Vegan Cauliflower Mash

Cauliflower is totally the new kale. 

Cauliflower has gotten a lot of love the past year. There have been countless recipes circulating the blogosphere featuring all sorts of delicious cauliflower centered recipes: cauliflower pizza crust, cauliflower "rice", buffalo cauliflower, cauliflower steaks, Creamy Roasted Cauliflower Leek Soup, and many more. This nonstarchy veggie is a cruciferous vegetable (like broccoli and cabbage). Not only is cauliflower a tremendously versatile ingredient, it is also incredibly nourishing. They contain vitamins, minerals, and phytonutrients that may help neutralize damaging toxins, and research shows that a high intake of cruciferous vegetables is associated with a lower risk of some cancers. Bring on ALL the cruciferous veggies. 

Who doesn't love mashed potatoes? There is not much that beats the comforting taste of homemade mashed potatoes. While I am a big fan of traditional mashed taters, they can sometimes make me feel heavy and a little "blah" afterwards. Serving mashed cauliflower in lieu of potatoes is an easy way to lighten up a heavy meal, and is a great solution for those who need to watch their starch/carbohydrate intake. It does not taste exactly like traditional mashed potatoes, but it is creamy, flavorful, and absolutely delicious. This cauliflower mash is light and fluffy and comes together in less than 10 minutes. It's a fabulous way to get extra veggies in at meal time.

What are you waiting for.....DIG IN!

Vegan Cauliflower Mash

Lighten up a heavy meal and get a healthy dose of vitamins, minerals, and phytonutrients with this veggie packed side dish! 

|Serves 2|

Ingredients

• 1 medium sized head of cauliflower, chopped into florets
• 3-5 large roasted garlic cloves (I like more garlic)
• 1 tsp fresh thyme leaves
• 1 tsp fresh chives, chopped
• 1 tsp minced rosemary
• 1 Tbsp unsweetened (unflavored) almond milk
• 1/4 cup nutritional yeast
• 2 Tbsp Earth Balance (or other vegan butter)
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions

1. Fill a large saucepan with about an inch or two of water and insert a steamer basket. Bring the water to a boil, and add the cauliflower florets. 
2. Reduce heat to a simmer and cover, allowing the cauliflower to steam for about 6 or 7 minutes, or until fork tender. 
3. Drain the steamed cauliflower, then transfer to the bowl of a large food processor. 
4. Add the roasted garlic cloves, thyme leaves, chives, rosemary, almond milk, nutritional yeast, salt and pepper, and process until smooth or to your desired texture. Add the Earth Balance and pulse again until combined. 
5. Top with fresh cracked pepper and fresh chopped chives. 

Notes

*You can usually find roasted garlic cloves available at the olive bar in your local grocery store. If you prefer to roast your own, use this method. Feel free to use raw garlic, but know the taste will be much stronger. Garlic powder may work fine as well.