Imagine a creamy, luxurious side dish that captures the heart of traditional Irish comfort food while giving cauliflower a deliciously elegant makeover. This Colcannon Inspired Cauliflower Mash is not just another vegetable recipe – it's a culinary adventure that will make even the most vegetable-averse eaters come back for seconds! Combining the classic Irish love for creamy, buttery mashed dishes with the modern twist of cauliflower, this recipe promises to be a game-changer in your kitchen repertoire.
Prep Time: 10 mins
Cook Time: 20 mins
Total Time: 30 mins
Cuisine: Irish
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 1 head of cauliflower
- 4 tablespoons butter
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup chopped green onions
- Salt to taste
- Pepper to taste
Instructions
- Wash the cauliflower thoroughly and cut it into medium-sized florets, ensuring they are roughly similar in size for even cooking.
- Fill a large pot with water and bring to a boil. Add a pinch of salt to the boiling water to enhance the cauliflower's flavor.
- Carefully add the cauliflower florets to the boiling water and cook for approximately 8-10 minutes, or until the cauliflower is tender when pierced with a fork.
- While the cauliflower is cooking, chop the green onions and set aside.
- Once the cauliflower is cooked, drain it completely in a colander, shaking off excess water to ensure a creamy, not watery, final dish.
- Transfer the drained cauliflower back to the pot and add butter and heavy cream.
- Using a potato masher or immersion blender, mash the cauliflower until it reaches a smooth, creamy consistency with some small texture variations.
- Fold in the chopped green onions, reserving a small amount for garnish.
- Season with salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste, mixing thoroughly.
- Transfer the cauliflower mash to a serving dish, garnish with the remaining green onions, and serve hot.
Tips
- Choose a fresh, firm cauliflower head with tight, white florets for the best texture and flavor.
- Don't overcook the cauliflower – aim for tender but not mushy. The 8-10 minute cooking time is crucial for maintaining the right consistency.
- Drain the cauliflower thoroughly to prevent a watery mash. Shake the colander well to remove excess moisture.
- For an extra smooth texture, use an immersion blender, but be careful not to over-blend – some small texture variations add character to the dish.
- Warm your cream and butter before adding to the cauliflower for a more seamless incorporation.
- Taste and adjust seasoning carefully – the green onions and salt can dramatically enhance the overall flavor profile.
- For a lighter version, you can substitute half-and-half or milk for heavy cream, though the richness will be slightly reduced.
- Serve immediately while hot to enjoy the optimal creamy texture and temperature.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 180kcal
Carbohydrates: 8g
Protein: 4g
Fat: 16g
Saturated Fat: 10g
Cholesterol: 50mg
