I want to get right down to this recipe for mashed cauliflower. It’s only two ingredients. Cauliflower and olive oil.

I honestly thought this wouldn’t work. Cauliflower has been substituted for fried rice and cauliflower pizza and while they are okay, still good to eat, they don’t really truly replace pizza crust or rice. However, when I mashed the cauliflower with olive oil, to my greatest surprise, I got mashed potatoes satisfaction.

My husband who has super taste buds thought he was eating mashed potatoes when I served him a shepherd’s pie.

Right up front I’ll tell you cauliflower holds more water than potatoes. Potatoes need the butter and milk, and they will hold their shape. A head of cauliflower is not a potato, but if you follow my directions, you’ll be happy if you need to cut your calories, your carbs (or you might be diabetic). White potatoes are an absolute no no for diabetics because they rush sugar quickly.

You’ll love these if you follow a Paleo diet, the 17 Day diet, the Whole 30 Diet, the low-carb diet, the weight watcher’s diet…you get my drift. As much as I nearly cringe at “diet” type foods, I lovingly embrace whole food made simply, which is the best “diet” food after all.

The Cooking Process (you must read)

When I went to mash, I grabbed my immersion blender. This is a stick blender that you put right in the pot. I picked it up for $10 at a bargain shop, and it’s a must have in your kitchen. I added a VERY SMALL amount of olive oil to completely drained, boiled cauliflower. Before blending, try to get the moisture out with a paper towel. Don’t squeeze, just use a little finesse.

I don’t know why but this blender works perfectly. On a second try, I used a hand beater and that was a disaster. I wanted to try my ricer but it’s lost in boxes somewhere (during our kitchen remodel). When I test that, I’ll come back and let you know. I just want to make sure you understand that cauliflower holds liquid and needs to be blended more than mashed.

Do not add any liquid ingredients like milk. You can replace the olive oil with butter, but keep additions to a minimum and let the cauliflower speak for itself.

The possibilities for mashed cauliflower are endless.

Make shepherd’s pie with left over roast beef. (Great for Paleo, recipe coming).
Add grated pecorino romano cheese for an Italian flair.
Cover with cheddar cheese and stick under the broil.

So tell me, have you ever substituted cauliflower for a starch. You can leave your link in the comments.