3-Step Cauliflower Puree
15 Jan
I like to consider myself a bit of a mashed potato connoisseur. I love trying out the starchy side dish at various restaurants and giving it my stamp of approval… or if it’s an unfortunate evening, a thumbs down.
Now, there’s a new side dish in town; one that is perhaps a little healthier! While this takes a little bit of prep time (not too much!) and a little bit of clean up (washing the food processor!) It’s worth it for the delicious finished product.
All it takes to make this cauliflower puree is one head of cauliflower, 2 tbsp. butter, and salt and pepper… so simple.
Step 1: Cut cauliflower into small pieces.
Is there a specific “technique” you’re supposed to use when cutting cauliflower? I just hack into it! 
Step 2: Boil cauliflower for 15 minutes, drain.
Step 3: Combine cauliflower, butter, salt and pepper in a food processor and blend until smooth.
Now, don’t get me wrong – this puree doesn’t taste like mashed potatoes. It tastes like… cauliflower. BUT, the consistency is similar to my beloved mashed potatoes and it pairs well with almost anything!
Tonight, I served up a portion of the puree with steak and mushrooms. It was absolutely delicious. (More on tonight’s dinner in tomorrow’s What I Ate Wednesday post.)
Do you have a food processor? If not, what’s your favorite small kitchen appliance? I got this food processor at my bridal shower, and I love it!
This is one of my favorite recipes but I hardly ever make it because I hate cutting up cauliflower. I wonder if frozen tastes just as good?
Yeah, that’s why I said I just hack into it! Every time I do it, I think ok there’s got to be some secret strategy to this that I don’t know about?!
I need to get in on this cauliflower business. I keep saying I need to make the cauliflower pizza crust, and now this is on the list too!
Baking Serendipity recently posted..Trail Mix Banana Bread
I’ve been wanting to try the pizza crust idea, too!
I don’t have a food processor, but I have a Ninja blender…hmmm maybe I’ll try this one day
Nikki recently posted..The Myrtl Routine
I don’t have a food processor but I do have a magic bullet… which I am convinced everything can be made in. Cookie dough, smoothies, homemade breadcrumbs, salsa, sauces, whatever… just some things work better than others. (IE: Cookie dough doesn’t work.)
Steph @ The Event Crashers recently posted..[the real deal] Jessica and Josh | Malibu, California
lol we have a magic bullet too and yes, it’s pretty handy!
YESS!! You did post the recipe. Thank you very much =)
Jessie recently posted..What I Ate Wednesday
I’ve made this once. I liked it! The consistency was really just like mashed potatoes but once I told Eric it was cauliflower he gave me that don’t do this ever again face lol.
Danielle @ itsaharleyyylife recently posted..WIAW 1.16.13
lol!
I love cauliflower! I do half potato/half cauliflower so Ryne will eat it
Presley @ Run Pretty recently posted..Work Out to Work It
That’s a great idea! Chris hasn’t tried it yet. He works evenings so he usually takes whatever I make for dinner as leftovers to work the next day. I’m curious to hear what he thinks of it!
LOVE when cauliflower is roasted- it tastes SO good! ….I never would have thought to puree it!
Julie H. of Spinach and Sprinkles recently posted..Making milk is a superpower! ||{healthy lactation cookies}||
it looks delicious. .. I obviously have to go buy a food processor now! My fav kitchen appliance is a tie between my kitchen aid mixer (super good for baking) and my immersion blender (love it for soups!).
Katie @ running4cupcakes recently posted..Weekend Update: 1/13/13
I love my Kitchenaid mixer, too! I’ve been wanting an immersion blender especially for soup-making.
This looks incredible and is definitely on my to do list! Silly question – when you boil the cauliflower pieces, do you just add enough water to cover the pieces? I can’t wait to try!
Steph @ StephSnacks recently posted..Cray WIAW
I just filled a big pot and dumped it in! haha Clearly, I’m a professional.
I have a vita mix, which seems to do the trick like a food processor. It is magic! That actually looks really good. Thanks for sharing!
Kate @ quartercenturysouthernliving.wordpress.com recently posted..And the Liebster goes to…..
Oooh, I’ve heard amazing things about Vitamix!
Haha, I totally just hack into cauliflower too! I have never made mashed cauliflower before, but I’ve used it in potato soup which is very similar. I might have to try it on it’s own! I’ve also heard you can do something similar with parsnips? I had it at a restaurant once, but I’ve never made it myself.
Stephanie @ My Freckled Life recently posted..WIAW: Sickly Edition
Yes, I’ve heard the same thing about parsnips! I’ve roasted parsnips before and really liked them, so I’m sure a puree would be awesome!
I never thought I would like something like this, but it really is so tasty! Thanks for sharing your take on it lady
Tessa @ Amazing Asset recently posted..(Re)Learning Who I Am
I have a food processor and I’ve made a ton with it – bread dough, hummus. I probably use my KitchenAid way more though.
Alysha @ Shesontherun recently posted..The Icebreaker is Here
Love my KitchenAid, too!
This looks so delicious and easy to make. Thanks for sharing
Hannah @ CleanEatingVeggieGirl recently posted..Veggie Stuffed Mushrooms