One of the hardest parts of adjusting to Keto is going without the tasty carbohydrates that used to be a staple in the old diet. Switching to cauliflower isn't very nice when you're used to potatoes. Especially if you think cauliflower tastes pretty nasty.
This was my solution and it has become a mainstay when creating family meals.
Instruments
- A device in which to steam vegetation
- A handy frying surface of medium size
- Stirring implement
- Mashing implement
- Cutting implement(s) of choice
- Strainer and non-fluffy tea towel
- Mixing bowl
Ingredients
- 2 sizeable heads of cauliflower [or two kilos of cauliflower however you can get it.]
- 1 middling onion [smaller than your fist]
- 2 tbsp butter or butter replacement
- Roughly a cup of garlic aioli or mayonnaise
- herbs and spices to taste
- 300g of bacon pieces
We get these double-blister packets of bacon bits that come in 300g lots:
So one packet will do two batches of cauli mash. Don't sweat the exact measurements, I just feel that everything is better with bacon.
Instructions
- Chop and steam your cauliflower until it is soft
Pictured here: One grated cauliflower and two 500g packets of frozen cauliflower. I set them in for way too long because I do want them nice and soft for the final mash. Total steaming time in this case was fifty minutes. Your own time is up to you. - Chop your onion. For this, I like to use a nut grinder gadget that speeds up the entire process. It's excellent when you're having a low-energy days because all you need is a decent grip and a traction surface like a good wooden cutting board.
Depending on the shape of the onion, it may be necessary to peel chunks or chop it smaller for your gizmo. - Fry the bacon and onion in the butter while your cauliflower is steaming, and aim for a nice golden-brown
- When your cauliflower is soft, ready your straining setup by placing it over a drain and lining it with the tea towel
- CAREFULLY tip your cauliflower into the tea towel. Beware of steam burns, folks. Always try to direct the steam away from your delicate flesh
- Bundle the cauliflower within the tea towel and twist from the ends whilst pressing the lump into your strainer. Continue until the effort to wring liquid out of the cauliflower is not worth the yield
You don't have to drain your cauliflower, but if you do, you get a firmer mash out of it. - Now the fun part! Combine all your prepared ingredients in your mixing bowl and either mash or stir until you have an ideal consistency
Yes, I do leave the butter that I fried it in when transferring the bacon
Your finished mash should look a little something like this:
The hungry hordes managed to finish off one batch overnight, but it is possible to portion and freeze this stuff for later consumption. Obviously, don't go meal prep shopping during a contagion panic and just try to make do with what you've got until normal society restores itself.
This version of Cauli Mash behaves very well when reheated in the microwave, though Miss T has complained about the smell when she's stolen taken some of my prepped meals with her to school.