesy flavor without real cheese, add a tablespoon of nutritional yeast. It gives a nice umami kick. Don’t be afraid to mix and match! The right tools make mashing easier. A simple potato masher works well for a chunky texture. If you want it super smooth, try an electric mixer. You could also use a food processor for quick blending. Just don’t overmix; you want it fluffy! Keep your tools ready for a fun cooking experience. Pro Tips Choose the Right Cauliflower: Opt for a cauliflower that is firm and free from blemishes for the best texture and flavor. Don't Skip the Garlic: Roasting the garlic along with the cauliflower can enhance its sweetness and depth of flavor. Adjust Consistency: If you prefer a creamier texture, feel free to add more almond milk or a splash of vegetable broth. Herb Variations: Experiment with different herbs like thyme or rosemary for a unique twist on the traditional flavor. {{image_2}} You can add cheese alternatives for a creamy twist. Nutritional yeast offers a cheesy taste without dairy. You can also try vegan cream cheese for an even richer flavor. If you like, add a splash of your favorite cheese sauce for extra richness. These options keep the dish smooth and tasty. Feel free to swap herbs based on your taste. Basil or thyme can add a fresh twist. You might also try dill for a unique flavor. If you want a bit of kick, add some red pepper flakes. Each herb brings its own personality to the dish. This recipe can easily fit various diets. For a vegan option, stick with almond milk and skip the cheese. It’s also gluten-free, as long as you check your milk choice. For low-carb needs, cauliflower is a great base. You can enjoy this dish guilt-free while still savoring every bite. To store leftovers of Garlic Herb Mashed Cauliflower, let it cool first. Place it in an airtight container. Store it in the fridge for up to three days. Make sure to label the container with the date. This way, you’ll know when to use it. If you want to freeze this dish, use a freezer-safe container. Portion out the mashed cauliflower for easy use later. It can last up to three months in the freezer. To avoid freezer burn, press plastic wrap against the surface before sealing. To reheat, you have a few good options. The microwave is fast but may dry it out. Stir in a bit of almond milk or water to keep it creamy. You can also use the stovetop. Heat it in a pan over low heat, stirring slowly. This method helps keep the flavor intact. Garlic Herb Mashed Cauliflower is a creamy, tasty side dish. It uses cauliflower, garlic, and fresh herbs. This dish is low in carbs and full of flavor. It is a great alternative to mashed potatoes. The healthy fats from olive oil add richness. The garlic gives a nice punch. Chives and parsley bring a fresh taste. This dish is also dairy-free if you use almond milk. Yes, you can make Garlic Herb Mashed Cauliflower ahead of time. Cook it, then let it cool. Store it in an airtight container in the fridge. It will stay fresh for about three days. To reheat, put it in a pot on low heat. Stir in a splash of almond milk to bring back the creaminess. You can also microwave it, but watch it closely. This recipe is perfect for meal prep. You can portion it into single servings. Use small containers for easy reheating. This makes it simple to grab for lunch or dinner. It keeps well in the fridge or freezer. If freezing, use a freezer-safe container. Just remember to let it cool before you seal it. For best taste, use it within a month. This blog post covers how to make Garlic Herb Mashed Cauliflower. We explored the main ingredients like cauliflower and garlic, plus dairy alternatives and fresh herbs. I shared step-by-step instructions to help you prepare and mash the dish perfectly. Remember to adjust the almond milk for creaminess and try different herbs for flavor. This dish works for various diets and stores well. Enjoy this healthy, tasty option for any meal! Your kitchen adventures await with this easy recipe.$

A creamy and flavorful alternative to mashed potatoes, made with cauliflower, garlic, and fresh herbs.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 10

Cook Time 15

Total Time 25

Course Side Dish

Cuisine Vegetarian

Servings 4

Calories 100 kcal

Ingredients

1 large head cauliflower, cut into florets
4 cloves garlic, peeled
3 tablespoons olive oil
1/2 cup unsweetened almond milk (or any milk of choice)
1/4 cup fresh chives, chopped
1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped
to taste salt and pepper
1 tablespoon nutritional yeast (optional)

Instructions

In a large pot, bring water to a boil. Add the cauliflower florets and garlic cloves. Cook for about 10-12 minutes, or until the cauliflower is tender.
Drain the cooked cauliflower and garlic and transfer them to a large mixing bowl.
Add olive oil, almond milk, chives, and parsley to the bowl. If using, add nutritional yeast for added flavor.
Using a potato masher or an electric mixer, mash the cauliflower mixture until smooth and creamy. Adjust the consistency with more almond milk if needed.
Season the mashed cauliflower with salt and pepper to taste, mixing well to incorporate the seasonings.
Serve immediately, or keep warm until ready to serve.

Notes

Optional nutritional yeast can be added for a cheesy flavor.

Keyword cauliflower, garlic, herbs, mashed