Imagine a side dish so decadent, so luxuriously creamy, that you'll forget you're eating a low-carb, keto-friendly recipe. This Herbed Goat Cheese Cauliflower Mash is not just another boring vegetable side – it's a culinary revelation that transforms humble cauliflower into a restaurant-worthy delicacy. Packed with rich, tangy goat cheese and aromatic herbs, this dish will make you fall in love with healthy eating all over again, proving that diet-friendly food can be absolutely irresistible.
Prep Time: 10 mins
Cook Time: 20 mins
Total Time: 30 mins
Cuisine: Keto
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 1 head cauliflower, chopped
- 4 ounces goat cheese
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh herbs (parsley or chives) for garnish
Instructions
- Wash the cauliflower head thoroughly and cut into evenly sized florets, ensuring they are roughly the same size for uniform cooking.
- Fill a large pot with water and bring to a rolling boil. Add a pinch of salt to the water to enhance the cauliflower's flavor.
- Carefully add the cauliflower florets to the boiling water and cook for 8-10 minutes, or until the pieces are tender when pierced with a fork but not mushy.
- While the cauliflower is cooking, drain the florets in a colander and shake off excess water to prevent a watery mash.
- Transfer the cooked cauliflower to a food processor or high-powered blender. Add softened butter, goat cheese, garlic powder, salt, and pepper.
- Pulse or blend the mixture until smooth and creamy, scraping down the sides as needed to ensure even consistency.
- Taste the mash and adjust seasoning with additional salt and pepper if required.
- Transfer the mash to a serving dish and garnish with freshly chopped parsley or chives for added flavor and visual appeal.
- Serve immediately while warm, ensuring the mash maintains its creamy texture and temperature.
Tips
- Choose a fresh, firm cauliflower head with tight, white florets for the best texture and flavor.
- Don't overcook the cauliflower – aim for tender but not waterlogged. The perfect cooking time is 8-10 minutes.
- Drain the cauliflower thoroughly to prevent a watery mash. Shake the colander and let it sit for a minute to remove excess moisture.
- Use room temperature butter and goat cheese for smoother blending and better incorporation.
- For extra smoothness, consider passing the mash through a fine-mesh sieve after blending.
- Experiment with different fresh herbs like thyme or rosemary for unique flavor variations.
- If you don't have a food processor, a potato masher can work – just ensure you mash thoroughly for a creamy consistency.
- Serve immediately to maintain the optimal temperature and texture of the mash.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 220kcal
Carbohydrates: 8g
Protein: 10g
Fat: 18g
Saturated Fat: 12g
Cholesterol: 40mg
