Microwave Mashed Cauliflower Recipe + Raley's Meal Kits (2024)

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Thanks to Raley’s for allowing me to share their microwave mashed cauliflower recipe that is part of their Sirloin Beef meal kit.

Microwave Mashed Cauliflower Recipe + Raley's Meal Kits (1)

Even on nights when I don’t have a lot of time to cook, I want to feed my family a nutritious meal made with wholesome ingredients. When I want to cut corners without compromising on quality, I turn to trimmed cuts of meat and precut vegetables to save time on meal prep. Raley’s has just made things even easier with their new, flexible meal kits.

At my local Raley’s, they have created a meal kit display near the rotisserie chickens. It includes complete meal kit recipes, rotisserie chicken “quickkits,” and “build your own kits” from customizablemeal components.

Microwave Mashed Cauliflower Recipe + Raley's Meal Kits (2)

The complete meal kits are just that and include everything youneed to make dinner like the protein, the sides, and the spices. Basically, they are a meal kit without the hassle of a subscription plan. You can pick them up when you need a break without having to worry about a pre-planned delivery schedule. So when my husband was out of town last week, I picked up several mealkits at my local Raley’s. I was impressed not only with the quality of the meals,but with the simple techniques used to create the flavorful dishes.

Microwave Mashed Cauliflower Recipe + Raley's Meal Kits (3)

I am going to share a couple of the techniques from the Sirloin Beef Meal Kit as well as the recipe for the microwavable herbed goat cheese mashed cauliflower, which is included in the kit, so you can see how simple these meals are to make. You don’t need any special equipment, and the kit directions include pictures. Gourmet cooking does not need to be complex!

How to Crush Peppercorns

The steak is served with a green peppercorn sauce, which tastes amazing. All of the ingredients are already in the kit, including the green peppercorns. But instead of just telling you to crush the peppercorns and leaving you to figure out how to do that, they have a picture of the peppercorns on a cutting board and tell you to crush the peppercorns with the bottom of a pan. This is an easy solution for those who don’t have a mortar and pestle.

Deglaze the Pan

Deglazing the pan is the secret behind amazing sauces and gravies.

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The sirloin steaks are seared in a skillet, which is a fast way to cook the steaks, but it also leaves browned bits and caramelized drippings from the meat in the pan. Those browned bits, or the fond as chef call it, serve as the base for the green peppercorn sauce. How do you deglaze a pan? You add the crushed peppercorns, red wine vinegar, beef base, and water to the pan. Then you use a spoon to scrape those bits off the bottom of the pan while stirring the sauce. It is a basic technique and easy to do, but it yields a flavorful sauce that makes your dinner taste like it was cooked by a professional chef.

Microwave Mashed Cauliflower Recipe + Raley's Meal Kits (5)

The sirloin beef meal kit includes 2 sides: herbed goat cheese mashed cauliflower and wilted baby spinach with garlic. Both of these dishes only require a few ingredients and a short time to make. Below you will find directions for how to make mashed cauliflower in the microwave.

Microwavable Mashed Cauliflower Recipe with Herbed Goat Cheese

This recipe is from Raley’s Sirloin Beef Meal Kit, and all of the necessary ingredients are included in the kit. When you make the full Sirloin Beef Meal Kit, the directions for the mashed cauliflower are intertwined with the directions for the steaks and spinach so that all three dishes are complete at the same time.

Ingredients:

  • 12 – 14 ounces cauliflower florets
  • 1-ounce garlic herb goat cheese
  • 2 tablespoons heavy whipping cream
  • dash of salt
  • pinch of pepper

Directions:

  1. Place the cauliflower in a microwave-safe bowl, cover with plastic wrap, and microwave on high for 5 minutes. (Leave the cauliflower in the microwave until you are ready to mash it).Microwave Mashed Cauliflower Recipe + Raley's Meal Kits (6)
  2. Remove the cauliflower from the microwave and add the herbed goat cheese; season with salt and pepper, and mash it with a fork.Microwave Mashed Cauliflower Recipe + Raley's Meal Kits (7)
  3. Add 2 tablespoons of cream and stir.Microwave Mashed Cauliflower Recipe + Raley's Meal Kits (8)

I bought another Sirloin Beef Meal Kit this week and made it for my husband and sons one night when I was going to be out. When I came home I asked my husband if he liked the mashed cauliflower and he said, “That was cauliflower?” He did not realize that he was eating cauliflower; he seriously thought he was eating mashed potatoes!

