Cauliflower Mashed Potatoes Recipe
Category: Side Dishes
Serves: 4
Preparation Time: 20 minutes
Cooking Time: 25 minutes
When you’re craving something comforting but want a lighter alternative to traditional mashed potatoes, this Cauliflower Mashed Potatoes recipe is the perfect solution. By combining cauliflower and potatoes, you get a dish that’s rich, creamy, and full of flavor, with just the right amount of tang from the Grana Padano DOP cheese. Whether you’re serving it alongside a roast or enjoying it as a stand-alone dish, this mash will quickly become a favorite in your kitchen.
Ingredients
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Cauliflower | 4 kg |
| Potatoes | 1 kg |
| Grana Padano DOP Cheese | 40 g |
| Garlic | ½ clove |
| Coarse Salt | 1 teaspoon |
| Fine Salt | to taste |
| Extra Virgin Olive Oil | to taste |
| Nutmeg | to taste |
| Black Pepper | to taste |
| Water | as needed |
Nutritional Information (per serving)
| Nutrient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Calories | Approx. 150 kcal |
| Protein | Approx. 4 g |
| Carbohydrates | Approx. 30 g |
| Fat | Approx. 4 g |
| Fiber | Approx. 5 g |
| Sodium | Approx. 250 mg |
Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Vegetables
Start by cleaning the cauliflower and potatoes. For the cauliflower, remove the outer leaves with a small knife. Then, cut away the core and separate the florets by making small incisions where they meet the main stem. After this, wash them thoroughly and set them on a clean kitchen towel to dry. For the potatoes, peel them and cut them into chunks of roughly the same size to ensure even cooking.
Step 2: Cook the Vegetables
Now, place the cauliflower florets and potato pieces into a pressure cooker. Add a drizzle of extra virgin olive oil and toss in the half garlic clove (peeled and minced). Pour enough water into the cooker to just cover the vegetables. Add a teaspoon of coarse salt, then close the lid and bring the pressure cooker to full pressure. Once at pressure, cook the vegetables for about 15 minutes or until they are tender and easily pierced with a fork.
Step 3: Mash the Cauliflower and Potatoes
After the pressure has been released and the vegetables are ready, carefully open the pressure cooker. Use a potato masher or immersion blender to mash the cauliflower and potatoes together until you reach a smooth and creamy consistency. Taste and adjust the seasoning, adding fine salt and freshly ground black pepper as needed. If you want a little more richness, drizzle in a bit more olive oil.
Step 4: Flavor the Mash
Grate fresh nutmeg directly into the mash, stirring it in well to infuse the dish with its warm, aromatic flavor. For a final touch, grate the Grana Padano DOP cheese and stir it into the mashed cauliflower and potatoes, allowing it to melt into the mixture, adding a subtle tang and depth of flavor.
Step 5: Serve and Garnish
You can serve the cauliflower mashed potatoes as is, creating a smooth, creamy mound in a serving dish. If you’d like to add a bit of extra flair, transfer the mash to a baking dish, smoothing it out with a spatula. Use the tines of a fork to create decorative patterns on the surface. Sprinkle a little more nutmeg over the top for extra flavor.
Step 6: Grill (Optional)
For a crispy, golden top, place the dish under a hot grill (broiler) set to 230°C (450°F) for about 5-7 minutes, or until the surface has lightly browned. This step adds an irresistible texture to the mashed cauliflower and potatoes, giving them a beautiful golden hue and a slightly crunchy finish.
Step 7: Enjoy
Serve the mashed cauliflower and potatoes hot or at room temperature, as a perfect side dish for your favorite meats or as a comforting bowl on its own. Whether served with grilled meats, stews, or as part of a festive holiday meal, this dish will surely be a hit at the dinner table.
Tips:
- Texture: If you prefer a creamier mash, you can add a splash of milk or cream after mashing.
- Flavor Variations: For extra flavor, try adding some freshly chopped herbs like chives or parsley before serving.
- Make Ahead: This dish can be prepared ahead of time and stored in the fridge. Reheat it gently in the oven or microwave before serving.
This cauliflower mashed potatoes recipe is a fantastic way to enjoy a comforting dish while keeping things lighter and more nutritious. Perfect for any occasion, it’s an easy side that will pair wonderfully with almost any main dish, making it a versatile addition to your recipe collection!
