Imagine a side dish so decadent, so incredibly delicious, that you'll forget you're eating vegetables. Our Roasted Garlic Mashed Cauliflower is not just another boring health food – it's a creamy, luxurious alternative to traditional mashed potatoes that will have your taste buds dancing and your dinner guests begging for the recipe. With the rich, caramelized depth of roasted garlic and the silky smooth texture of perfectly cooked cauliflower, this dish transforms a humble vegetable into a gourmet experience that's both nutritious and utterly irresistible.
Prep Time: 10 mins
Cook Time: 20 mins
Total Time: 30 mins
Cuisine: American
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 1 head cauliflower
- 1 bulb roasted garlic
- 1/4 cup cream
- Salt to taste
- Pepper to taste
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
Instructions
- Begin by preheating your oven to 400°F (200°C) to prepare for roasting the garlic.
- While the oven is heating, take the bulb of garlic and slice off the top to expose the individual cloves. Drizzle a little olive oil over the exposed cloves and wrap the bulb in aluminum foil.
- Place the wrapped garlic bulb in the preheated oven and roast for about 20-25 minutes, or until the cloves are soft and caramelized. Once done, remove from the oven and let it cool slightly before handling.
- While the garlic is roasting, prepare the cauliflower. Remove the leaves and stem from the head of cauliflower and cut it into florets. Rinse the florets under cold water to clean them.
- In a large pot, bring salted water to a boil. Add the cauliflower florets to the boiling water and cook for about 10-12 minutes, or until they are fork-tender.
- Once the cauliflower is cooked, drain it well in a colander and let it sit for a minute to remove excess moisture.
- In a mixing bowl, squeeze the roasted garlic cloves out of their skins into the bowl. Add the drained cauliflower florets, 1/4 cup of cream, and 1 tablespoon of olive oil.
- Using a potato masher or an immersion blender, mash or blend the cauliflower and garlic mixture until you reach your desired consistency. You can make it smooth or leave it slightly chunky, depending on your preference.
- Season the mashed cauliflower with salt and pepper to taste. Mix well to ensure the seasoning is evenly distributed.
- Transfer the mashed cauliflower roasted garlic to a serving dish, and if desired, drizzle a little extra olive oil on top for added flavor. Serve warm and enjoy!
Tips
- For the most intense garlic flavor, choose a fresh, firm garlic bulb and roast it slowly to bring out its natural sweetness.
- Make sure to drain the cauliflower thoroughly after boiling to prevent a watery final dish.
- Use an immersion blender for ultra-smooth results, or a potato masher if you prefer a more rustic texture.
- Don't be afraid to adjust the cream and olive oil to your preferred consistency and richness.
- For extra flavor, try adding herbs like chives, parsley, or a sprinkle of parmesan cheese on top.
- If you're watching calories, you can substitute the cream with Greek yogurt or a lighter milk alternative.
- Roast the garlic in advance to save time during meal preparation – it can be stored in the refrigerator for a few days.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 75kcal
Carbohydrates: 8g
Protein: 3g
Fat: 5g
Saturated Fat: 2g
Cholesterol: 10mg
