People on low-carb diets often miss mashed potatoes, but cauliflower mashed potatoes are a good substitute. Cauliflower mashed potatoes recipes usually don’t call for potatoes, instead recommending puréeing cooked cauliflower in a blender or food processor until it resembles mashed potatoes. Other ingredients, such as cream cheese, butter, and chives, are frequently recommended in recipes to improve the flavor of the cauliflower and create a dish that tastes similar to traditional mashed potatoes. Apart from the carbohydrate issue, cauliflower mashed potatoes have the added benefit of being more nutritionally dense than white potatoes, making the dish a healthier option.
Mashed potatoes are a staple comfort food in many countries, including the United States. People enjoy mashed potatoes with a variety of toppings, such as gravy, cheese, and various herbs, and it is a popular side dish at holiday gatherings. Mashed potatoes can also be made into cakes and pan-fried to make them crispy on the outside. They can also be used as a crust in various types of meat pies. Unfortunately, 35 grams of carbohydrates are contained in each 1-cup (210-gram) serving of mashed potatoes, which is far too much for many people who must limit their carbohydrate intake. Carbohydrate counts for cauliflower mashed potatoes vary by recipe, but can be as low as 6 grams per serving, with 3 of those being fiber grams, which are normally subtracted from carbohydrate counts.
Cooks’ and recipe creators’ dietary preferences and personal tastes influence cauliflower mashed potato recipes. Low-carbohydrate dieters are more concerned with keeping carbohydrate counts low, whereas paleo dieters may choose to avoid using dairy in their cauliflower mashed potatoes and instead use olive oil in the purée. These recipes start with a large portion of cauliflower that has been steamed until tender, usually on the stovetop or in the microwave. Other vegetables, such as leeks, may be called for in some recipes, while low-carb potato substitute mixes may be suggested in others. Cream cheese, milk, or heavy cream are examples of other texture-enhancing ingredients. Other popular additions to the dish include cheese, garlic, and other herbs.