Mashed Potatoes: Friend Or Foe Of Plant-Based Diets?

Mashed potatoes are a popular side dish, often enjoyed as a comfort food during colder months. While potatoes are suitable for a plant-based diet, mashed potatoes are typically made with dairy products such as butter, cream, and milk. However, it is possible to make delicious mashed potatoes that are fully plant-based and vegan-friendly. This can be achieved by substituting dairy products with plant-based alternatives such as vegan butter and plant-based milk.

The best types of potatoes for mashing

Mashed potatoes are a common side dish and a comfort food during the cold weather season. While there are many types of potatoes, not all are created equal when it comes to mashing. The best potatoes for mashing are those with relatively higher starch content. Here are some of the top choices:

Russet potatoes

Russet potatoes, also known as Idaho potatoes, are a popular choice for classic mashed potatoes. They have a high-starch, low-moisture content, which makes them perfect for creating fluffy, light, and airy mashed potatoes. Their inherent dryness and economical price make them a favourite among chefs and home cooks alike. They readily absorb liquids, such as broth and cream, and are receptive to various herbs and seasonings, making them a versatile option.

Yukon Gold potatoes

Yukon Gold potatoes are another excellent option for mashing. They have a naturally buttery flavour and a creamy, rich texture due to their medium starch content and density. This variety is also versatile and can be used for shredding, roasting, grilling, and more. Yukon Golds tend to absorb less water during cooking, reducing the risk of becoming waterlogged or gummy. They are slightly less starchy than Russets, making them less prone to becoming gummy if overworked. Their slightly firmer composition allows for a chunkier texture, and their thinner skins can be left intact, adding a rustic charm to the dish.

Combining Russets and Yukon Golds

For the best of both worlds, many people opt to combine Russet and Yukon Gold potatoes for their mashed potato dishes. This combination results in a fluffy yet creamy mash with a robust potato flavour. The ratio can be adjusted to suit personal preferences, with more Russets yielding higher, pillowy mashed potatoes, and more Yukon Golds providing extra texture without sacrificing versatility.

Avoiding waxy potatoes

When it comes to mashing potatoes, it is best to avoid waxy varieties such as red potatoes, fingerling potatoes, peewee potatoes, and new potatoes. These potatoes tend to hold their shape when boiled, making them better suited for roasting or potato salads rather than mashing. They can result in a tough, labour-intensive mashing process and may produce an undesirable thick, pasty texture.

Preparation tips

To ensure your mashed potatoes turn out perfectly, here are some additional tips:

• Start with dry potatoes: After boiling, return the potatoes to the pan on a low burner to remove excess moisture.
• Add warm liquids: Incorporate warm liquids and butter into the potatoes instead of cold ingredients for a creamier outcome.
• Avoid over-mixing: Be gentle when mixing and avoid using electric tools or blenders, as they can make the potatoes gummy and soupy.
• Season generously: Salt the water used for boiling to infuse flavour directly into the potatoes, and taste and season the mashed potatoes until they are just right.

How to prepare potatoes for mashing

Preparing potatoes for mashing is a relatively simple process, but there are a few key steps to follow to ensure the best results. Here is a guide on how to prepare potatoes for mashing:

Selecting the Potatoes

The type of potatoes you choose will impact the final texture and flavour of your mashed potatoes. For fluffy and light mashed potatoes, starchy Russet potatoes are a good option. On the other hand, Yukon Gold potatoes are naturally creamy and have a buttery flavour, resulting in rich and luscious mashed potatoes. For the best of both worlds, a combination of Russet and Yukon Gold potatoes is recommended.

Cutting the Potatoes

Before boiling, cut the potatoes into evenly sized chunks or cubes. This ensures that the potatoes cook evenly. You can peel the potatoes or leave the skins on for extra nutrients and flavour.

