Who says you can’t eat healthy during the holidays!? It’s super easy to replace those recipes with flavorful, better-for-you alternatives. All it takes is an open-mind and some key ingredients that not only bring the flavor, but also score wellness benefits. Here’s one side dish that WON’T disappoint your mashed potato loving guests!
WATCH:
My colleagues said is was garlic-packed and “mmm, mmm good!” Read on for an explanation of the ingredients used and the complete recipe…
So, why cauliflower? Well, compared to potatoes, cauliflower is low-carb, vitamin-packed, and gluten-free. Let’s face it, your mashed potatoes aren’t anything special without all those other rich ingredients. Plus, how time-consuming is it to peel all of them, am I right?! So, it feels like a no-brainier to swap them out fora less-starchy, low-maintenance vegetable.
And what about the other ingredients? First, unsweetened Greek yogurt adds protein and you don’t have to worry about added sugar from this key dairy-thickener. Also, all the garlic and chive you’ll use, will pack this potato-free mash with TONS of guilt-free flavor. Plus, who needs butter when the garlic-infused olive oil will keep the mixture smooth and savory. Lastly, less than a 1/4 cup of grated Parmesan cheese is a reasonable amount to make all the difference to your taste-buds.
So, now that you know this is a tried and true healthy-alternative to mashed potatoes, why not give it a go!? If you’re still on the fence about trying it, just remember, that thick, creamy texture and strong, savory flavors will NOT be compromised; And neither will your’s and your guests’ diets.
INGREDIENTS:
- 1 medium head cauliflower
- 1 bulb garlic
- 2 heaping tbs olive oil
- 3 heaping spoonful’s unsweetened Greek yogurt
- ¼ cup parmesan cheese
- 2 small handfuls fresh chives
- Fresh ground salt & pepper
RECIPE:
- Chop cauliflower into florets; Set aside.
- Slice all the large garlic cloves; Set aside.
- Prep Insta Pot or stovetop cookware for steaming.
- Steam cauliflower for 10 minutes.
- Sautee garlic in olive oil over medium heat for 10 minutes.
- Combine steamed cauliflower & sautéed garlic into a bowl & begin to mash.
- Add in Greek yogurt, grated parmesan cheese, a couple pinches of salt & pepper, 1 small handful of chives chopped up using scissors.
- Alternate mashing ingredients with scraping them off the sides of the bowl & folding in until mixture is smooth. A potato masher & rubber spatula work well.
- Top with more fresh cut chives, grated parmesan cheese, & a pinch of salt & pepper.
Meaghan Mooney's Blog 