Oats Free Lemon & Olive Oil Mashed Cauliflower
Creamy, bright, and surprisingly luxurious, this mashed cauliflower is the kind of side dish that makes people ask what's actually in it. Steaming the cauliflower with whole garlic cloves builds a mellow, savory base, while a quick bloom of ground ginger in warm olive oil adds a subtle warmth that elevates the whole thing. Fresh lemon juice and zest cut through the richness and keep every bite feeling light and vibrant. Letting the cauliflower drain and steam off excess moisture before blending is the key move here — it's what gives you that silky, whipped texture instead of a watery mess. Everything goes into the food processor and comes out impossibly smooth, finished with a drizzle of good olive oil and fresh chives. For anyone navigating a diet that rules out grains and oats, this is the kind of comfort food that genuinely delivers — no substitutions, no workarounds, just clean, whole ingredients doing all the heavy lifting.
About FigFig is a food discovery app that helps you find foods and recipes that fit your dietary needs. Whether you have food allergies, intolerances, or follow a specific diet, Fig makes it easy to eat with confidence.
Learn more →Ingredients
4 servings
- 1 large head cauliflower (about 2 lb), cut into florets
- 3 cloves garlic, peeled
- 3 tbsp extra-virgin olive oil, divided
- 2 tbsp fresh lemon juice
- 1 tsp lemon zest
- ¾ tsp fine sea salt, plus more to taste
- ¼ tsp ground ginger
For serving
- 2 tbsp fresh chives, thinly sliced (optional)
- 1 tbsp extra-virgin olive oil, for drizzling (optional)
Instructions
- 1
Fill a large pot with 1 inch of water and bring to a boil over high heat. Add the cauliflower florets and garlic cloves, cover, and steam until the cauliflower is completely tender and a fork slides through the thickest pieces with no resistance, 12–14 minutes.
- 2
Drain the cauliflower and garlic through a colander, then spread them on the colander and let steam escape for 2 minutes — this prevents a watery purée.
Want the full recipe?
Create a Fig account for step-by-step instructions, access to our full recipe library, and more!