Faux-tatoes

I've seen a few faux-potato recipes out there. Not sure why, but I hadn't had the urge to try one until now. We were grilling salmon, and one of the blogs I'm on almost daily, was featuring this recipe. Perfect! I already had everything, except the cauliflower. I love easy recipes, with a minimal ingredient list. And when they are delicious, double score!

The blog author was touting these as the closest faux version of mashed potatoes you would ever find. And while I haven't tried any others, they tasted like the real deal to me! Move over Deceptively Delicious, this is how to sneak in a veggie on your kids. They are light, creamy and actually taste like mashed potatoes. Someone would probably know they are not real homemade mashed potatoes, but with the various versions of potatoes out there (I used to like Idahoan, instant potato mix - dont judge me), these could easily pass as potatoes.

And did I mention, they're easy? Take the faux-tatoe challenge. They're worth it.

Step 1: boil (you could also steam)

Step 2: zapStep 3: plate, done!

Faux-Tatoes
from Recipezaar

1 medium head cauliflower

1 tablespoon cream cheese, softened

1/4 cup grated parmesan cheese

1/2 teaspoon minced garlic *

1/2 teaspoon salt

1/8 teaspoon fresh ground black pepper

1/2 teaspoon chives, for garnish (chopped fresh or dried)

3 tablespoons unsalted butter

Set a stockpot of water to boil over high heat.

Clean and cut cauliflower into small pieces. Cook in boiling water for about 6 minutes, or until well done. Drain well; do not let cool and pat cooked cauliflower very dry between several layers of paper towels.

In a bowl with an immersion blender, or in a food processor, zap the hot cauliflower a few times until it's broken up and starting to puree. Add the cream cheese, Parmesan, garlic, salt, and pepper and continue to puree until almost smooth.

Garnish with chives, and serve hot with pats of butter.

* I will omit all garlic in the future, because in the raw, it's too strong. It took over the flavor, and I think the mix can stand on it's own. I didn't mind, but T doesn't like it as much. Our pours were oozing garlic (I know that's not a pretty picture, but tells you how strong it was).


Guten appetit!