Kabocha Cauliflower Mash Recipes

CAULIFLOWER MASH

Steps:

• Bring an inch of water to a boil in a large saucepan. Place the cauliflower in a steamer basket set over the boiling water. Cover and steam for about 5 minutes, until the florets are fork tender. Transfer the florets to a high-powered blender or food processor.
• Add the garlic, cheese, heavy cream, butter, salt and pepper to the cauliflower. Blend until smooth and creamy, 1 to 2 minutes. After 1 minute, if there are still chunks, use a rubber spatula to scrape down the sides, then process again until light, fluffy and completely smooth. Taste and adjust the seasoning if needed.
• Let the mash sit for 2 minutes to settle. Top with chives and serve with extra butter.

KABOCHA-CAULIFLOWER MASH

Steps:

• Cook squash in a large pot of simmering (not boiling) salted water 6 minutes. Add cauliflower; continue simmering until vegetables are very tender, 10 to 12 minutes more. Drain, then return vegetables to pot. Cook over medium heat, stirring frequently, until vegetables appear dry and a film forms on bottom of pot, 3 to 4 minutes. Pass vegetables through a ricer, food mill, or chinois strainer; cover to keep warm.
• Heat oil in a saucepan over medium. When it shimmers, add ginger and garlic; cook until fragrant and sizzling, about 30 seconds. Add coconut milk; season with salt and pepper. Bring to a simmer, then remove from heat and stir into vegetable mixture until smooth. If mash is too stiff, add broth or water, a few tablespoons at a time. Season with salt and pepper and serve warm.

KABOCHA SQUASH MASH

Steps:

• Peel and roughly chop 1 large kabocha squash (about 3 pounds), discarding the seeds. Cook in boiling salted water until soft, about 20 minutes; reserve 1/2 cup of the cooking liquid, then drain. Puree the squash and the reserved liquid with 1/4 cup heavy cream; season with salt and pepper. Top with toasted pepitas.
• Use a food processor or immersion blender to puree these veggies-they're too fibrous for a potato masher.

ROASTED SQUASH MASH

Steps:

• Halve and seed 2 honeynut squash (or 1 small butternut squash). Rub all over with olive oil; season with salt and pepper. Roast cut-side down on a foil-lined baking sheet at 450 degrees F until tender, about 25 minutes. Scoop the flesh into a bowl and mash with 2 tablespoons butter and a pinch each of nutmeg, cayenne and salt. Sprinkle with chopped parsley and chives.