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Mushroom & Cauliflower "Polenta"

Mushroom & Cauliflower “Polenta”

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  • Author: Emily
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 20 minutes
  • Total Time: 35 minutes
  • Yield: 4 servings 1x
  • Category: Side Dish, Main Course
  • Method: Sautéing, Blending
  • Cuisine: American
  • Diet: Vegetarian

Description

A lighter twist on traditional polenta, this Mushroom & Cauliflower “Polenta” is creamy, flavorful, and rich with the earthy depth of sautéed mushrooms. It’s a perfect dish for a comforting meal, whether served as a side or as a main. With cauliflower replacing cornmeal, this dish is both satisfying and low-carb, yet indulgent in flavor.


Ingredients

Units Scale
  • 1 head of cauliflower (cut into florets)
  • 2 cups mushrooms (cremini, button, or a mix)
  • 2 cloves garlic (minced)
  • 1/4 cup Parmesan cheese (or vegan alternative)
  • 2 tbsp olive oil
  • 1 cup vegetable broth
  • 1 tsp fresh thyme
  • Salt and pepper (to taste)

Instructions

  1. Cook the Cauliflower:
    Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add cauliflower florets and cook for about 10 minutes until soft and tender. Drain and set aside.
  2. Sauté the Mushrooms:
    Heat olive oil in a pan over medium heat. Add sliced mushrooms and sauté for 5-7 minutes until golden brown. Add minced garlic and fresh thyme and cook for an additional 2 minutes. Set aside.
  3. Blend the Cauliflower:
    Transfer the cooked cauliflower to a food processor or blender. Add vegetable broth, salt, and pepper, and blend until smooth and creamy. Adjust consistency with more broth if needed.
  4. Combine and Heat Through:
    Return the cauliflower mixture to the pot over low heat. Stir in the sautéed mushrooms and Parmesan cheese. Adjust seasoning with more salt, pepper, or fresh herbs if desired.
  5. Serve and Enjoy:
    Serve warm, topped with additional cheese or fresh herbs. It’s great as a side or on its own!

Notes

  • Roast the Cauliflower: For extra flavor, roast the cauliflower instead of boiling it for a caramelized taste.
  • Vegan Version: Use plant-based cheese and olive oil to keep the dish vegan-friendly.
  • Optional Add-Ins: For added richness, a splash of cream or coconut milk can be mixed into the cauliflower puree.

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1/4 of the recipe
  • Calories: 160
  • Sugar: 4g
  • Sodium: 420mg
  • Fat: 12g
  • Saturated Fat: 3g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 9g
  • Trans Fat: 0g
  • Carbohydrates: 14g
  • Fiber: 5g
  • Protein: 6g
  • Cholesterol: 10mg