Mashed potatoes are a classic side dish for a reason: They make any meal feel a little bit more special. But you don’t need to watch your mashed potatoes like a hawk to make sure they’re not loaded with butter and cream. Mashed potatoes are one of the most universally accepted comfort foods there are.
They’re not only delicious, but creamy and filling as well. Plus, they can be used to complement almost any kind of meat, fish, or vegetable. But the trouble is, potatoes are high in carbs, and if you eat too many, you will likely feel sluggish.
So, if you want to enjoy one of the most popular Thanksgiving side dishes, you need to pair it with other low-carb foods that are rich in fiber and protein, too. Actually there are a number of other foods that work well with mashed potatoes. For example:
- Beef chili: A hearty bowl of chili is a great way to eat your mashed potatoes. You can either ladle the chili over the potatoes or mix the two together in a bowl.
- Cottage cheese and yogurt: Cottage cheese and yogurt are both very mild foods that do not overwhelm the flavor of the potatoes. The cottage cheese and yogurt can be mixed with the potatoes or served on the side.
- Mashed potatoes with gravy: Mashed potatoes with gravy is a classic dish that many people know how to make. This recipe is based off that dish, but it is made with a vegan base and uses nutmeg, coriander, turmeric, and black pepper instead of butter and milk.
What meat goes well with mashed potatoes?
Mashed potatoes are a great dish to serve as a side with meat, but choosing the right meat to go with this classic dish can be a challenge. For the best results, look for a meat that will readily absorb the flavor of the potatoes without overpowering them.
This will help ensure the dish comes out tasting well balanced instead of tasting like a hodgepodge of ingredients. Turkey and chicken are obvious choices, but what about the other meats? If you are looking for a more interesting, but not excessive, option, venison can be the perfect meat for your mashed potatoes.
Meat and potatoes is a classic combination of food, and one that can be a part of a healthy diet. However, many people struggle to determine what meat goes well with mashed potatoes. There are many options available, but much of it depends on your personal preference.
To determine what meat goes well with mashed potatoes, you need to look at the texture and flavor of the meat. For instance, a steak, which is quite lean, would not be appropriate. Instead, you may want to try a pork chop, which is a classic pairing. If you really want to go all out, consider adding in a turkey or chicken thigh, which are both excellent choices.
Can you freeze mashed potatoes?
Can you freeze mashed potatoes? Sure, you can, but you might as well keep them in the fridge. Here’s why: Most mashed potatoes are made from raw potatoes that have been cooked for an hour or two.
But when potatoes are heated, they release an enzyme called protease that breaks down the potatoes’ structure. Freezing raw potatoes can damage the cell walls that give them structure, which means they’ll turn into a sludge when you cook them.
As a rule, foods don’t freeze well if they’re high in fat or sugar. And while they don’t add fat or sugar, potatoes do have a high amount of starch, which turns to a gummy, unappealing mess in the freezer.
That’s why most people don’t keep mashed potatoes in the freezer. But if you’re planning to make mashed potatoes soon, you can freeze them for up to three months, as long as you plan to use them within that time frame.
Is it healthy to eat mashed potatoes?
Sure, it’s one of the most delicious comfort foods out there, but is it also one of the unhealthiest? Many say that the saturated fat and sodium in mashed potatoes are a big no no when it comes to a healthy diet.
Most of the calories in mashed potatoes come from starch, which turns into sugar more quickly if it is processed, which is what happens when potatoes are mashed. (If you’re looking for a healthier option, try baking your potatoes instead of boiling them.)
A typical side dish of mashed potatoes contains around 275 calories. However, mashed potatoes are also a great source of potassium, which can aid in healthy blood pressure, and they’re also a good source of Vitamin C—a nutrient that the body needs to produce collagen, among other things. Of course, if you load your mashed potatoes with butter or cream, then it’s probably best to steer clear.
Can you lose weight from eating potatoes?
Not all calories are created equal. In fact, a diet that’s high in carbohydrates (starches) might pack on the pounds, due to the body’s metabolism reacting to the added sugars and starches as if they’re an excess of calories. (This is why a sugary soda contains more calories than an apple.) And potatoes, with their high starch content, are a prime example.
For example, a baked potato with skin (about 220 grams) contains nearly 500 calories and three grams of fat. So, you should save your fries for another day and choose healthier potatoes. Potatoes get a bad rap, because they’re starchy and high in carbs two qualities that have been linked to weight gain.
But a single study found that overweight and obese individuals who ate large amounts of potatoes for two weeks lost more weight than those who stuck to their typical diet. What’s more, potato eaters showed improved blood sugar control and markers of digestion, two factors that can lead to better weight loss.
Potatoes are a must-have food in every dieter’s arsenal, since the humble spud is low in calories and carbs, yet high in fiber which means that it will fill you up without filling you out. They are also an excellent source of potassium, which can help control blood pressure, and an excellent source of Vitamin C, which can protect against colds and the flu.
