- A cheese-free creamy sauce made with a cauliflower base, grass-fed butter, and MCT oil.
- Simply toss with steamed vegetables for a satisfying and healthy dish. It's also great for those on low-carb or keto diets.
- The trick is to blend it until smooth while it's still hot. It can be stored in the refrigerator for about 2 to 3 days.
- If you want to make it dairy-free, you can substitute with cashew cream or coconut milk.
Introducing a Gentle Creamy Sauce Where Vegetables Take Center Stage
Our "Vegetables Tossed in Cauliflower Cream," made without cheese or heavy cream, is a gentle dish that brings out the natural flavors of the vegetables. The richness of grass-fed butter and the smoothness of MCT oil create a thick, creamy texture. When our team actually tried it, we found it highly satisfying despite the simple ingredients, and even family members who don't usually eat many vegetables enjoyed it.
Ingredients (Serves 2-3) and Prep Tips
- Broccoli: 1 head (cut into small florets)
- Asparagus: 5 spears (trim the tough ends)
- Green beans: 5 pods (remove strings and trim ends)
- Cauliflower: 1/2 head (cut into small florets)
- Grass-fed butter (unsalted): 3 tablespoons
- MCT oil: 2 tablespoons (can substitute with olive oil if you dislike the flavor)
- Apple cider vinegar: 1 tablespoon (to adjust acidity)
- Salt: to taste
- Herbs such as dill or sage: to taste (optional)
The key to preparation is cutting the vegetables into uniform sizes and making sure to blend the cauliflower while it is still hot. Blending it hot makes it easier to achieve a smooth texture, and it will maintain its thickness even after it cools.
Instructions (Detailed Steps)
1. Steam the vegetables
- If using a steamer: Place the broccoli, asparagus, green beans, and cauliflower in the steamer and steam until they reach your desired tenderness. As a guide, steam over high heat for about 5 to 7 minutes, but adjust according to the size of the vegetables and your preference.
- If steaming in a frying pan: Arrange the vegetables so they don't overlap, add about 50cc of water, cover, and bring to a boil over high heat for 2 minutes. Then, turn off the heat and let them steam with the lid on for about 3 minutes.
2. Make the cauliflower cream
- Remove only the steamed cauliflower and place it in a blender while it's still hot.
- Add the grass-fed butter, MCT oil, and apple cider vinegar, and blend until smooth. Check the consistency along the way; if necessary, it's easier to adjust by adding water (or the steaming liquid) a teaspoon at a time.
- Season with salt to taste. Adding a little black pepper or lemon zest, if you like, will enhance the flavor.
3. Toss and finish
Once the cream is ready, place the steamed vegetables and chopped herbs in a bowl and toss them together. Tossing them while warm helps the flavors meld easily. If you want to enjoy different textures, you can set aside some of the vegetables and use them as a topping at the end for a better presentation.
Variations, Nutritional Highlights, and Tips
Variation Ideas
- Vegan / Dairy-free: If you prefer not to use grass-fed butter, substituting with soaked cashews and olive oil will add richness. Adding a small amount of coconut milk is also recommended.
- Add spices: Adding a little curry powder or chili flakes gives it a snack-like flavor perfect for pairing with drinks.
- As a dip: It can also be used as a dip for bread or crackers, or as a sauce for roasted chicken or fish.
Nutritional Highlights
Cauliflower and broccoli contain vitamin C and dietary fiber, making them vegetables that easily provide a sense of fullness. Grass-fed butter is said to have more vitamin K2 and conjugated linoleic acid (CLA) compared to regular butter, but since it is a fat, be careful not to consume too much. MCT oil has the characteristic of being digested quickly and easily converted into energy, but because it can cause loose bowels in some people, we recommend starting with a small amount.
Tips for Storage and Reheating
The cream can be stored in the refrigerator for 2 to 3 days. When reheating, warm it slowly over low heat, and if necessary, add a small amount of water or soy milk to thin it out and restore its smoothness. However, be careful not to overheat it, as the oils may separate.
Conclusion
Our cauliflower cream tossed vegetables, made without cheese or heavy cream, is a simple yet satisfying and healthy dish. The sweetness of the steamed vegetables pairs perfectly with the richness of the grass-fed butter and MCT oil. We've made it at home several times, and it was a hit even with family members who aren't fond of vegetables, so please try adding it to your regular home menu. You can easily adapt it by tweaking the ingredients to make it more vegan-friendly, or by adding spices and herbs for a change of pace.
Disclaimer: The information in this article is for general informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Please consult a qualified healthcare professional before making any health-related decisions.