Autumn Comfort Food

Another in my series of “Cook-The-Living-Daylights-Out-Of-A-Vegetable-And-Eat It–Like-A-Dessert” recipes. The final texture is very creamy, not unlike sweet potatoes. It works best to toss the seasonings in before you mash the cauliflower, as that will allow them to be more evenly dispersed.

I’ve been eating it for breakfast, with the seasonings listed in the recipe, though you could top it with whatever you like. It's really good with a couple of tablespoons of cocoa powder (which may require one or two additional drops of stevia). Curry powder or Ras El-Hanout  would be nice, or anything that tastes good with winter squash, like a savory blend of sage (either dried & rubbed, or fresh & frizzled by cooking in olive oil until crisp), thyme, cooked onion, etc.

If you aren’t strictly Primal, a few raisins might add a nice flavor and textural counterpoint.

Mashed Cauliflower in Coconut Cream

Serves 1-2

1 lb cauliflower, cut into smallish florets

4-6 ounces coconut cream, plus enough water to total 8 oz. liquid (or 7 ounces canned  coconut milk)

1 tsp. vanilla extract

12 drops Stevita brand stevia juice (or to taste)*

1/8 tsp. salt, or to taste

Optional seasonings

½ tsp. fenugreek powder

½ tsp cinnamon

¼ tsp berbere or to taste (do NOT use the Penzey's brand; it is way too spicy!)

2 Tbsp. toasted sunflower seeds

Place coconut cream and cauliflower in a skillet on medium heat, and cover. When cream starts to simmer, set timer for 15 minutes. At 15 minutes, check to make sure that there is still some liquid in the pan and add a little water if necessary. Cook for another 10-15 minutes, or until very soft. If there is some liquid remaining in the pan, cook with the lid off until it is mostly evaporated. The amount of water needed to be added (or liquid remaining) generally depends on the width of your skillet.

Mix in stevia, salt and vanilla. Toss in whatever other seasoning or toppings you like. Mash the mixture with a fork until most of the bigger chunks disappear.

* If using a different brand of stevia, start with the tiniest amount and add a tiny bit at a time until it tastes good to you