Garlic and Chive Cauliflower Mash is like the healthier, low-carb cousin of traditional mashed potatoes. It's creamy, flavorful, and will have you rethinking your potato loyalty. With the robustness of garlic and the fresh, herbaceous chives, it's a side dish that delivers both comfort and a touch of excitement.
Plus, you can savor it without feeling weighed down, which is always a win in my book. So, whether you're keeping an eye on your carb intake or simply craving a delightful twist on a classic, this mash is definitely one to taste..
What makes Garlic and Chive Cauliflower Mash truly exceptional is its versatility. It pairs wonderfully with a hearty steak, yet also complements lighter fare like grilled chicken or fish. But the real fun begins when you let your culinary creativity run wild. Whether it's a touch of Parmesan cheese, a drizzle of premium olive oil, or even some crispy bacon crumbles for that extra indulgence, this dish is your canvas for flavor experiments. It's also a clever way to sneak in more veggies for the discerning eaters at your table. So, don't hesitate—give it a whirl and let your taste buds render the verdict.
This was inspired by my other recipe on this site, and pairs well with this amazing sidedish recipe.
Prep time: 10 minutes
Cook time: 15 minutes
Serves: 4
Tip: Steaming the garlic along with the cauliflower will remove the raw edge and make it more tender.
Jump to:
- Ingredients needed to make Garlic and Chive Cauliflower Mash
- How to make Garlic and Chive Cauliflower Mash
- Variations on the Garlic and Chive Cauliflower Mash recipe
- Equipment used in making Garlic and Chive Cauliflower Mash
- Storage for the Garlic and Chive Cauliflower Mash
- Top tips to know when making Garlic and Chive Cauliflower Mash
- Related
- Pairing
- The Best Garlic and Chive Cauliflower Mash Recipe
Ingredients needed to make Garlic and Chive Cauliflower Mash
- 1 medium cauliflower head, florets only
- 2-3 whole garlic cloves, peeled
- 2 T. extra virgin olive oil
- 2 T. unsweetened almond milk
- 1 t. garlic powder
- 1 t. onion powder
- Sea salt and black pepper, to taste
- 3 T. fresh chives, chopped
How to make Garlic and Chive Cauliflower Mash
- Place the cauliflower florets and the garlic cloves into a steamer basket set over a pot of gently boiling water. Cover and steam until the cauliflower is fork-tender, around 15 minutes.
- Transfer the cauliflower and garlic to a food processor or blender and add the olive oil, almond milk, garlic powder, and onion powder. Season with salt and black pepper, to taste, and process until smooth and creamy. Taste and adjust the seasonings, as desired.
- Transfer to a serving bowl and top with fresh chives before serving. Enjoy!
Variations on the Garlic and Chive Cauliflower Mash recipe
Here are ten creative adjustments to elevate your Garlic and Chive Cauliflower Mash:
- Cheese Lover's Dream: Add a touch of sharp cheddar or Parmesan cheese for an extra layer of creaminess and savory delight.
- Bacon Extravaganza: Crisp up some bacon, crumble it, and gently fold it into the mash for that irresistible smoky flavor and a hint of textural contrast.
- Herbal Essence: Experiment with a selection of fresh herbs such as rosemary, thyme, or basil to infuse the mash with fragrant, garden-fresh goodness.
- A Dash of Heat: Introduce a pinch of red pepper flakes or a hint of hot sauce for a spicy twist that awakens the taste buds.
- Nutty Notes: Top it off with chopped toasted almonds or pecans for a delightful, nutty crunch.
- Garlic Elegance: Roast a bulb of garlic until it's soft and sweet, then incorporate it into the mash for a rich, roasted garlic flavor.
- Zesty Zest: Grate some lemon zest into the mash to impart a refreshing, citrusy lift.
- Onion Magic: Caramelize onions to a golden perfection and gently blend them into the mash for a touch of sweet sophistication.
