Although I have been mashing cauliflower since I began low-carbing in 2009, I only recently discovered a way to really firm up this ever-popular dish, as they can mash up a little “soupy” if you get in a rush. That secret ingredient is glucomannan powder, derived from the konjac tuber. Although a bit pricey, a bag of this stuff will last you a year (or longer!), as you use such tiny amounts in cakes, cookies and puddings for thickening or texture enhancing of your baked goods. In this recipe, only ¼-½ tsp. is needed to do the job. Glucomannan is what they make shirataki noodles from (konjac tuber) if you were not aware. I purchase mine at Netrition.com and like I said, it doesn’t spoil and a bag will last you ages and ages. It’s pure fiber and will do wonders for your mashed cauli if you have problems with moisture bleeding out of the cauliflower after whipping, resulting in a “soupy” batch. It is also said to help maintain steady blood glucose levels, so a good food for my Type2 diabetic husband to consume regularly. This mashed cauliflower makes a wonderful Shepherd’s Pie topping! Suitable for all phases of Atkins and Keto diets.
INGREDIENTS:
1 medium head cauliflower
4 T. butter
2 T. cream cheese
1/8-¼ tsp. sea salt
1/8-¼ tsp. glucomannan powder
VARIATION: Add 2-4 T. heavy cream for even richer results
DIRECTIONS: Stem and cut up cauliflower into flowerettes. Place in 4-qt. saucepan, cover with water and bring to boil. Lower heat to medium and cook until very tender when poked with a knife or fork. Drain off water in a colander or sieve. After water is drained, using the back of a spoon, press the cauliflower against the wall of the colander or sieve to press out even more water until most appears to be released. Spoon back into the saucepan.
Add the butter cheese and salt and whip with a hand mixer or stick blender until very smooth. Add ¼ tsp. of the glucomannan and pulse the blender/mixer a few seconds. If still a pretty loose mixture add the rest of the gluc powder, whipping once again to incorporate it throughout the mixture. The mixture will continue to firm up a little more as it sits on your table. You don’t want to overdo gluc powder, as it will REALLY get stiff if you put too much! Any leftovers on this dish are fantastic great reheated with a bit of chopped green onion and cheese on top. 😉
NUTRITIONAL INFO: Makes 6 servings, each contains: (not including any heavy cream)
109 calories, 11.36 g fat, 5.26 g carbs, 2.45 g fiber, 2.81 g NET CARBS, 2.35 g protein, 96.33 g sodium
Buttoni's Low-Carb Recipes 