Boiling the Potatoes

Place the cut potatoes in a large saucepan or pot and add enough cold water to cover them by at least one inch. Adding a teaspoon of salt to the water is also recommended. Bring the water to a boil, then reduce the heat to a simmer and cook until the potatoes are tender. A good indication of doneness is when a knife or fork can be easily inserted into the potatoes with minimal resistance.

Draining and Drying the Potatoes

Once the potatoes are cooked, drain them in a colander. It is important to remove as much water as possible to prevent watery mashed potatoes. Return the potatoes to the hot saucepan and place it back on low heat for a few minutes to further dry the potatoes. Gently shake the pan to release excess steam and moisture.

Mashing the Potatoes

Use a potato masher or a ricer to mash the potatoes. Avoid using a blender, food processor, or electric mixer as these can make the potatoes gluey or gummy. Mash the potatoes to your desired consistency, whether you prefer them smooth or chunky.

Adding Ingredients and Seasoning

After mashing the potatoes, it's time to add your desired ingredients and season to taste. Warmed butter, milk, cream, or plant-based alternatives can be added for extra creaminess. You can also include roasted garlic, vegan mayo, or cream cheese for additional flavour. Season with salt and pepper, tasting as you go to ensure the desired flavour profile is achieved.

The best plant-based milk alternatives for mashed potatoes

Mashed potatoes are a common side dish and a comfort food for many. While the traditional recipe calls for milk and butter, there are some great plant-based alternatives that can be used to make this dish vegan-friendly. Here are some of the best plant-based milk alternatives to use in your mashed potatoes:

Coconut milk

Coconut milk is a great option for those seeking a creamy and rich texture in their mashed potatoes. It provides a similar consistency to dairy milk without an overpowering coconut flavour. Using canned lite coconut milk is recommended to avoid weighing down the potatoes.

Oat milk

Oat milk is a popular plant-based milk alternative that can also be used in mashed potatoes. It has a neutral flavour and a creamy texture, making it a good substitute for dairy milk. Some brands, such as Oatly, offer different varieties of oat milk with varying thicknesses and fat contents to suit your preference.

Almond milk

Almond milk is another suitable option for mashed potatoes. It has a subtle flavour and can be used to enhance the taste of the potatoes without being overpowering. However, it is important to use plain, unsweetened almond milk to avoid adding unwanted sweetness to the dish.

Cashew milk

Cashew milk is a rich and neutral-tasting alternative that can be used in mashed potatoes. It has a creamy texture and blends well with the potatoes. Making cashew milk at home is also a simple process, especially if you have a high-speed blender.

Vegetable broth

For those seeking a dairy-free and vegan-friendly option, vegetable broth can be used in place of milk in mashed potatoes. It adds flavour and helps to smooth out the texture of the dish.

Vegan butter

While not a milk alternative, vegan butter is an important ingredient to consider when making mashed potatoes. It adds richness and enhances the creamy texture of the dish. There are several brands of vegan butter available, such as Earth Balance, that can be used as a direct substitute for dairy butter.

In conclusion, there are several plant-based milk alternatives that can be used to make delicious and creamy mashed potatoes. By experimenting with different options, you can find the perfect combination that suits your taste preferences and dietary needs.

How to add flavour to mashed potatoes without using animal products

Mashed potatoes are a common side dish and are often considered a comfort food. While they are usually made with dairy products, it is possible to make delicious mashed potatoes without using any animal products, creating a vegan dish. Here are some tips and tricks to add flavour to your mashed potatoes while keeping them plant-based:

Choose the right type of potatoes

The type of potatoes you use will affect the texture and flavour of your mashed potatoes. For the best results, it is recommended to use a combination of two types of potatoes. Russet potatoes are high in starch, resulting in fluffy mashed potatoes, while Yukon Gold potatoes have a more intense potato flavour and a naturally creamy texture. Combining these two varieties will give you mashed potatoes that are light and fluffy yet rich and creamy, with a strong potato flavour.

