8 Delicious Mashed Side Dishes To Try, Because Why Should Potatoes Get All the Fun?
Sure, mashed potatoes are a holiday staple, but serving the same old side dish can get pretty boring. This year take a break from tradition and smash other veggies instead. Not sure where to start? Save your spuds for something crispy (like these kid-friendly potato cakes) and try these tasty alternatives for mashed potatoes.
Rutabaga mash
As a starchy root veggie, rutabaga becomes wonderfully creamy when mashed and mixed with butter. Moreover, one cup of mashed rutabaga boasts vitamin C, folate, and even some calcium, according to the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA). Try a rutabaga and potato mash for two-in-one fun.
Cauliflower mash
For a lighter alternative to mashed potatoes, whip up a cauliflower mash. It has a mild and neutral flavor, so it works well with a wide range of mix-ins. Start with a brown butter cauliflower mash, complete with melty Parmesan cheese.
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Lima bean mash
It might sound odd, but don’t knock it ‘til you try it. Besides, the flavor of lima beans is often compared to potatoes, so a lima bean mash only makes sense. Bonus: You can use frozen lima beans (instead of dried) to minimize prep time.
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Butternut squash mash
In true fall fashion, mashed butternut squash is perfectly sweet and slightly nutty. Roast the squash to bring out its flavor, then puree with sage and butter. To spice things up, add paprika or turmeric.
Sweet potato mash
Okay, so this still involves potatoes. But compared to the traditional stuff, sweet potato mash is teeming with vitamin A, which is crucial for healthy immunity. Just one cup of sweet potato mash has more than double your daily requirement.
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Carrot mash
Brighten up your holiday spread with a bowl of mashed carrots. In just one cup, you’ll get a generous dose of vitamin A, plus fiber and magnesium to boot. If you’re feeling sweet, make a carrot apricot mash for a unique side dish.
Plantain mash
Plantains are super starchy, so they’re the perfect candidates for mashing. Make a simple plantain mash with salt and pepper—or try mofongo, a Puerto Rican dish made of mashed plantains and crunchy pork rinds.
Three-potato mash
If you truly can’t skip the potatoes, go for a three-potato mash. By combining starchy potatoes (like russets) with all-purpose potatoes (like Yukon golds), you’ll create a side dish that’s both fluffy and tasty.
