Cauliflower Mash with Leeks & Parmesan

This Cauliflower Mash has become a comfort food staple at our dinner table. Because cauliflower steams in just minutes (much faster than potatoes), it is a quick, weeknight fix that feels decadent and special. I use leeks for texture and subtle, onion flavor as well as Parmesan, which adds a saltiness and creaminess to the dish. This version was so delicious, it will likely make an appearance on our Thanksgiving menu this year!

The Nutrition Rundown: In addition to offering fewer calories than standard mashed potatoes, this dish uses leeks, from the "allium" family, and cauliflower, from the "cruciferous" family of vegetables. The combination of nutrients in these vegetable families help reduce your risk of heart disease and cancer. Can't beat something this healthy and delicious!

Cauliflower Mash with Leeks

Serves 4

Ingredients

2 Tbs Olive oil

2 leeks, bulb and lower leaf, cleaned well, sliced into thin half moons

Salt and Pepper

1 head cauliflower, core and stem removed, chopped into florets

1 cup water

¼ cup freshly-grated Parmesan cheese, divided

3 Tbs chopped chives, divided

Directions

1. Heat oil in medium saucepan over medium-high heat. Add leeks and sauté ~2 minutes. Season with salt and pepper, and sauté another 1-2 minutes.
2. Add cauliflower and toss to combine. Season again with salt and pepper and cook, stirring gently, until cauliflower ends begin to brown (~3-4 minutes).
3. Add water. Cover saucepan and let vegetables steam until soft, ~7 minutes. Stir halfway through.
4. Remove pan from heat. Using immersion blender*, puree vegetables. Stir in 3 Tbs Parmesan cheese and 2 Tbs chopped chives. Season again with salt and pepper if needed.
5.  Serve warm with remaining cheese and chives sprinkled over top. 

*If you don't have an immersion blender, use a handheld, manual vegetable masher. The end product will be lumpier, but still delicious!