Mashed Cauliflower with Olive Oil (Weight-Loss Friendly)
A creamy and flavorful mashed cauliflower, lightened by swapping high-saturated fat dairy for heart-healthy olive oil, skim milk, and nonfat Greek yogurt, making it suitable for weight-loss meal plans.
For 4 servings
- prep · ~5 min
Prepare the cauliflower and garlic
Remove the outer leaves and core from 1 large head of cauliflower. Cut the cauliflower into florets, about 1-2 inches in size, ensuring even cooking. Mince 2 cloves of garlic finely.
- boil · ~15 min
Boil the cauliflower
Place the cauliflower florets in a large pot and cover with cold water. Add 1 tsp salt. Bring to a rolling boil over high heat, then reduce to medium-high and cook for 10-15 minutes, until very tender when pierced with a fork.
TIPCooking the cauliflower until very tender is key for a smooth, creamy mash. Don't undercook it! - prep · ~3 min
Drain the cauliflower
Carefully drain the cooked cauliflower florets in a colander. Allow them to sit for 2-3 minutes to release as much excess water as possible. This prevents a watery mash.
- mix · ~5 min
Mash with butter, cream cheese, and cream
Return the hot, drained cauliflower to the empty pot. Add 4 tbsp unsalted butter, 2 oz cream cheese, 0.25 cup heavy cream, and the minced garlic. Mash thoroughly with a potato masher or immersion blender until smooth and creamy, with no large lumps.
TIPFor an extra smooth texture, you can use a food processor, but be careful not to over-process, which can make it gummy. - assemble · ~2 min
Season and garnish
Season the mashed cauliflower with freshly ground black pepper from 0.5 tsp whole peppercorns and adjust salt to taste. Stir in 1 tbsp fresh chives, finely chopped. Serve immediately while hot.
