Walnut 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 florets with whole garlic cloves builds a mellow, savory base, while fresh lemon juice and zest cut right through the richness for a flavor that feels almost restaurant-worthy. The trick of letting the cauliflower steam-dry in the colander before blending is what separates a silky, cloud-like purée from a watery disappointment — it's a small step that makes a big difference. Blooming ground ginger in warm olive oil before adding it to the food processor gives the whole dish a subtle warmth that you can't quite put your finger on but absolutely can't stop eating. Every single ingredient here is naturally tree-nut-free, so there's no label-scanning or substitution anxiety — just straightforward, wholesome cooking. Finish it with a drizzle of good olive oil and a scatter of fresh chives, and it looks as good as it tastes.
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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.
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