Description
Garlic Cauliflower & Mushrooms is a quick, flavorful, and nutritious side dish combining fresh cauliflower florets and sliced mushrooms sautéed with fragrant garlic and olive oil. Ready in under 20 minutes, this versatile recipe offers a perfect blend of earthy flavors and vibrant textures that complement a wide range of main courses, from grilled meats to vegan meals.
Ingredients
Scale
Vegetables
- 1 medium head cauliflower, cut into small florets
- 8 oz button or cremini mushrooms, sliced
Seasonings & Oils
- 3 cloves garlic, freshly minced
- 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
- Salt, to taste
- Black pepper, to taste
Optional Garnishes & Variations
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped (optional)
- Red pepper flakes or cayenne pepper (for spicy kick)
- Grated Parmesan or vegan cheese (for cheesy twist)
- Fresh thyme, rosemary, or basil (for herb boost)
- Toasted pine nuts or walnuts (for nutritional boost)
Instructions
- Prep the Vegetables: Wash and cut the cauliflower into small, similarly sized florets for even cooking. Clean the mushrooms with a damp cloth and slice them thinly to maximize their surface area and flavor absorption.
- Sauté the Garlic: Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the freshly minced garlic and gently cook until fragrant and golden, taking care not to burn it to preserve a smooth garlic flavor.
- Cook Mushrooms and Cauliflower: Add the sliced mushrooms to the skillet and cook until they release their moisture and begin to brown. Then, add the cauliflower florets, stirring frequently to develop light caramelization on all sides.
- Season and Simmer: Sprinkle salt and pepper evenly over the vegetables. Reduce the heat slightly and cover the skillet. Let the mixture cook for 5–7 minutes to soften the cauliflower while maintaining its slight crunch and allowing flavors to meld.
- Finish and Serve: Remove the lid and cook uncovered for another 2–3 minutes to evaporate any excess moisture. Toss the ingredients together, garnish with fresh parsley if desired, and serve warm for optimal taste and texture.
Notes
- Use fresh garlic cloves rather than pre-minced garlic for the best flavor.
- Do not overcrowd the pan to allow mushrooms to brown properly instead of steaming.
- Cook cauliflower until just tender-crisp to maintain a pleasant texture contrast with mushrooms.
- Maintain medium heat to prevent garlic from burning and to aid in caramelization.
- For an extra flavor layer, finish the dish with a squeeze of fresh lemon juice before serving.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1/4 of recipe
- Calories: 120
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 150mg
- Fat: 7g
- Saturated Fat: 1g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 12g
- Fiber: 5g
- Protein: 3g
- Cholesterol: 0mg
Keywords: garlic cauliflower recipe, sautéed mushrooms and cauliflower, healthy side dish, vegan side dish, easy weeknight side