an everyday side

Are you looking for an easy and family friendly side dish?

Look not further, this is it.

It’s as easy as steaming and mashing a whole head of cauliflower, core, and tender leaves included.

Add a little Parmesan, serve with chicken or fish and dinner is on the table in no time.

Garlic-Parmesan Mashed Cauliflower

1 large head cauliflower, tough outer leaves removed from the core
1/3 cup milk
2 tablespoons unsalted butter
1 garlic clove, peeled and minced
1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
1/4 cup fresh snipped chives
Salt and freshly ground black pepper

Set up a steamer or place a steamer rack in a pot, add just enough water to come to the bottom of the steamer, and bring water to a boil.

Place the whole head of cauliflower in the steamer, cover, and steam for about 20 minutes or until the cauliflower is tender and almost falling apart.

Meanwhile, place the milk, butter, and garlic in a glass measuring cup and microwave until the butter is melted.

Remove the steamer rack and drain the water from the pot. Return the head of cauliflower to the pot, the whole thing; core, tender leaves, and all. Add the milk mixture to the measuring cup.

Using a hand-held electric mixer, whip on high speed until a smooth and creamy texture is achieved.

You may need to scrape the mixture to one side of the pot and mix at an angle, as shown above.

Once the mixture is creamy, mix in the Parmesan and chives, then taste and season with salt and pepper.  Serve hot.

Serves 4 to 6