Select the right plant-based milk

Traditional mashed potatoes often contain dairy products like butter, cream, and sour cream. For a plant-based alternative, you can use canned lite coconut milk. It adds creaminess without weighing down the potatoes. If you are allergic to coconut, you can use full-fat oat milk instead.

Add umami with miso

Miso, a fermented soybean paste, is an excellent way to add a savoury, complex flavour to your mashed potatoes. Combining it with vegan butter and roasted garlic creates a miso butter that adds a rich, irresistible savoury note to your dish.

Season generously

Potatoes are dense and require a generous amount of salt to be properly seasoned. Be sure to salt the water when boiling the potatoes, and then taste and season again after mashing. This ensures your mashed potatoes are well-seasoned without being overly salty.

Enhance with alliums

Alliums, such as garlic and onions, can add a savoury depth of flavour to your mashed potatoes. Roasted garlic, caramelised onions, chives, or scallions are all excellent choices to mix into your mashed potatoes. You can also try adding a packet of French onion dip for extra flavour.

Include greens

Adding green vegetables like spinach or kale to your mashed potatoes not only makes them healthier but also adds a beautiful colour contrast. You can also make your potatoes Irish-style by including cabbage for a Colcannon-like dish.

Garnish with herbs

Both woody herbs like sage, rosemary, and thyme, and leafy herbs like dill can add a fresh flavour to your mashed potatoes. You can also swirl in a herb-based sauce like pesto for a vibrant, flavourful twist.

Experiment with spices

Spices like black pepper and smoked paprika can enhance the flavour of your mashed potatoes. You can also try adding nutritional yeast flakes, which provide a subtle tang and enhance the overall flavour.

Try vegan mayonnaise

Vegan mayonnaise, especially when paired with plant-based milk, can make your mashed potatoes incredibly creamy and rich. It adds a smooth texture and a subtle tang, making each bite indulgently delicious.

Fold in some cheese

Adding cheese to your mashed potatoes makes them gooey and extra rich. You can use any variety of vegan cheese, such as cheddar, goat cheese, or Gruyere. For a decadent dish, fold in plenty of Swiss and Fontina cheese, or top your mashed potatoes with cheese curds and gravy for a poutine-style treat.

Add some heat

The richness of mashed potatoes makes them a great base for adding some spice. Try stirring in finely chopped chipotle peppers in adobo, diced Hatch chillies, or hot sauce. You can also drizzle your mashed potatoes with chilli crisp or harissa for an extra kick.

Get creative with add-ins

Don't be afraid to experiment with adding other vegetables to your mashed potatoes. Squash, root vegetables like parsnips, and even cauliflower can be mashed up with potatoes to add colour, flavour, and extra nutrients.

How to store and reheat mashed potatoes

Storing mashed potatoes

If you're storing mashed potatoes for a short period, place them in a heatproof bowl or airtight container in the fridge. They should be stored for no longer than three to four days.

Reheating mashed potatoes

Mashed potatoes can be reheated in the oven, on the stovetop, or in the microwave.

Reheating mashed potatoes in the oven

• Preheat the oven to 350°Fahrenheit.
• Place the potatoes in a baking dish, spreading them evenly.
• Add a splash of liquid—you can use milk, cream, half-and-half, buttermilk, or stock.
• Add a pat of butter.
• Cover the dish with aluminium foil.
• Reheat for 20 to 30 minutes, or until the potatoes reach 165°Fahrenheit.

Reheating mashed potatoes on the stovetop

• Place the potatoes in a bowl (stainless steel works best).
• Put the bowl over a pot of simmering water (about one to two inches) until heated through.
• Alternatively, place the potatoes in a pot and heat on low, adding a splash of liquid. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking.

Reheating mashed potatoes in the microwave

• Place the potatoes in a microwave-safe dish, adding a splash of liquid and covering with a lid or wet paper towel.
• Heat at half power for one to five minutes, stirring occasionally.
• Repeat until the potatoes are heated to 165°Fahrenheit.

Frequently asked questions