Mashed Cauliflower (and other options when you miss your mashed potatoes)

Mashed "potatoes" For Kidney Disease

Mashed Cauliflower (and other options when you miss your mashed potatoes)

Mashed potatoes are an American favorite; nestled nicely on the plate next to some tender sliced turkey or hot roast beef, comfortably dripping with gravy.  However, for those with kidney disease (particularly stages 4 or 5) this old favorite is likely missing from your plate because of the high potassium content of the potato (1/2 c of mashed potatoes is around 300 mg potassium…well above the goal of 200mg/serving for a low potassium food).  You could keep your portion really small.  Small as in 1/4 c or about the size of an egg. It’s okay if you roll your eyes at that portion size.  It is small, just a couple bites.  Luckily there are other options so that you may still have a normal portion

OTHER OPTIONS:

  1. Double boil your potatoes.  Contrary to popular belief, soaking potatoes or other vegetables to remove potassium is very ineffective with research citing around a 95% retention of potassium.  Double-boiling potatoes, on the other hand, removes around 50-75% of potassium depending on the size of pieces that are boiled (for example, larger chunks are on the 50% range, while shredded pieces are closer to 75%).

    How to double boil your vegetables (best for potatoes, sweet potatoes, pumpkins, hard squash, and other hard or tuberous veggies):

      1. Peel and cut potatoes into thin slices or small pieces or grate.
      2. Place the sliced potatoes in a large amount of water.
      3. Bring the water to a boil.
      4. Drain off the water and add a large amount of fresh water.
      5. Bring the water to a boil again and cook until the potatoes are soft and tender.
      6. Discard cooking water.

    Adapted from the Journal of Renal Nutrition, November 2008 – See more at: http://www.kidney.ca/page.aspx?pid=1267#sthash.mZXhV4qq.dpuf

    See more holiday ideas at: http://www.kidney.ca/page.aspx?pid=1267#sthash.mZXhV4qq.dpuf

  2. Try THIS recipe, which uses cauliflower instead of mashed potatoes!  Whether you share this side dish over a table with family and friends this holiday or enjoy it as an everyday side dish, this is a great recipe to keep in your back pocket. (Original Recipe from getcrocked.com.  But we altered it….)

 

Mashed Low Potassium “Potatoes” (or actually cauliflower…)

 

Printable Recipe

  • 2 – 10 oz. Bags of Cauliflower Florets, washed & drained
  • 3 c. chicken or vegetable stock (unsalted)
  • 4 garlic cloves, peeled
  • 1 bay leaf
  • 1 T. unsalted butter
  • Salt & Pepper
  1. Place cauliflower florets in a 4-Quart slow cooker
  2. Pour the chicken or vegetable stock over the cauliflower – just enough to cover.
  3. Add garlic cloves, and bay leaf.
  4. Cover and cook on LOW for 4-6 hours.
  5. Remove bay leaf and drain any excess liquid/broth into a container. Set aside.
  6. Add butter to the cauliflower.
  7. Use an immersion blender to blend and smooth the cauliflower “potatoes.” Add in the reserved broth, 1 T. at a time, to create a creamier consistency.
  8. Add fresh pepper to taste.  Garnish with green onions and/or bacon crumbles

 

low potassium, low potassium potatoes, double cooked potatoes, low sodium, chronic kidney disease, CKD, ESRD, renal diet, kidney diet
Mashed Garlic “Potatoes” (aka cauliflower)

Photo Credits: Rebecca Barksdale

Article: Jessianna Saville, MS, RDN, LD

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