Combining Cauliflower with Potatoes
Mashed potatoes seem to be a favorite side dish with all of us. But, if you’re like me, you don’t fix them very often because most other vegetables are healthier for you. On top of that, many are lower in calories too.
After experiments with cauliflower in lieu of part of the rice in my Fried Cauliflower Rice recipe, I decided to try it in potatoes too. I’d heard of mashed cauliflower before, but as with the rice dish, I wasn’t prepared to switch completely. This recipes satisfies that completely. Half potato, half cauliflower, it cuts the calories substantially, adds the nutritional benefits of cauliflower, yet still tastes just like mashed potatoes. Even the texture and the aroma is the same. I really couldn’t tell the difference from regular mashed potatoes.
I used a potato masher for it, but it would be even smoother and creamier if you used a food processor or mixer. If you don’t mind it a little creamier yet, you can substitute low fat milk as well.
Serve it simply with butter, or pour gravy on it. It would be delicious with anything from a turkey dinner or a roast, to a vegetarian main dish. Cauliflower is surprisingly filling.
If you want to change it up, you can add roast garlic, chives, or even cheese. Honestly, it tastes so good as it is, I’m not sure I would add anything. It’s a surprising find and a delicious, home-cooked taste. Once again, cauliflower is used to increase the volume, lower the calorie count, and provide more nutritious vegetables to each serving. Love it!
Looking for a yummy dish to serve this with? Try it with Chicken Dijon with Snap Peas. It is a perfect combination of goodness.
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Serves: 4 to 6
- 2 medium to large potatoes
- 1 medium head of cauliflower
- 2 - 3 tablespoons half & half
- 2 tablespoons butter or margarine
- salt and pepper
- chives or green onion
- Peel and dice the potato, then cover with water in a saucepan.
- Cook about 15 minutes, until soft.
- Finely chop cauliflower, then steam for 4 minutes in microwave.
- If you prefer to cook it in one pan, you can add cauliflower to potatoes for last 5 minutes or so, until tender.
- Drain thoroughly, then mash the potatoes and cauliflower together, adding half and half, salt and pepper, and butter.
- You can use a hand mixer or a blender if you prefer a smoother texture.
- Put into serving dish, top with a dab or two of butter and a few chopped chives.
- Serve and eat!
The Wonders of Cauliflower
Taste is the most important feature I look for in any recipe. But any time a dish can be lightened up, I’m all for it.
In Cauliflower Mashed Potatoes, you can easily cut the calories in half with cauliflower.
A single cup of potato has 116 calories compared to 27 calories in cauliflower.
It is not only low in cholesterol, but contains no fat. It’s a good source of protein and fiber, and high in calcium, folate, vitamin C, and K. Just one serving provides nearly 80% of the recommended vitamin C in your diet.
And it is so easy to slip into many dishes if you have family members who aren’t crazy about vegetables.
Since I’ve began trying it in different dishes, I’ve been pleased and amazed. The last experiment was adding a tablespoon of riced cauliflower to egg salad. It tasted so good, adding a slight crunch to the salad that was very pleasant. It didn’t change the taste at all. It’s great in tuna and chicken salad too. You can see it used in chicken salad in the recipe included in Best Lettuce Wraps, Chilled.
Try it for yourself. I bet you will be surprised too.
Cuisinart’s Hand Mixer
One of my personal favorite small appliances. I love my hand mixer like this one. I admit it is partly because it has a case that contains the cord, beaters, and all. It’s very pleasing not to have a cord floating around in the way of everything else. But I love it because it is so easy to grab and use. Lightweight, easy to hold, plenty of power, it has all the features I need when I am cooking or baking. I use it for everything, including mashing potatoes and cauliflower.
A Collapsible Colander
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September 21, 2015
Delicious recipe. Nice job and thank you.
September 21, 2015
Thank you John, for your comments. It’s a favorite.