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!
judee@glutenfreeA-Z says
I love the idea of a low carb mashed potatoe .. I tried it before, but never pureed it.. what at great idea
Erin says
Looks soooo yummy. I wonder if it would work with romanesco? We have tons of it in our CSA box this week!
Laura says
This is a favorite in our household! This looks like a great recipe, I am excited to try it! I have also started a Gluten Free Recipe Blog– http://www.thesimpleglutenfree.com.
Linda says
I love this dish & have been making it since a friend gave me a similar recipe. We like to call these “mashed faux-tatoes”!
Joelle says
I just made these…pretty yummy! I asked my 3 yr old what they tasted like and he said, “Mashed tatoes.” Any thoughts on how to thicken them up to be even more like the real thing?
Kelsey says
This is a recipe I used at our (Canadian) Thanksgiving a few weeks ago and the non-Paleos ate just as much of it as their regular mashed potatoes. I can’t recall what website I gleaned this from, or I would give credit, but I can say that it turned out great (I doubled the recipe to feed our crowd of 10 and had lots left over):
Mashed Sweet Potatoes:
2 good-sized sweet potatoes, peeled and cut into about 1-2 inch chunks
1/2 C shallots (or sweet onion), chopped fine
3 cloves garlic, mince
1/2 C fresh basil, chopped
1/4 tsp ground black pepper
1/4 C coconut milk
1 T coconut oil
Bring about 4 qts. water to low boil, and add sweet potatoes. Boil for about 10-13 minutes (until potatoes are tender). Drain and mash. (I used a potato ricer… which is nifty kitchen tool that enables the perfect fluffy smooth texture for mashed potatoes) But, mashing with a fork is just fine, too! Add Coconut milk and mix well. In a separate small pan heat coconut oil an saute shallots and garlic, when they are just about done (about 5 minutes), add basil. Saute for a few more minutes and add to sweet potatoes. Stir well, add a little ground black pepper,
MaryBeth Matthews says
I’ve been making smashed cauliflower for some time. In fact I made it last night, adding chopped parsley. I haven’t seen the reheating aspect of this recipe in any previous version. It makes sense, as the cauliflower usually cools by the time it is mashed and flavored. I’ll have to try the reheating part next time. Thanks!
Amy Willis says
These are yummy I have been doing them for years also. When I make a roast in the crock pot I add some beef stock. After the roast is cooked. I pour off the juice and then cook that down until its thickend up and use it as “gravy”. One thing that I do different for my “taters” is I cook them in Chicken Broth..when I am feeling festive, after they are mashed. I add garlic and Parm Cheese to them also!
dan says
Hiarious! I literally just found a giant cauliflower that my mother-in-law left here last week and I was wondering what to do with it.
I’m starting right now!
Nichole@40daysof says
I’m so glad I stopped by today and found this recipe! I’m making a shepherds pie tonight and I want to use mashed cauliflower instead of mashed potatoes as the topping.
MaryBeth Matthews says
I’ve done this too, including a lentil-based shepherd’s pie.
Just keep an eye on it or cover it for awhile as the caulifolower tends to get crisp.