This seasonal take on a cauliflower mash is filled with all the flavors of fall including apples, cherries, rosemary and pistachios. As you look for healthy recipes for Thanksgiving, this side dish is one to save for the next family gathering. It's bound to impress even the most skeptical foodie at the table. Did I mention it is low in points and takes less than an hour to make?
Roasted Cauliflower and Apple Mash topped with Crispy Brussels Sprouts
This is not your ordinary boring cauliflower mash. To start, it is roasted with apples, shallots and rosemary. Then, it's topped with crispy brussels sprouts and warm cherries. For an added bonus, you can add in crunchy pistachios (but beware because the points can add up quickly with those.) It's like a warm hug as the leaves change and the weather starts to cool down and it's the perfect side dish for Thanksgiving. (Make sure you check out my complete guide to staying on track for Thanksgiving, it's really helpful!)
Why should I roast the cauliflower instead of boiling it?
There are a number of benefits to roasting vegetables before incorporating them into recipes. When you use dry cooking methods, it allows a greater amount of nutrients to be retained by the veggies. This is because when you boil vegetables, any of the nutrients that are water-soluble will dissolve in the cooking process. If you insist on cooking them in a pot versus an oven, consider steaming. Some of the nutrients will still be lost, but not as drastically. Another added benefit is it will bring out the natural flavors and add a crispy texture element to your dish.
For this recipe, what kind of apples are best for roasting?
The savory flavors of rosemary and shallots with the sweetness of the warm cherries in the brussels sprouts means you want an apple that has a crisp bite just bordering the line of tart and sweet. My favorite apples to use are either Jonagold, Honeycrisp or Pink Lady. You could also use Gala apples, but I find them to be a little too tart for my preferences.
How Can I Substitute Butter To Make This A Vegan Recipe?
Vegan recipes are gaining popularity due to the demand for more plant-based diets. This is because, after all, they are healthier and can be made in a variety of ways. So if you're looking to make a vegan recipe but don't know how to substitute butter with another vegan ingredient, then keep reading.
The following are some substitutes for butter in vegan cooking:
- Coconut oil
- Olive oil
- Avocado oil
- Vegetable oil
- Sesame Oil
Speaking of Sesame Oil, I use Sesame Oil Spray in this recipe, which is one of my favorite discoveries so far! I love the flavor that sesame oil brings to a dish, but the points can get added up quickly. This spray is ZERO POINTS!
What are some positive health benefits of cauliflower?
Some positive health benefits of cauliflower include being a great source of Vitamin C, a good source of dietary fiber, and a good source of vitamin K.
Which two vitamins does cauliflower provide?
Cauliflower is an excellent source of vitamin C and vitamin K. A healthy diet is very important for good health. It is important that you include lots of vegetables, fruit, whole grains, and lean protein in your diet. Vitamin C is essential to helping your body to heal quickly, make red blood cells and keep your skin healthy, while vitamin K keeps your bones strong.
Can I serve these two dishes separately?
Absolutely! The mashed cauliflower with apples is a great side dish for cream cheese smothered pork chops or alongside the one pan recipe for rosemary lemon chicken. If you go with the Brussels sprouts, I usually serve maple-balsamic Brussels sprouts with Maple Balsamic Pork Chops and you can easily use this recipe instead.
How Do I Make Roasted Apple Cauliflower Mash with Crispy Brussels Sprouts?
Here is an easy to print recipe for roasted apple cauliflower mash with crispy brussels sprouts!
How Many Points Are In This Recipe?
With the new Plan, points can vary for those with diabetes. Check your zero point foods. Points can also vary with different brands. Please use your recipe maker to determine your exact points.
Are You on WW Connect?
Find me on WW Connect @Sassycooking_Alyssa to see my full recipe list!
Roasted Apple and Cauliflower Mash with Crispy Brussels Sprouts
This seasonal take on a cauliflower mash is filled with all the flavors of fall including apples, cherries, and rosemary.
Ingredients
- 1 medium cauliflower head, roughly chopped
- 2 Pink Lady apples, roughly chopped
- 2 large shallots, roughly chopped
- 1 tbsp fresh rosemary leaves, minced
- Toasted Sesame Oil Spray
- Sea salt and black pepper, to taste
- 1 lbs. Brussels sprouts, washed, trimmed, and halved
- 2 garlic cloves, finely minced
- 1 cups fresh cherries, pitted and roughly chopped
- 2 tbsp half & half
- 2 tbsp unsalted butter, light
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 375°F and line a rimmed baking sheet with a piece of parchment paper or a Silpat® baking mat. Set aside.
- Add the cauliflower, apple, shallots, and rosemary leaves to a large bowl. Season with salt and black pepper, to taste, spray with sesame oil and toss to combine.
- Spread the cauliflower mixture into a uniform single layer onto the prepared baking sheet and place in the pre-heated oven to roast until the cauliflower is fork tender, approximately 25-30 minutes.
- Meanwhile, heat a large, high-sided skillet over medium heat. Spray with sesame oil and add the garlic and cook, stirring frequently, until it becomes fragrant, approximately 30 seconds. Add the Brussels sprouts and cook, stirring only occasionally, until they become golden brown and crispy, approximately 15 minutes.
- Add the fresh cherries and cook, stirring frequently, until just heated through, approximately 2 minutes.
- Once the cauliflower is done, transfer the roasted veggies to a large mixing bowl. Add half & half and unsalted butter and season with salt and black pepper, to taste. Mash with a potato masher or blend with an immersion blender until mostly smooth. Set aside.
- Spread the warm cauliflower and apple mash on the bottom of a large serving dish or bowl. Top with the crispy Brussels sprouts and warm cherries before serving. Enjoy!
Notes
If you would like an added crunch, you can add chopped pistachios before serving, but go light as they are 5 points for a ounce!
Nutrition Information
Yield 4 Serving Size 1 gramsAmount Per Serving Calories 253Total Fat 11gSaturated Fat 5gTrans Fat 0gUnsaturated Fat 6gCholesterol 18mgSodium 128mgCarbohydrates 37gFiber 10gSugar 21gProtein 7g
*This is an automatic calculation by a third party app*
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