High Protein Loaded Garlic Mashed Potatoes

Mashed potatoes are one of my ultimate comfort foods.  Unfortunately, they can easily be super unhealthy if made with lots of cream and butter, and so I don't have them that often.  That is, until now!  This recipe increases the nutritional value of mashed potatoes in a few ways.  Each serving of these potatoes alone has 11 grams of fiber and 11 grams of protein!

In these mashed potatoes you will leave the skin on the potatoes (extra fiber!) and mash the potatoes with small white beans (extra protein!).  Top with sauteed veggies of choice, salsa, and a bit of cheese.  Or, they are also great plain as a side to another dish.  They are super tasty and comforting... and you can't taste the beans!  Also, this picture does not do these potatoes justice!  Definitely give them a try. :)

High Protein Loaded Garlic Mashed Potatoes

Serves 4

INGREDIENTS:

• 7 red potatoes (about 2.5 pounds)
• 6 large cloves garlic (or less  if you don't really like garlic!)
• 1 can small white beans, drained and rinsed
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon paprika
• 1 tablespoon unsweetened almond milk (or milk of choice)
• 2 tablespoons Earth Balance (or butter)
• 1/4 teaspoon ground black pepper (or to taste)

Toppings:

• Roasted vegetables of choice
• salsa
• cheddar cheese
• Parmesan cheese

DIRECTIONS:

1)  Scrub potatoes and chop into large chunks.  Place into a medium pot.  Fill pot with water until potatoes are covered.  Cook on medium-high heat for about 30 minutes until potatoes are fork tender.  Drain potatoes and place in a large bowl.

2)  While potatoes are cooking, run food processor and drop garlic cloves in.  Process for a few seconds until finely chopped.  Add beans, salt, and paprika and process until mostly smooth.  (Note:  if you don't have a food processor, mince garlic and mash with beans and spices in a bowl with a wooden spoon)

3) After potatoes have been cooked and drained, put them into the bowl of a standing mixer.  Mix with the paddle attachment for a minute.  (Note: you could also use a potato masher instead of a mixer, or just a wooden spoon.)  Add milk and Earth Balance and mix for another minute until Earth Balance is melted.  Add bean mixture and mix by hand with a wooden spoon.  Season with pepper.  

4)  Serve plain, or top with veggies, salsa, cheese... or anything else that sounds good!

(recipe adapted from Oh She Glows)