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These Pesto Mashed Potatoes bring a bright and vibrant punch of flavor to a classic side dish. Bring the abundant energy of basil to the table with this easy and delicious offering.
I talk about food a lot. I think about food a lot. You might say, I'm a little bit obsessed with food. And since I discovered kitchen witchcraft, it's even more fun and meaningful to get into the kitchen and create delicious spells for nourishment of all types.
I've got dozens of cookbooks, Pinterest boards a mile long, and just a random list of recipe ideas that doesn't fit on a piece of paper anymore. But this recipe was inspired by a chat I had with Louise on the podcast ages ago. I added it to my list ages ago, and I finally got the chance to make it for you. It's a real winner, kids.
What makes these Pesto Mashed Potatoes so awesome?
Pesto Mashed Potatoes is such an easy way to bring a totally different flavor to a classic comfort food. I take mashed potatoes very seriously, so I'm always excited about new variations for one of my favorite things. And this couldn't be more easy. Simply stir some pesto into your mash, and you've got a whole new flavor profile.
It is a very distinct, flavor, though, so you may want to serve this with something you know will be compilmentary. Anything with herby, fresh flavors would probably work. Personally, I like to serve this with grilled chicken flavor with my lemon chicken marinade. It's such a sunny meal, but your options are limitless.
Magical Properties of Basil
Basil might be best known for its prosperity energy, but that's not all its good for. Ruled by the element of and fire, as well as the planet Mars, it can also be used to call in strength. It's also tied to the element of air, so it can be used in spells for clarity. You can use basil in offerings of sympathy as well. (Source: The Kitchen Witch's Guide to Healing & Self-Care by Maggie Haseman)
To learn more about the magical properties of the ingredients in this recipe, check the Kitchen Magick page.
Ingredients
Here's everything you'll need to make this dish. The full details are in the recipe card below.
- Potatoes - I like Yukon Golds, but any starchy potato will do.
- Butter - I use salted butter here, but go with whatever you have.
- Milk - or cream if you have some on hand.
- Salt and pepper
- Pesto - Use store bought or make your own. This Spinach Pesto is pretty awesome.
Tips for making Pesto Mashed Potatoes
Roughly peel and chop your potatoes, and put them in a pot. Cover them with cold water and put them on the stove to boil until they're easily pierced with a fork. How long this takes will depend on how big you've chopped your potatoes. For me, it usually takes about 25 minutes.
Don't put your potatoes in already hot water or they won't cook evenly and you'll end up with water logged mash.
Drain your cooked potatoes, then return them to the hot pot, off the heat. Ad the butter, milk, salt, and pepper, and mash to your desired consistency. I like mine to still have some lumps. Then stir in plenty of pesto until it tastes exactly the way you like. I love that the pesto adds all the flavor, so you don't have to dig out a bunch of spices from your cupboard.
I can't wait for you to try these Pesto Mashed Potatoes. They're gonna be so awesome.
Looking for more awesome potato recipes? Try some Potato Salad with Bacon or this Loaded Baked Potato Casserole.
PrintPesto Mashed Potatoes
These Pesto Mashed Potatoes bring a bright and vibrant punch of flavor to a classic side dish. Bring the abundant energy of basil to the table with this easy and delicious offering.
- Prep Time: 15
- Cook Time: 25
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: Boiled
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
- 5 medium Yukon Gold potatoes, roughly peeled
- 4 tablespoons butter
- Up to ¼ cup milk
- ¼ cup pesto
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon pepper
Instructions
- Chop your clean potatoes in half then quarters (8 pieces in all) and add them to a large pot. Pour cold water over the potatoes, just enough to cover. Add a fat pinch of salt for a bit of flavor, put a lid on your pot, and place it over medium high heat. Boil your potatoes until they're fork tender, about 25 minutes.
- Drain the potatoes and return them to the hot pot, off the heat.
- Add the remaining ingredients, adding just a splash of milk at a time, and use a masher, the type with the s-shaped curves, to smash your potatoes. Leave a few chunks. They add character. Don't over mix, or your mashed potatoes will get gummy.
- Stir and taste for seasonings. If your mixture is too stiff, you can add a bit more milk.
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