- Mushroom Medley: Sauté some mushrooms in butter and garlic, then seamlessly integrate them for an earthy, umami-rich variation.
- Cajun Charisma: Season with Cajun spices and garnish with finely chopped green onions for a spirited, Cajun-inspired twist with a little kick.
Feel at liberty to intermingle these modifications and unleash your culinary creativity, crafting a distinctive, mouthwatering masterpiece!
Equipment used in making Garlic and Chive Cauliflower Mash
steamer basket
Pot
food processor or blender
Storage for the Garlic and Chive Cauliflower Mash
You can keep Garlic and Chive Cauliflower Mash in the refrigerator for approximately 3 to 4 days. To maintain its freshness and ensure it remains safe for consumption, transfer it into an airtight container and proceed to refrigerate promptly. For larger quantities or extended storage, consider portioning and storing in airtight containers suitable for freezing, where it can retain its quality for several months. It's always a good practice to rely on your sensory observations and inspect for any indicators of spoilage, like unusual aromas or shifts in texture, before indulging in stored culinary creations.
Top tips to know when making Garlic and Chive Cauliflower Mash
here are ten practical insights to consider when crafting your Garlic and Chive Cauliflower Mash:
- Fresh Cauliflower is Key: Begin with cauliflower that is fresh and firm. Look for heads with tightly packed, white florets.
- Uniform Sizing: When cutting the cauliflower into florets, aim for pieces of roughly the same size to ensure even cooking.
- Avoid Overcooking: Exercise caution to prevent overcooking the cauliflower. It should reach tenderness but maintain its structure. Overcooking can lead to unwanted wateriness.
- Mind the Drain: Following the cauliflower's boil, ensure thorough drainage. Excess moisture can dilute the flavors and undermine that sought-after creamy texture.
- Utilize Quality Tools: Employ a high-quality blender or food processor for the smooth, creamy texture you desire. Hand mashing may not yield the same outcome.
- Balanced Seasoning: Begin with modest quantities of garlic and chives, progressively adjusting to taste. It's easier to add more than to correct an overly intense flavor.
- Creamy Enhancements: If you desire a richer texture, consider introducing a touch of cream or butter. However, remember that a little goes a long way.
- Textural Variation: To attain a chunkier consistency, pulse your blender or processor a few times rather than continuous blending.
- Serve Warm: Present your mash while it's warm. It tends to thicken upon cooling, so reheat if necessary when serving later.
- Artful Garnishes: Exercise your creative flair with garnishes! Sprinkle extra chives, drizzle a hint of olive oil, or dust a touch of paprika for both flavor and aesthetic allure.
These insights will empower you to master your Garlic and Chive Cauliflower Mash, consistently delivering a delectable side dish.
Related
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Pairing
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The Best Garlic and Chive Cauliflower Mash Recipe
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
Description
Garlic and Chive Cauliflower Mash is like the healthier, low-carb cousin of traditional mashed potatoes. It's creamy, flavorful, and will have you rethinking your potato loyalty. With the robustness of garlic and the fresh, herbaceous chives, it's a side dish that delivers both comfort and a touch of excitement.
Ingredients
1 medium cauliflower head, florets only
2-3 whole garlic cloves, peeled
2 T. extra virgin olive oil
2 T. unsweetened almond milk
1 t. garlic powder
1 t. onion powder
Sea salt and black pepper, to taste
3 T. fresh chives, chopped
Instructions
-
Place the cauliflower florets and the garlic cloves into a steamer basket set over a pot of gently boiling water. Cover and steam until the cauliflower is fork-tender, around 15 minutes.
-
Transfer the cauliflower and garlic to a food processor or blender and add the olive oil, almond milk, garlic powder, and onion powder. Season with salt and black pepper, to taste, and process until smooth and creamy. Taste and adjust the seasonings, as desired.
-
Transfer to a serving bowl and top with fresh chives before serving. Enjoy!
Notes
Tip: Steaming the garlic along with the cauliflower will remove the raw edge and make it more tender.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
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