Don't tell Jack, but we probably won't have classic mashed potatoes at Thanksgiving this year. I'm planning to make these cauliflower mashed potatoes instead! That's because we're celebrating with his parents, who eat a low carb diet. I wanted to create a rich, creamy alternative to mashed potatoes that everyone at the table would enjoy, and after testing and tweaking this recipe, I think it's going to be perfect.
Freeman has a pretty simple tip that we had never really considered for cauliflower, telling us an essential step is "a good soak beforehand." Like wet brining a turkey, letting cauliflower soak in liquid means it absorbs plenty of moisture, so the higher temperatures and longer cooking times that would normally dry out cauliflower instead leave it meaty and tender. And this is important because Freeman loves to cook cauliflower on the high heat of the grill. "I'd say just a little bit of oil, fresh on a grill, open fire is a great way to do it," she recommends.
Did you know cauliflower pairs particularly well with grapes? Those who are well-versed in Mediterranean cuisine are probably nodding their heads, but for the uninitiated, it's worth a try. This salad is slightly sweet, very savory, and utterly satisfying in a way that is a refreshing break from the ordinary. How to make Quinoa, Cauliflower and Grape Salad Prep time: 15 minutes Cook time: 15 minutes Servings: 8
Roasting cauliflower is easy, but due to its high water content, it doesn't usually get crunchy-crisp. That's where the easy order of steps known as the dry-wet-dry method comes in. Utilizing a combination of cornstarch, protein, and Panko, the sequence builds a thin shell that dries quickly and traps in air. Most importantly, the coating browns before the interior goes soft. This results in a perfectly brown and delicately crisp cauliflower that's still tender on the inside, instead of your usual damp florets.