Garlic Mashed Cauliflower

This recipe is so simple and healthy, and with the right kitchen tools, can be literally made in minutes! It's the perfect side dish to nearly any meal, is low-carb and low-calorie, and there are lots of fun variations you can use to change it up so that you don't ever get bored with it!

As a busy mom of 4, I don't spend a ton of time in the kitchen, but that doesn't mean we resort to eating pre-packaged/prepared convenience foods! It just means that over the years, I've gotten smart as to what "gadgets" to have in my kitchen to make food prep a breeze! This Pampered Chef Micro-Cooker for one, is a kitchen essential! Steamed food is not only super yummy, but more nutritious because you're not cooking the nutrients out of your veggies in the water, as with boiling. Plus it's easy to clean, and with the veggie setting on my microwave, it literally takes minutes! 

I use it for potatoes (peel, chop, cook, mash - done!), squash, and pretty much any and every fresh produce, with only a few exceptions (asparagus being one of them - I prefer those roasted :). 

The other kitchen appliance I use every single day is my NutriBullet 900 series. I've had it for over 4 years, and it still works the same as it did on day one. I use it for my health shakes and smoothies, soups, sauces, and recipes like this one! 

INGREDIENTS:

• 1/3 head cauliflower (depending on how many servings you're wanting)
• 1 tsp. Coconut oil
• 1 clove garlic, mashed and sautéed
• Sea Salt to taste
• Pepper, Dill Weed (optiona)l, to taste
• Other optional ingredients: roasted sweet peppers, sun dried tomatoes, sautéed onions, etc.

DIRECTIONS:

1. Clean cauliflower, break into sections and steam in the microwave in your Micro-Cooker.
2. Meanwhile, sauté garlic and other veggies in EVOO if using. 
3. Transfer the cauliflower to a food processor (I love my NutriBullet) along with garlic, seasonings and coconut oil. Puree until smooth and creamy. Stir in any remaining optional veggies. Enjoy!