Cauliflower Mash (2024)

Cauliflower Mash

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I love cauliflower regardless of how it is prepared but I know, for some people, the taste of cauliflower can be quite strong… but not to worry there are tricks around this. Some of the suggestions are not 100% raw, but you can choose to use the technique that best matches your journey in healthy eating.

The “strong” taste that I am referring to can also be interpreted as bitterness. Before I share a few techniques… where does this bitterness come from? Cauliflower contains phytonutrients that release pungent sulfur compounds when heated. The specific compound that makes cauliflower bitter is phenylthiocarbamide, also known as PTC. Some people are genetically more sensitive to PTC. (source)

When preparing this dish, I added cashews and cold-pressed olive oil, both of which are healthy fats. They not only add a creaminess to the overall dish, but the fat helps to calm down the bitterness as well.

Another way to reduce the bitterness is by lightly blanching cauliflower. Place the cauliflower florets in a bowl, cover with boiling water for about 45 seconds. Drain and rinse in cold water to stop the cooking process.

If all else fails and you still find cauliflower too bitter for your liking, you just might be what they refer to as a Supertaster. It is estimated that 25% of us are supertasters. A cape and skin-tight leotard come with this title. All this means is that you have inherited a higher-than-normal number of taste buds and are typically more sensitive to strong, bitter foods. Such as raw broccoli, brussels sprouts, cauliflower, cabbage, grapefruit juice, dark chocolate, coffee, etc. You just may struggle with such foods regardless of how they are prepared.

Another option is to steam the cauliflower. To mellow the flavor, soak the entire head (leaves removed) in cold, salted water for 30 minutes before steaming. Some of the bitter components will leach out. Soaking cauliflower will also give your cauliflower a snow-white appearance. Be sure not to steam for no longer than five minutes. The short cooking time will limit the odorous sulfur released.

How to Select Cauliflower

  • Look at the leaves surrounding the head if you’re picking it fresh. They should be vibrant and green, wilted or browning leaves can mean the cauliflower is no longer fresh and starting to go bad.
  • Next, check out the color of the cauliflower, white is the most common color, followed by light green, pale orange and even purple. Should you stumble upon brown or yellow, it could mean the head of cauliflower is bad and not as hip as the other fun colors.
  • Touch the cauliflower, it should be spongy and firm to the touch, soft indicates another indication that it is going bad.

Ingredients:

Yields 2 cups

  • 1 lb (4 cups) chopped cauliflower florets
  • 1/2 cup cashews, soaked 2+ hours
  • 2 Tbsp water
  • 1 Tbsp cold-pressed olive oil
  • 1 tsp fresh thyme
  • 1/2 tsp garlic powder
  • 1/2 tsp onion powder
  • 1/4 tsp sea salt
  • 1/2 tsp black pepper

Preparation:

Raw Cauliflower Version

  1. Remove the outer leaves from the cauliflower and cut away the large stem. Wash and pat dry. Rough chop and place in the food processor, fitted with the “S” blade, and pulse until the cauliflower reaches a rice-like texture.
  2. After soaking the cashews, drain and discard the soak water. Add the cashews to the food processor along with the water, olive oil, thyme, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Process until creamy.
  3. Enjoy at room temperature or warm in the dehydrator at 115 degrees (F) for 1 hour or until warm to touch.
  4. Store leftovers in the fridge for 2-3 days.

Steam Method for Cauliflower | Stove Top

  1. If you own an Instant Pot, click (here) to see a super quick and easy way to steam the whole head of cauliflower in one fail swoop.
  2. Otherwise, wash the cauliflower, remove the core, and cut it into uniform-sized pieces (so they cook evening.)
  3. Add about one inch of water to a large pot and bring to a boil.
  4. Once the water comes to a boil, place the cauliflower florets into the steamer basket, put it into the pot and cover.
  5. Turn the heat to medium and let steam until fork-tender, roughly 20 to 30 minutes. They must be fully cooked, or else it won’t blend creamy.
  6. After soaking the cashews, drain and discard the soak water. Add the cashews to the food processor along with the water, olive oil, thyme, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Process until creamy.
  7. Store leftovers in the fridge for 2-3 days.

