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Mashed cauliflower with spinach

When we have dinner parties or family get-togethers for celebrations we have to think about dietary requirements. The easiest thing to do is to make vegan, everything-free base-recipes , such as sauces, stews and vegetable mashes, some of which can be served to those who have allergy/diet issues, the rest can easily be supplemented with meat, fish, nuts or dairy products.  This mashed cauliflower with spinach is one of those recipes – fits in a vegan, dairy-free, gluten-free, nut-free, low-carb, low-cal diet.  But it can easily be  adjusted -  for example at the end add some crispy bacon, smoked mackerel, grated cheese, toasted pine nuts and so on.  You can also add garlic and chilli flakes to the recipe, depending on your main dish. This is a perfect side-dish for a roast dinner, or  in a Christmas menu.
Print Recipe
Prep Time 5 minutes
Cook Time 15 minutes
Resting Time 4 hours
Total Time 20 minutes
Servings: 4 people
Cuisine: British
Calories: 1234
Ingredients Method

Ingredients
  

  • 1 head cauliflower
  • 2 Tbsp olive oil
  • 1 bunch spring onion or 2 shallots
  • 2 handfuls fresh baby spinach
  • 2 knobs of vegan butter or margarine
  • Salt and pepper
  • Minced garlic and chilli flakes to taste

Method
 

  1. Trim the cauliflower to its florets and put them in a pan of water. Bring to the boil then simmer until tender, for about ten minutes.
  2. Meanwhile, finely chop the spring onion and mince a garlic clove, if used.
  3. Heat the oil in a medium pan over medium high heat, then add onions and sauté for about 5 minutes. Add the garlic and chilli, if used, and stir for 30 seconds.
  4. Add the spinach, toss, cover and turn down the heat.
  5. After a minute of steaming turn off the heat.
  6. Drain the cauliflower, retaining a cup of the cooking water.
  7. Mash the cauliflower with the butter, using a potato masher or stick-blender, until you get a textured finish (not a purée).
  8. Add the spinach mixture, salt & pepper, then combine.
  9. If the mash is too thick, add a few drops of the cooking water.
  10. Serve immediately or divide it into portions, and adjust those according to your menu, diets, allergies etc.