Raley’s Meal Kits

On the website, it states that the meal kits serve 2 people, but these would be large restaurant-type servings. I found that they served 3 people in my family, making it a good solution when one of us is away from home at dinner time. However, we usually only consume 3 – 4 ounces of meat in one meal.

Meal Kit Recipes

I shared the tips and a recipe from the Sirloin Beef Meal Kitabove, which includes Steak with Peppercorn Sauce, mashed cauliflower with herbed goat cheese, and baby spinach. This was a hit with the whole family.

Other Options:

Raley’s Quick Kits, such as Mole Enchiladas, come with everything you need to create a recipe except the protein. You just need to pick up a rotisserie chicken and use some of the meatto quickly complete the recipe. The quick kits are aconvenient way to use rotisserie chicken for multiplemeals.

Save time while customizing yourdinner withRaley’smeal components. In the meal kit display, you will find 9 sauces, 8 pre-cooked whole grains and starches, 8 prepped vegetables, and freshly trimmed cuts of meat. You can mix and match the components to build your own meal kit.

Printable Recipe for Microwave Mashed Cauliflower

Microwave Mashed Cauliflower Recipe + Raley's Meal Kits (9)

Print

Microwave Mashed Cauliflower Recipe

A quick and easy recipe for Mashed Cauliflower.

Course Side Dish

Cuisine American

Keyword Mashed Cauliflower Recipe

Prep Time 2 minutes minutes

Cook Time 5 minutes minutes

Total Time 7 minutes minutes

Servings 3

Calories 121kcal

Author Evelyn Miliate

Ingredients

  • 12 - 14 ounces cauliflower florets
  • 1- ounce garlic herb goat cheese
  • 2 tablespoons heavy whipping cream
  • dash salt
  • pinch pepper

Instructions

  • Place the cauliflower in a microwave-safe bowl, cover with plastic wrap, and microwave on high for 5 minutes. (Leave the cauliflower in the microwave until you are ready to mash it).

  • Remove the cauliflower from the microwave and add the herbed goat cheese; season with salt and pepper to taste, and mash it with a fork.

  • Add 2 tablespoons of cream and stir.

Nutrition

Calories: 121kcal | Carbohydrates: 12g | Protein: 7g | Fat: 6g | Saturated Fat: 4g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 1g | Monounsaturated Fat: 2g | Cholesterol: 18mg | Sodium: 112mg | Potassium: 745mg | Fiber: 5g | Sugar: 5g | Vitamin A: 245IU | Vitamin C: 118mg | Calcium: 74mg | Iron: 1mg

Microwave Mashed Cauliflower Recipe + Raley's Meal Kits (10)

More Cauliflower Recipes

How to Make Cauliflower Rice

Microwave Mashed Cauliflower Recipe + Raley's Meal Kits (2024)

FAQs

How do you keep mashed cauliflower from being watery? ›

Using less water prevents the cauliflower from getting waterlogged. Boil until tender. This will take about 10 minutes or so. Sautéeing the cauliflower first helps it cook faster once the water is added to the pot.

What do you add to cauliflower to thicken mash? ›

You can add a litle softened cream cheese to the pot in the final step and stir until melted. Or you can add a keto thickener like glucomannan or xanthan gum. Be sure to whisk it in well when the mashed cauliflower is hot. You don't need more than about ¼ teaspoon per head of cauliflower.

How long does it take to steam cauliflower in the microwave? ›

Place pieces in a microwave-safe bowl, and add just enough water to cover the bottom of the bowl, 2 to 3 tablespoons. Place a plate over the bowl and microwave for 3 to 4 minutes, depending on how much bite you like in your cauliflower, how large the pieces are, and how powerful your microwave is.

