Creamy Mashed Cauliflower

From EatingWell: February/March 2005, The EatingWell Diabetes Cookbook (2005) — Subscribe Now!

Our savory cauliflower puree makes a perfect low-carb stand-in for mashed potatoes. It gets its fabulous flavor from garlic, buttermilk and a touch of butter and, best of all, it has about one-quarter of the calories of typical mashed potatoes. If you like, vary it by adding shredded low-fat cheese or chopped fresh herbs.

READER'S COMMENT:

"Delicious...served with fish and sauteed asparagus tips! I roasted the cauliflower instead of steaming. "

4 servings, 3/4 cup each

Active Time: 15 minutes

Total Time: 30 minutes

Nutrition Profile

Ingredients

8 cups bite-size cauliflower florets (about 1 head)
4 cloves garlic, crushed and peeled
1/3 cup nonfat buttermilk (see Tip)
4 teaspoons extra-virgin olive oil, divided
1 teaspoon butter
1/2 teaspoon salt
Freshly ground pepper to taste
Snipped fresh chives for garnish

Preparation

Place cauliflower florets and garlic in a steamer basket over boiling water, cover and steam until very tender, 12 to 15 minutes. (Alternatively, place florets and garlic in a microwave-safe bowl with 1/4 cup water, cover and microwave on High for 3 to 5 minutes.)
Place the cooked cauliflower and garlic in a food processor. Add buttermilk, 2 teaspoons oil, butter, salt and pepper; pulse several times, then process until smooth and creamy. Transfer to a serving bowl. Drizzle with the remaining 2 teaspoons oil and garnish with chives, if desired. Serve hot.

Tips & Notes

Tip: No buttermilk? You can use buttermilk powder prepared according to package directions. Or make “sour milk”: mix 1 tablespoon lemon juice or vinegar to 1 cup milk.

Nutrition

Per serving: 107 calories; 7 g fat (1 g sat, 4 g mono); 3 mg cholesterol; 10 g carbohydrates; 5 g protein; 4 g fiber; 339 mg sodium; 288 mg potassium.

Nutrition Bonus: Vitamin C (150% daily value), Folate (22% dv).

1/2 Carbohydrate Serving

Exchanges: 2 vegetable, 1 1/2 fat