Time is of the essence. And low carb is the name of the game tonight.
Recently I have started eating much fewer carbs and really packing in more protein and fats. My husband, however, loves a rich and hardy pasta dish. So we were at a cross roads. I wanted low carb and he wanted flavorful. Up until recently, I think those two were hard to find in one meal but with the recent changes in the food industry and so many people wanting healthier alternatives we are able to meet both requests.
This meal was cooked in just under 30 mins because… #momlife. It’s easy, yummy and super healthy.
LOW CARB MASH
One of the best substitutes for pasta/rice/potatoes is cauliflower. These days you can find rices or mashed cauliflower in every grocery store in town. It is super popular and rightfully so. But often times it lacks that indulgent and rich flavor you could get from traditional carbs. So I set out to please my husband and keep my low carb diet strong… I whipped up some cauliflower mash.
This isn’t just any cauliflower mash this is truffle herb mash. There is flavor, richness and sophistication. And did I mention it is low carb and healthy? I have really started to love the consistency and flavor of cauliflower mash and on my low carb days it is the perfect addition to any protein choice. About a month ago I decided to eliminate dairy from my diet. I felt this dish would be 100% better some cream cheese and luckily I have found this amazing dairy free ‘cream cheese’ from Kite Hill (I get my mine from my local grocery store). The texture and taste are so smooth and fresh I knew this was the perfect addition to my low carb mash.
The other great thing about cauliflower is how easy it is to pair it with other veggies. I went with tri-color carrots for this dinner and the results were BOMB!!! The colors were beautiful and my taste buds were poppin!
THE MEATBALLS
Because I am married to a man… who loves meat… I had to include a flavorful protein to this easy dinner. Meatballs are a always a hit in my house with both my husband and son loving them. These meatballs are made with both pork and beef and seasoned with sage. I think sage is often overlooked in the herbs and spices world and I am not sure why. It is one of my favorite and it pairs so well with pork. The meatballs are super easy to make and add so much color, richness and savory flavor to this dinner. The seared outside and soft middle are just what my husband likes and to be honest I make a really good meatball!
Keeping the meatballs simple and easy is crucial when I am trying to make dinner in under 30 minutes. With an antsy preschooler and hungry husband my goal is always to spend less than 30 minutes on dinner. I made these meatballs from scratch and they take just about 15 minutes to cook in the oven so they meet all the criteria.
THE PLATING AND NOTES
Now that we have two amazing dishes it is time to get the plated and on the table. I can tell you this meal was a huge crowd pleaser in my house… in fact my husband asked for seconds of cauliflower mash. I guess low carb and tasty can be paired together. On top of the yummy low carb cauliflower mash I added a side salad of arugula. To top it all off sprinkle truffle oil and chives over the whole plate. It is colorful, delicious and health!
I made this in less than 30 minutes. One of the things I have learned is that when I meal plan I am able to accomplish much more in the kitchen. I like to know what I am getting into each night. That way I can plan activities for Declan while I am cooking. More on my meal planning coming soon. Let me honest here that Declan did not love the mashed cauliflower… he opted for rice. But at four I figured that was an acceptable alternative- he is not much needing low carb!
One thing to mention is how the meatballs were cooked- I do mine in the oven and then brown them in a pan to “crisp” them up a bit. But you can also turn on the broiler if you prefer- just make sure to watch them so they do not burn.
Another note: I cut and prep everything before I cook or mix anything. I find this to be easier and a more efficient way in getting dinner on the table in 30 minutes or less.
Herb & Truffle Cauliflower Mash with Sage Meatballs
Easy 30 minute low carb dinner. Homemade herb mashed cauliflower with sage meatballs. Flavorful, delicious and filling
Ingredients
For The Meatballs
- 1 lb Organic Ground Pork
- 1 lb Grass Fed Ground Beef
- 1/2 tbsp Ground Sage can always add more or less depending on preference
- 1 sprinkling Gluten Free Flour or regular depending on preference/dietary needs
- 1 Egg White
For The Cauliflower Mash
- 1 head Cauliflower- roughly chopped
- 2 Tbsp Kite Hill Chive "Cream Cheese" can use regular cream cheese if prefered
- 1 tsp Truffle Oil
- 1 heap Chopped Chives
- 1 sprig Thyme for garnish
- 1 Olive Oil
For the Veggies
- 1 bushel Tir-Color Carrots Finely Sliced
- 1 bunch Arugula or spinach depending on preference
- 1 Lemon
Additional Seasonings
- 1 Salt and Pepper to taste
Instructions
-
1. Preheat oven to 400 degrees
2. Lightly grease 12 cup muffin tin
3. Bring large pot of salted water to boil and add roughly chopped cauliflower
4. Mix ground beef and ground pork together in mixing bowl
5. Add dry seasoning to meat mixture and combine well (I use my hands for this)
6. Form meatballs and place into muffin tin. The meatballs should be the size of the cup in the tin. Put in oven for 15-20 mins or until internal temperature is 160 degree.
7. Check cauliflower as it should be tender to fork touch. Drain and let sit for 3-5 minutes
8. Combine cauliflower, olive oil and chive into food processor and combine until smooth (you can also use a hand blender or mash by hand if needed)
9. Add Kite Hill “Cream Cheese” to mashed cauliflower
10. Check meatballs. If done turn on broiler (or remove and put in pan) to crisp up meatballs.
11. Plate Up! Layer cauliflower mash and then meatballs. Add chopped carrots and handful of arugula and sprinkle with truffle oil. Garnish with thyme and chives.
Tell me what are your favorite go-to low carb recipes?? Or share with me how you make yummy cauliflower mash!
Until Next Time,
