Mix & Mash

This article was originally published in December 2013

A quintessential favorite loved by young, old and everyone in between, mashed potatoes is a signature comfort dish, especially during the colder months.

But potatoes aren’t the only vegetable that deserves a good mashing. A variety of veggies, when combined with dairy (or a dairy alternative) and spices or herbs, are transformed into a creamy, dreamy side dish.

Mashing veggies is a simple process and follows a basic formula: Place prepped vegetables in a large pot and add enough cold water to cover them. Salt the water to taste. Bring to a boil and simmer until the vegetables are tender. Drain, return the veggies to the pot, and shake them over medium heat to evaporate any remaining liquid. Pass the vegetables through a ricer or mash by hand. Stir in dairy or dairy alternative and seasonings until incorporated.

 

Parsnip Mashers

2 pounds parsnips, peeled and cut into 2-inch pieces; ½ cup crème fraîche or mascarpone; ¼ cup butter; pinch of nutmeg; salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste.

Beet Mashed Potatoes

1 pound red beets, peeled and quartered; 1 pound Russet or Yukon Gold potatoes, peeled and quartered; ½ cup sour cream or plain Greek yogurt; ¼ cup butter; ¼ teaspoon caraway seeds (optional); salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste.

Carrot Mash

1 pound carrots, peeled and quartered; 1 pound Yukon Gold potatoes, peeled and quartered; ½ cup coconut milk; 2 tablespoons olive oil; ½ teaspoon ground cumin; ¼ teaspoon grated fresh ginger; salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste.

Garlicky Mashed Cauliflower

1 head cauliflower, cut into florets; 3 cloves roasted garlic, minced; 2 tablespoons cream cheese; 2 tablespoons grated Parmesan cheese; 1 tablespoon butter; salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste.

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During the holidays it’s easy to overindulge given all the festive foods surrounding us at home, at work and at parties. If you are worried you may be overdoing it and would like to better control the number of delicious calories you consume at your next holiday feast, here are my top five tips for smart holiday feasting.

Smart holiday feasting

Ask the Nutritionist, December 2013