Mashed Potatoes Swirled With Pesto
Description
This delightful twist on traditional mashed potatoes is perfect for adding a vibrant, fresh touch to your dinner table. By gently folding in pesto, the mashed potatoes take on an aromatic, herby flavor that perfectly complements any main dish. This recipe is quick and easy to prepare, making it ideal for both everyday meals and festive occasions like St. Patrick’s Day! The added basil and pine nuts provide a lovely finishing touch, elevating the dish with both flavor and texture.
Recipe Overview
| Category | Potato |
|---|---|
| Prep Time | 15 minutes |
| Cook Time | 15 minutes |
| Total Time | 30 minutes |
| Serving Size | 4 servings |
| Calories per Serving | 290.5 kcal |
| Difficulty | Easy |
Ingredients
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Potatoes (peeled and cubed) | 3 medium |
| Milk | 1/2 – 3/4 cup |
| Butter | 6 tablespoons |
| Salt | 1 teaspoon |
| Pepper | 1/2 teaspoon |
| Pesto Sauce | 2 tablespoons |
| Fresh Basil (for garnish) | A few leaves |
| Pine Nuts (optional garnish) | A handful |
Nutritional Information (per serving)
| Nutrient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Calories | 290.5 kcal |
| Total Fat | 12.5 g |
| Saturated Fat | 7.8 g |
| Cholesterol | 33.4 mg |
| Sodium | 493.1 mg |
| Carbohydrates | 40.8 g |
| Fiber | 5.1 g |
| Sugar | 1.8 g |
| Protein | 5.4 g |
Instructions
-
Cook the Potatoes:
Begin by placing the peeled and cubed potatoes into a large pot of boiling salted water. Cover and cook for 15 to 20 minutes, or until the potatoes are fork-tender and easily mashable. -
Drain and Mash:
Once the potatoes are cooked, drain them well and return them to the pot or a large mixing bowl. Use a potato masher or a hand mixer to mash the potatoes until smooth and lump-free. -
Add Butter and Milk:
Add the butter and milk to the mashed potatoes. Stir in the salt and pepper, continuing to mash until everything is well combined and the potatoes are creamy. -
Swirl in the Pesto:
Gently fold in the pesto sauce. Be careful not to over-mix; the goal is to create beautiful streaks of pesto throughout the mashed potatoes for a swirl effect. -
Garnish and Serve:
Transfer the mashed potatoes to a serving dish and garnish with fresh basil leaves and a sprinkle of pine nuts, if desired. Serve hot, and enjoy!
Pro Tip
For an extra creamy texture, you can replace part of the milk with sour cream or cream cheese. This adds a tangy richness that complements the pesto beautifully.
This Mashed Potatoes Swirled with Pesto is a refreshing take on a classic side dish, combining the creamy comfort of mashed potatoes with the vibrant flavors of pesto. It’s an excellent addition to any meal and will quickly become a family favorite. Whether you’re preparing it for a cozy dinner or a holiday feast, this dish will bring a burst of flavor and color to your table.
