Cauliflower has been enjoying a resurgence in popularity in recent years, and for good reason. This versatile vegetable is not only nutritious but can also be transformed into a variety of mouthwatering dishes. One such dish that stands out for its creamy texture and delightful flavor is cauliflower puree. This simple yet elegant recipe offers a fantastic alternative to mashed potatoes and is perfect for those seeking a low-carb or keto-friendly option.
Table of Contents
INGREDIENTS FOR CAULIFLOWER PUREE
For this cauliflower puree to be flavorful, you can’t just boil a big pot of cauliflower and mash it! Here’s what you need:
- Cauliflower: Chopped into florets and steamed or boiled.
- Butter: Preferably unsalted butter to give you more control over how salty you want your cauliflower puree.
- Garlic: Sautéd in butter first to release the flavor.
- Parmesan cheese: Use fresh grated parmesan cheese. You can also add other cheeses such as Cheddar, Provolone, etc.
- Cream: You can use heavy cream, or sour cream or replace it with cottage cheese or cream cheese.
- Seasoning: Salt and pepper to taste.
HOW TO MAKE CAULIFLOWER PUREE
- Prepare the Cauliflower: Start by chopping the cauliflower into florets, ensuring they’re roughly the same size for even cooking.
- Boil or Steam the Cauliflower: Place the cauliflower florets in a pot of boiling water or steam them until they’re tender. This should take around 10-15 minutes. You can check their tenderness by inserting a fork into the florets; they should be soft but not mushy.
- Sauté Garlic: In the same pan, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the garlic and sauté until fragrant, being careful not to brown the garlic as it can turn bitter. (If you want discard the garlic or blend it with cauliflower.)
- Blend the Cauliflower: Using a food processor or blender, transfer the cooked cauliflower into the appliance and blend to the desired consistency.
- Add the remaining ingredients: Return cauliflower puree to the pan with garlic, and butter. Add heavy cream and Parmesan cheese. Mix until smooth and creamy. Season with salt and pepper to taste. If necessary, heat the cauliflower puree before serving.
- Serve: Garnish with a sprinkle of fresh herbs or a drizzle of olive oil for added flavor and visual appeal.
SUBSTITUTIONS AND TIPS
- Dairy-Free Option: If you’re looking for a dairy-free version, substitute the butter and heavy cream with olive oil and unsweetened almond milk or coconut cream or cashew cream. You can also use dairy-free Parmesan cheese or nutritional yeast for a cheesy flavor.
- Enhance Flavor: Experiment with different herbs and spices. Thyme, rosemary, or a dash of nutmeg can elevate the taste of the puree.
- Texture Adjustment: For a chunkier texture, pulse the blender or food processor a few times to achieve the desired consistency.
STORAGE
Cauliflower puree can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Reheat it in the microwave or on the stovetop, adding a splash of cream or broth to retain its creamy texture.
HOW TO SERVE CAULIFLOWER PUREE
This creamy cauliflower puree makes an excellent side dish to accompany various main courses. Serve it alongside roasted chicken, grilled steak, or seared fish for a delightful and satisfying meal. I like to serve it with Pork Tenderloin in Honey Garlic Sauce or Pork Tenderloin in Creamy Mushroom and Mustard Sauce. It’s also a great addition to your holiday table, offering a healthier alternative to traditional mashed potatoes.
HEALTHY BENEFITS OF CAULIFLOWER PUREE
Cauliflower is a nutritional powerhouse. It’s low in calories and carbohydrates, making it an excellent choice for those following low-carb or keto diets. It’s high in fiber, vitamins, and minerals, including vitamin C, vitamin K, and folate. Additionally, cauliflower contains compounds with anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties, contributing to overall health and well-being.
The cauliflower puree is a versatile and delicious dish that’s both easy to prepare and incredibly satisfying. Whether you’re looking for a healthier alternative to mashed potatoes or simply aiming to add more vegetables to your diet, this recipe offers a flavorful solution. Experiment with the ingredients, adjust the seasonings to your liking, and enjoy the creamy goodness of this cauliflower puree, knowing you’re indulging in a nutritious and delightful culinary experience.
Creamy Cauliflower Puree
Ingredients
- 1 kg/2.2lb cauliflower, (see note)
- 2 whole garlic cloves, lightly crushed
- 2 tbsp (30g/1oz ) tbsp unsalted butter
- ¼ cup (25g/0.8oz ) Parmesan cheese, grated
- ¼ cup heavy cream, optional
- Salt and black pepper to taste
Instructions
- Chop the cauliflower into florets, ensuring they’re roughly the same size for even cooking.
- Place the cauliflower in a steamer over a large pot of boiling water and steam for 15 minutes or until tender. Alternatively, boil the cauliflower in salted water for 10 minutes or until tender. Remove and drain. Cover with a lid and set aside.
- In the same pan, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the garlic and sauté until fragrant (about 1 minute), being careful not to brown the garlic as it can turn bitter. (If you want discard the garlic or blend it with cauliflower.)
- Using a food processor or blender, transfer the cooked cauliflower into the appliance and blend on high speed until smooth or to the desired consistency.(You may need to do this in batches of two or three, depending on the size of your blender or processor.)
- Return blended cauliflower to the pan with garlic, and butter. Add heavy cream and Parmesan cheese. Mix until smooth and creamy. Season with salt and pepper to taste. If necessary, heat the puree before serving.
- Serve as a side dish garnished with a sprinkle of fresh herbs or a drizzle of olive oil for added flavor and visual appeal.
Notes
- Cauliflower – 1 very large head or 1.5 medium head. About 8 cups of florets.
- Reserve some of the water you used to cook the cauliflower (about 2-3 tablespoons) to adjust the consistency to your taste after you have pureed it, this also helps the puree to stay smooth.
