My Mashed Cauliflower is the perfect low-carb stand-in for mashed potatoes at your Thanksgiving table. This 3-ingredient recipe is the easiest you’ll ever find and it’s especially amazing when smothered in the wholesome juices of my low-carb Gravy recipe.
The Best Mashed Cauliflower Recipe
I’ve been making these mock mashed potatoes since 2007. I love that they’re low-carb and gluten-free, the best of both worlds. For this same reason, my Cauliflower Rice recipe is in regular rotation in our house. We load up on broccoli and kale too. All of these superfoods contain a very special ingredient!
Eat Cruciferous Vegetables to Activate Nrf2 Pathway
Cruciferous vegetables including cauliflower, broccoli, and kale contain a compound called sulforaphane that activates the Nrf2 pathway. This defense mechanism protects the body against oxidative stress that can result in health issues ranging from cancer to neurodegeneration to mood disorders.
Supplements to Activate Nrf2 Pathway
You can also upregulate the Nrf2 pathway with supplements. I’ve been taking DIM since my MS diagnosis in 2006. I also take a supplement called Meriva which contains curcumin, the substance derived from turmeric. If supplements aren’t for you, try my Turmeric Root Milk recipe. It’s high in curcumin as well as selenium, a mineral that’s important for the proper function of several metabolic pathways.
Mashed Cauliflower
Ingredients
- 2 heads cauliflower, washed and cut into large pieces
- 2 tablespoons olive oil or butter
- ½ teaspoon celtic sea salt
Instructions
- Steam the cauliflower pieces until very tender
- Puree cauliflower in a food processor, add in olive oil and salt
- Reheat in a casserole dish in the oven at 350°F for 20 minutes
- Serve
Equipment
Low-Carb Thanksgiving Recipes
Following a low-carb diet has also been key in keeping me healthy in the face of an MS diagnosis. Still, like everyone I want to eat what I love and enjoy the holidays! That’s where these fun low-carb Thanksgiving recipes come in. I love good food that’s good for you!
Claudia says
I prefer roast the florets in the oven to remove some of the moisture. And I pulse the cauliflower in the food processor to catch it before it reaches “baby food” texture ☺️
Elana says
Great tips Claudia!
John says
I loved this recipe. I made one adjustment I sprinkled shredded tasty cheese over the top before popping it into the oven for only 10 minutes. It was delicious and I could not stop eating it till it was all gone. Now I will have to make more for dinner. Yum.
Elana says
John, that’s a great addition! I’m so glad to hear this recipe is yum :-)
Ken Medei says
I would try using a simple, ricer…even. hand held one….might give it more texture and create less surface area which would make it less watery…. Just a thought…:)
Elana says
Ken, thanks so much! I hope you’ll try my method above, they turn out perfectly every time :-)
Judy says
How do you steam your cauliflower? Do you use a pressure cooker. It works faster cooking anything
Elana says
Judy, I use a regular pot on the stove and it takes a few minutes :-)
Lupin says
So out of curiosity, when most people make mashed potatoes they add in milk to make the potatoes creamier, I tend to use almond milk, and I was curious about whether or not that was a good addition to mashed Collie flower? I’m fine experimenting with all different kinds of ways, but I figured I would ask.
Elana says
Lupin, I haven’t tried that so not sure :-)
Anne bolduc says
There’s so much moisture in cauliflower that liquid isn’t needed.
Irene says
I cook the cauliflower in the microwave with a little water.
When tender put cut up cauliflower in food processor until creamy.
Strain in a wire sieve to remove as much water as possible.
Then add butter and milk to taste. Looks and taste just like mashed potatoes.
Gloria says
Can you use frozen cauliflower?
Elana says
Hi Gloria, I haven’t tried that, if you do please let us know if it works :-)
Denise says
I tried using frozen cauliflower and found it to be too wet. It was a soupy result, but we still ate it.
Elana says
Denise, I would not recommend making this with frozen cauliflower, surprised it was edible :-)
Irene says
Strain it after cooking.