Why is my cauliflower mash grainy? ›

Why is my cauliflower mash grainy? If you don't cook the cauliflower through so it's nice and soft, it will be grainy when you blend it up. It also could be grainy if you don't blend it enough. These aren't mashed potatoes so you can blend for as long as it takes to get them nice and creamy.

Why is cauliflower so watery? ›

Most recipes recommend blanching the cauliflower in boiling water for a few minutes for this initial stage, but it's important to pay close attention to this step. The watery problem happens when the cauliflower is either overcooked or not drained well enough after a quick blanching.

How do you make runny mashed thicker? ›

Add a Thickening Agent

This is the most common way to thicken mashed potatoes. You can use what you have on hand: Flour, cornstarch, or powdered milk are all solid options that are probably already in your pantry. Potato flour and potato starch would work as well.

Why is my cauliflower gratin watery? ›

Most recipes recommend blanching the cauliflower in boiling water for a few minutes for this initial stage, but it's important to pay close attention to this step. The watery problem happens when the cauliflower is either overcooked or not drained well enough after a quick blanching.

Why do you add milk to boiled cauliflower? ›

Adding milk to the water will help the cauliflower keep its white color and will sweeten the flavor of the cauliflower. Bring water to a boil and add the cauliflower pieces. Allow the water to return to a boil and gently boil for 3 to 5 minutes.

How to make cauliflower puree Gordon Ramsay? ›

Remove the cauliflower stalks and cut them into small pieces. Heat the butter and milk in a pan and stew the cauliflower in it until softened. Add the cream and return to a high temperature. Immediately strain and liquidise the cauliflower then season and pass through a fine chinois.

How do you know when steamed cauliflower is done? ›

Add 1-inch of water to a medium-to-large pot and bring to boil over high heat. Add the steamer insert, then put the cauliflower in the insert. Steam for 6-8 minutes, until easily pierced with a fork.

Is it better to boil or steam cauliflower? ›

It's best to steam vegetables. If you have a pot that is large enough to steam whole cauliflower or cut up in small pieces. If you boil in water. You will waste vitamins, and flavor.

How do you firm up mashed cauliflower? ›

Here are some popular options:
  1. Cream or Milk: Incorporate heavy cream, half-and-half, or whole milk to add creaminess to mashed cauliflower. Gradually add small amounts until you achieve the desired thickness.
  2. Butter: Butter contributes richness and helps achieve a smoother texture. ...
  3. Greek Yogurt or Sour Cream:
Apr 11, 2023

Why does my mash taste watery? ›

If you're staring down at a bowl of white liquid and wondering what went wrong, ask yourself these questions: Did I use soggy potatoes? It's essential to drain and dry your potatoes well after you've cooked them in water. If you don't, all that excess moisture will have nowhere to go once you start mashing.

Why does cooked cauliflower taste bitter? ›

The results showed that neoglucobrassicin and sinigrin were responsible for the bitterness of cooked cauliflower.

What can I use to squeeze water out of cauliflower? ›

One additional step I like is to press any excess moisture from the rice by transferring the cauliflower rice to a large paper towel or absorbent dish towel and squeeze/press to remove any remaining water. This ensures no excess moisture remains, which can make your dish soggy.

How do you get water out of riced cauliflower? ›

The best way to deal with the liquid is to put the riced cauliflower in a covered microwave-safe dish, heat it thoroughly to get all the liquid out of it you can, then drain it. If you have to cook it on the stovetop, add as little water as possible and stir frequently to keep it from sticking to the pan.

How do you squeeze water out of riced cauliflower? ›

Wrap the cauliflower rice in a clean tea towel or paper towels, twist, and squeeze as much water as possible from the rice—you might be surprised by how much water you can wring out, or you might not be. Cauliflower varies quite a bit in its moisture level, and this step ensures that it cooks well.

Why is my cauliflower cheese wet? ›

If you overcook the cauliflower before it's cooked in the cheese sauce, your dish will have a disappointing soft texture with watered-down sauce. Although there are some tricks to apply if you overcook vegetables, your best bet is to aim for undercooking the vegetable a little.

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