Move over mashed potatoes, there's a new, classier version in town! I'm serious when I say you may never make mashed potatoes again once you try this recipe for creamy cauliflower & celery root puree. It's lighter, more flavourful, and more nutritious than potatoes and comes together in no time!
I am the biggest mashed potato fan but I honestly, can't get enough of this puree! My husband almost fell off his chair when I said I may never make mashed potatoes again. Me, the girl who used to eat a bowl of mashed potatoes, with nothing else but butter, for dinner when she was in collage (and that was Chef's school to boot!).
Jump to:
What is Celery root (celeriac)?
It's likely one of those things you have seen in the produce section and wondered "what the heck is that" It's a gnarly looking root that you would never guess is so delicious!
In a nut shell, celery root (celeriac) is just that...the root of the celery plant. It has an earthy, sweet and slightly celery flavour and is easy to store and very versatile. It's also low in carbs for a root vegetable and packed with nutrients. It's high in fiber, and a good source of vitamins and minerals including antioxidants, making it beneficial for gut health.
Try to choose ones that have a heavy, firm feel. Also, the smoother it is the easier it will be to peel. A regular vegetable peeler should work but you may need to use a paring knife on some of the more bumpy parts.
Ingredients and Substitutions
- Cauliflower and Celery root - You can make this recipe using all cauliflower or all celery root. You can also replace celery root with carrots or sweet potatoes for a colorful twist!
- Milk - I used 2% but you can also use cream or a non-dairy milk.
- Butter - use a non-dairy butter or olive oil if looking for a dairy-free option.
- Fresh parsley and dried chili flakes are optional.
Can I use frozen cauliflower? - Yes absolutely! Be sure to drain it really well after steaming as it will retain more water. You can dry it out further by putting it back in the pot after draining. Place it on a medium-high burner and shake or stir until cauliflower dried out.
How to make this recipe
- Prep. and cook the celery root and cauliflower. Celery root is peeled, cut into chunks and boiled the same way you cook potatoes.
- Steam the cauliflower. When making a puree I like to steam the cauliflower. This way it is less watery so you spend less time draining it and drying it out. However, if you are boiling it, it can be added to the celery root after 10 minutes and everything drained together.
- Melt the butter. Add everything to a food processor, blender, or use a hand blender to puree everything to a smooth and creamy consistency. Garnish with freshly chopped parsley and chili flakes (optional).
Storage
Cauliflower and celery root puree with keep, covered, in the fridge for 5 days.
What can I serve it with?
This puree can replace mashed potatoes wherever you might use them but also makes a delicious and elegant side dish to any meal!
- RED WINE BRAISED SHORT RIBS
- PORK MEDALLIONS IN CREAMY MUSHROOM SAUCE
- TEMPEH AND ROASTED CHICKPEA CURRY
- HONEY MUSTARD CHICKEN THIGHS
Tried this recipe? I would love it if you could leave a star rating ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ and/or a comment below. You can also follow me on social media here on Facebook, Instagram, and Pinterest!
📖 Recipe
Creamy Cauliflower and Celery Root Puree
Ingredients
- 1 lb cauliflower, cut into florets
- 1 lb celery root, peeled and cut into 1 ½” cubes
- ½ cup milk or cream
- 2-3 tablespoon butter, melted
- ½ teaspoon salt, or more to taste
- Freshly ground black pepper to taste
Instructions
- In a medium sized pot bring 4-5 cups of water to a boil. Enough to submerge the celery root. Add a punch (about 1 tbsp.) of salt. Boil celery root for 20-25 minutes or until very tender.
- Bring a small amount of water to a boil in a steamer pot for the cauliflower. Steam cauliflower for 10-15 minutes or until soft and tender.
- Strain the vegetables and place in a food processor or blender. Add the cream, butter and salt. Puree until smooth. Taste and add salt and pepper as needed.
- Transfer to a serving dish and garnish with freshly chopped parsley and/or chili flakes (optional).
- Serve immediately or cover and refrigerate. When ready to serve, reheat in the microwave adding garnishes before serving.
Notes
Nutrition
Roberta Goldby says
Love this recipe as an alternative to mashed potatoes and plan on it being a side for our family Thanksgiving dinner on Monday. For my vegetarian DIL, I’m going to make the Lentil Shepherd’s Pie so will let you know next week how that was received.
Happy Thanksgiving Andrea!
Sue says
SO amazing!
I just found cauliflower on sale and went a little bazonkers with this recipe in mind. Can the purée be frozen?
Andrea says
Hi Sue!
Yes you can freeze it! So happy you enjoyed it!
Allison Arnott says
Can I give 6 stars? This is the second time I've made this. The first time I used the same method as mashed potatoes and they were pretty good. THIS time, I put the cooked veggies in my Ninja blender (per instructions) with salt, butter, heated milk and some of the cooking water, and NOW I see what all the fuss is about! I may never make mashed potatoes again.
Great with the chicken parm meatballs.
Thanks Andrea.
Allison
Andrea says
Hi Allison! I'm so happy you decided to try blending them! It produces such a silky smooth texture that can't be beat! Perfect with the meatballs! Thanks for your comment I'm so happy you enjoyed the recipe!
Sue Dolan says
Holy amazeballs!!!
AWESOME
Made 3 batches: one with blobs of roasted garlic, 1 with some Boursin herb and chive cheese (cut down on the butter) and one of your original. SO never going back to mashed again!
Would this count as a veggie or as a heavier carb ie for lunch on the LL menu?
Andrea says
Hi Sue! All you additions sound amazing! It would be a veg on The Livy Method. So happy you enjoyed it!!
Melissa says
This was soooo good and very easy! My husband, while eating it, said "what is this?". I assume he said that because he saw me cutting up cauliflower earlier. He said it tasted like mashed potatoes....lol. He and I both loved it! Another great recipe. I love trying new ingredients, such as the celery root. The cashier had to ask what it was when I bought it and also asked what I was going to use it for.
Andrea says
I love this so much! Trying new things is always so fun and happy to hear you educated the cashier too! Lol
Pam says
Made this to serve with braised lamb shanks instead of mashed potatoes and it was a hit. Has so much more flavour than mashes spuds. Used the leftovers to make the Lentil Shepherd's Pie and cooked the lentils in the leftover broth from the lamb shanks..
Andrea says
Oh that all sounds divine! So happy you enjoyed the dishes!