Print this Recipe

Tags: Dairy Free, Gluten Free, Refined Sugar Free, Soy Free, sugar free, Vegan

  1. Cauliflower Mash (18) serena says:

    Thank you thank you thank you!!!
    Tomorrow cauliflower will be the first of my shop list!!!!
    Have a wonderfull sunday!!!
    Serena

    Reply

    • Cauliflower Mash (19) amie-sue says:

      Thank you Serena. I had a pretty good day .:) I created some new bar recipes for my dad to take trucking with him. Let me know what you think of the cauliflower mash. Have a wonderful week! amie sue

      Reply

  2. Cauliflower Mash (25) Linda says:

    Thank you so much for this healthy recipe! Definitely going to try this one!

    Reply

    • Cauliflower Mash (26) amie-sue says:

      Your welcome Linda. Let me know what you think after you make it. Have a wonderful evening, amie sue

      Reply

  3. Cauliflower Mash (27) Kathy says:

    Thank you for sharing your awesome recipe, your version is the BEST by far! Thank you!

    Reply

  4. Cauliflower Mash (29) Serena says:

    I just eat it!!!!
    Amie Sue….you should rename it!
    This is a OhMyGod Cauliflower Mash!!!!
    I finally save enough money to buy my super new Bimny, and this is the firt recipe i prepare with it! I so happy, bimby it’s perfect for raw recipe and this new creation of yours…..Amie Sue you are a blessing!!!!!
    Thank you for all your sharing!
    If i’ll come in usa…i’ll come to shake your hand!!!! I onw you!

    Love
    Serena

    Reply

    • Cauliflower Mash (30) amie-sue says:

      lol Serena… sounds good to me! :) I tried to figure out what a Bimny is… a food processor? Help! hehe

      Shake hands? I am a hugger! I always enjoy hearing from you Serena, I find you to be a blessing too. :) Have a great evening, amie sue

      Reply

      • Cauliflower Mash (31) Serena says:

        Sorry i wrote wrong! Bimby! It’s a food processor, but it can cook, and u can decide the temperature, so i use it to warm my soup! Well i don’t want to do promotion…i’m just happy to have it!
        And it is sooooo good in create your recipe!!!!
        Thanks again!
        Bless you

        Reply

        • Cauliflower Mash (32) amie-sue says:

          Oh I see Serena. Sounds like quite the machine. :) Never heard of a food processor doing all that. Thanks for letting me know. Have a great evening, amie sue

          Reply

  5. Cauliflower Mash (34) gracefulheather says:

    Made this as part of our family Thanksgiving meal and served with your mushroom gravy. Great texture and flavor! I made the mistake of not soaking the cashews first so I had to process extra long to great everything broken down and incorporated. It did end up making the mixture extra fluffy, though, so not a huge mistake in the end! My husband really loved this one, too! Thanks, Amie Sue!

    Reply

    • Cauliflower Mash (35) amie-sue says:

      Good morning Gracefulheather,

      You’re amazing! I have been reading through all the other recipes that you made of mine for your family Thanksgiving dinner and I applaud you for all the amazing work that you put into it. :)

      Growing up I adored mash potatoes and gravy so coming up with the raw version made me so happy. We all need good home comfort food. And nothing wrong with extra fluffy cauliflower mash! hehe Have a blessed and happy day, amie sue

      Reply

  6. […] lunch I had Raw Cauliflower Mash, a recipe from Nouveau Raw. I had some cauliflower left over from my soup yesterday and thought this would be the best use of […]

    Reply

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Cauliflower Mash (2024)

FAQs

How to make cauliflower mash less watery? ›

The trick to the perfect cauliflower mash is to drain it really well and then let any remaining water evaporate in a pan on medium heat for 5-6 minutes before mashing. If you don't do this step, you definitely can have a very watery mash.

Why is my cauliflower not mashing? ›

To ensure mashed cauliflower is really light and fluffy (no one wants soggy mashed cauliflower) you must make sure you allow ALL the steam to escape before pureeing it. Cauliflower has a large surface area within those little florets, and it will happily retain much of its moisture.

