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!
Nancy Nurse says
Hi guys,
PLEASE know that potatoes are NOT your enemy!! I have lost 40 pounds eating potatoes! It’s the animal fats that make us fat. Anyway, enjoy; this recipe is wonderful! If you’re interested in learning more about the potato, google: The Starch Solution by Dr. John McDougall. He has literally saved my life! All kinds of ailments are gone including angina!
Sharon says
I’m glad this worked for you but this is opposite of Paleo or low carb which is what Elana’s group is about.
Seems to me, a low fat, high fiber group would better suit your needs.
Vanessa says
I agree Nancy. Not every diet is for everyone and for me low carb and high fat has worked very well. I tried ALL the others but definitely feel at my very best with this one and I am 69
Elana says
Vanessa, we’re all biochemical individuals and different things work for different people at different times of our lives :-)
Jenn says
When asked the question, “What is your all-time favorite food?” I’ve always responded, “Mashed Potatoes!” After trying this recipe tonight, I may never make mashed potatoes again! I used olive oil and the were simply divine! I can’t wait to have them at Thanksgiving dinner tomorrow! Thanks Elana! You’re recipes are always wonderful!!!
Gina C. says
Yep, this is so awesome. Made it last night and finishing the leftovers right now. Absolutely delicious!
Nicolette Dirks says
These look so good – thank you for sharing!
Nichole says
I just died and went to heaven. My husband and I agree, there is no need to ever eat real mash potatoes again! This was divine. I subbed out the buttery spread for coconut oil. YUM. Love your site and your recipes.
kelsey says
Elana,
I’ve tried in the past to make mashed cauliflower, but it never turned out well until I tried your recipe. It’s delicious!! Tastes just like mashed potatoes. I used olive oil instead of butter/coconut oil because it was all I had on hand. I also added some garlic and pepper.
Yum!!
Thanks!
Anastasia@healthymamainfo.com says
This will be a great trick to make my kids eat cauliflower!
Annette says
Tried this tonight as a topping on a gluten-free salmon and leek pie. I mashed it with parsley, salt, pepper and garlic and when I baked the pie, sprinkled a little bit of almond meal on top for colour & crunch. Thanks for the idea!
Aileen says
Um, potatoes ARE gluten free to begin with, so you don’t really need to “replace” them with the mashed cauliflower. BUT if you are a Celiac (like me) who is also on a low-carb diet, the mashed cauliflower is perfect.
Kathleen says
this was so good. I made it with some added coconut milk and ghee instead of the spread. Oh my it tasted fantastic. Thanks for the great idea. I look forward to trying more of your recipes.