Healthy Thanksgiving Alternatives: Cauliflower Mashed "Potatoes"

Thanksgiving is around the corner.

For so many busy, working families in Bedford-Stuyvesant, this time of year is the only opportunity for relatives to gather in one place, relax and give thanks for the blessings of the past year and for those yet to come.

Food -- flavorful, down home, good food -- has always been central to Bed-Stuy family gatherings, a tradition that is steadfast and uncomprimising.

However, the health consequences of a growing obesity and diabetes epidemic in the community has created an urgent need to begin changing our relationship with food-- the types of foods we choose and how we prepare them.

Every day until Thanksgiving, Bed-Stuy Patch will feature a different healthy alternative to cooking up a flavorful Thanksgiving meal.

Check out today's pick for the tastiest and healthiest Thanksgiving recipe alternatives to help you save on the extra holiday pounds without cutting back on flavor!

Recipe #4

Cauliflower Mashed "Potatoes"

Serves 4

Ingredients

1 head cauliflower
1 clove garlic
1 leek, white only, split in 4 pieces
1 tablespoon soft-tub margarine, nonhydrogenated
Pepper to taste

Directions

Break cauliflower into small pieces. In a good-sized saucepan, steam cauliflower, garlic and leeks in water until completely tender, about 20 to 30 minutes. While cauliflower is hot, puree until the vegetables resemble mashed potatoes. (Use a food processor, of if you prefer a smoother texture, use a blender. Process only a small portion at a time, holding the blender lid on firmly with a tea towel.)

Add a little hot water if vegetables seem dry. Stir in margarine and pepper to taste.

Recipe provided by The Mayo Clinic

For more of BSP's picks for healthy Thanksgiving alternatives, check out:

• Healthy Thanksgiving Alternatives: Spicy Pumpkin Soup
• Healthy Thanksgiving Alternatives: Wild Rice Shiitake Stuffing