Do cauliflower mashed potatoes taste the same? ›

Sure, it's not quite the same as the sour cream-laden potatoes Jack enjoyed as a kid, but it's still really darn good. This mashed cauliflower has a light and fluffy texture, with a rich, nutty flavor from roasted garlic and a little butter.

How many carbs are in cauliflower mash? ›

Nutrition Facts (per serving)
107Calories
7gFat
10gCarbs
5gProtein
Apr 22, 2024

How do you get the liquid out of cauliflower? ›

I've done it. It really is as simple as putting the cooked and cooled cauliflower on a clean flour sack towel , wrapping it up and squeezing all the water out. I like to use flour sack towels because they're large and really thin, which makes them easy to squeeze tight and get out as much water as possible.

How do you make mash less watery? ›

You can use what you have on hand: Flour, cornstarch, or powdered milk are all solid options that are probably already in your pantry. Potato flour and potato starch would work as well. Stir in the thickening agent gradually, about a tablespoon at a time, until the potatoes have reached your desired consistency.

Why is my cauliflower not softening? ›

Undercooking It. Overcooking is bad, but undercooking cauliflower is an equally off-putting problem. "When making cauliflower steaks or roasting florets, if you don't roast it in the oven long enough it will be warm but still hard and unenjoyable to eat," says Michalczyk.

How long to boil cauliflower? ›

It can also be boiled (takes 5-10 mins for florets; around 10 mins for a whole cauliflower). For both cooking methods, test regularly with the tip of a knife to make sure they don't overcook.

Why do you add milk to boiled cauliflower? ›

If you want it to remain as white as possible boil it in milk, not water. Yes, all milk. The milk acts as a way to preserve the natural white coloring. If you are okay with it not being super brilliant white, you can do half milk/half water.

Why is my cauliflower mash grainy? ›

If you cook the cauliflower and there are some tiny pieces and some huge pieces, you will inevitably be left with some that are overcooked and shriveled, as well as some cauliflower pieces that are left raw in the middle – that will also result in a grainy puree.

Which is healthier, cauliflower or potatoes? ›

Nutritionally, cauliflower is lighter in calories and carbs than potatoes and is more nutrient-dense. That's why it's popular among the low carb and weight loss communities.

Why is mashed cauliflower good for you? ›

Cauliflower contains many nutrients and plant compounds that may reduce the risk of several diseases, including heart disease and cancer. Cauliflower is an extremely healthy vegetable that's a significant source of nutrients. Additionally, it's weight loss-friendly and incredibly easy to add to your diet.

How to thicken mashed cauliflower? ›

You can add a litle softened cream cheese to the pot in the final step and stir until melted. Or you can add a keto thickener like glucomannan or xanthan gum. Be sure to whisk it in well when the mashed cauliflower is hot. You don't need more than about ¼ teaspoon per head of cauliflower.

How many calories are in 2 cups of cauliflower mash? ›

There are 284 calories in 2 cups of Mashed Cauliflower.

How long does cauliflower mash last in the fridge? ›

Make ahead: Mashed cauliflower can be made up to 3 days in advance and stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator. Storage: Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.

How do you make cauliflower rice less watery? ›

The best way to deal with the liquid is to put the riced cauliflower in a covered microwave-safe dish, heat it thoroughly to get all the liquid out of it you can, then drain it. If you have to cook it on the stovetop, add as little water as possible and stir frequently to keep it from sticking to the pan.

How do you keep cauliflower cheese from getting watery? ›

Make sure you drain the cauliflower really well after it's boiled up and before you add it to the dish, otherwise it will end up too watery.

Why is my cauliflower rice so wet? ›

Leave riced cauliflower on the heat too long and it will become soft and soggy. Follow this tip: Quickly cooked in a little butter or olive oil on the stovetop, riced cauliflower becomes softer and more tender. As a rule of thumb, about three minutes over medium heat and not too oil much should do the trick.

How do you dry wet cauliflower? ›

You may choose to blanch for a few minutes in boiling water, but cauliflower still turns out well without blanching. Arrange on dehydrator trays in a single layer. Dehydrate at 135°F for about 8-12 hours. Store in a cool dry place in an airtight container.

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