Garlic Chive Vegan Mashed Potatoes Recipe

Potatoes: The base of the dish, providing a starchy and creamy texture when mashed.

Garlic: Adds a robust and aromatic flavor to the mashed potatoes.

Chives: Fresh herbs that bring a mild onion-like flavor and a pop of color.

Unsweetened almond milk: A dairy-free alternative that keeps the mashed potatoes creamy without adding sweetness.

Vegan butter: A plant-based substitute for butter, adding richness and a smooth texture.

When mashing the potatoes, use a potato ricer or food mill for an extra smooth texture. This helps to avoid overworking the potatoes and making them gummy. Additionally, warm the almond milk and vegan butter before adding them to the potatoes to ensure they incorporate more easily and keep the mashed potatoes hot.

• potatoes - Substitute with cauliflower: Cauliflower can be steamed and mashed to create a similar texture to mashed potatoes while being lower in carbs.

• minced garlic - Substitute with garlic powder: Garlic powder can provide a similar flavor profile and is more convenient if fresh garlic is not available.

• chopped chives - Substitute with green onions: Green onions offer a similar mild onion flavor and can be used in the same quantity.

• unsweetened almond milk - Substitute with unsweetened soy milk: Unsweetened soy milk has a similar consistency and neutral flavor, making it a good alternative for vegan recipes.

• vegan butter - Substitute with olive oil: Olive oil can provide a creamy texture and rich flavor, making it a suitable substitute for vegan butter in mashed potatoes.

• Allow the mashed potatoes to cool to room temperature before storing. This helps prevent condensation, which can make the potatoes watery.

• Transfer the mashed potatoes into an airtight container. If you don't have one, a resealable plastic bag works well too. Make sure to remove as much air as possible to keep them fresh.

• Label the container with the date. This way, you can keep track of how long they've been stored.

• Store the mashed potatoes in the refrigerator if you plan to use them within 3-5 days. The cool temperature will help maintain their texture and flavor.

• For longer storage, place the mashed potatoes in the freezer. They can be kept frozen for up to 2 months without losing their quality.

• When you're ready to reheat, thaw the mashed potatoes in the refrigerator overnight if they were frozen. This gradual thawing helps preserve their creamy texture.

• Reheat the mashed potatoes on the stovetop over low heat, stirring occasionally. Add a splash of unsweetened almond milk or a bit more vegan butter to restore their creamy consistency.

• Alternatively, you can reheat them in the microwave. Place the mashed potatoes in a microwave-safe dish, cover, and heat in 1-minute intervals, stirring in between, until they're heated through.

• If the mashed potatoes seem too thick after reheating, you can adjust the consistency by adding a little more unsweetened almond milk or vegan butter and mixing well.

• For an extra burst of flavor, consider adding a sprinkle of fresh chives or a pinch of salt and pepper just before serving.

• Stovetop Method: Place your mashed potatoes in a saucepan over low heat. Add a splash of unsweetened almond milk or vegetable broth to keep them moist. Stir frequently to ensure even heating and prevent sticking. This method helps maintain the creamy texture.

• Microwave Method: Transfer the mashed potatoes to a microwave-safe dish. Cover with a microwave-safe lid or plastic wrap, leaving a small vent. Heat on medium power for 2-3 minutes, stirring halfway through. Add a bit of vegan butter or almond milk if they seem dry.

• Oven Method: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Spread the mashed potatoes in an even layer in an oven-safe dish. Cover with foil to prevent drying out. Bake for about 20-30 minutes, stirring halfway through. This method is great for reheating larger quantities.

• Double Boiler Method: Place the mashed potatoes in a heatproof bowl. Set the bowl over a pot of simmering water, making sure the bottom of the bowl doesn't touch the water. Stir occasionally until heated through. This gentle method helps retain the smooth texture.

• Slow Cooker Method: Transfer the mashed potatoes to a slow cooker. Set it to low heat and cover. Stir occasionally, adding a bit of almond milk or vegan butter if needed. This is perfect for keeping them warm for a longer period without drying out.

• Pot: Used to boil the potatoes in salted water until they are tender.

• Strainer: Necessary for draining the boiled potatoes.

• Potato masher: Essential for mashing the potatoes until smooth.

• Knife: Used for peeling and cubing the potatoes, as well as mincing the garlic and chopping the chives.

• Cutting board: Provides a surface for peeling, cubing, mincing, and chopping.

• Measuring cups: Used to measure the almond milk and vegan butter accurately.

• Wooden spoon: Useful for stirring the ingredients together in the pot.

• Garlic press: Optional, but can be used to mince the garlic more efficiently.

• Mixing bowl: Optional, but can be used to combine ingredients before mashing if preferred.

• Salt and pepper shakers: Used to season the mashed potatoes to taste.

Pre-chop ingredients: Peel and cube the potatoes and mince the garlic ahead of time to streamline the cooking process.

Use a microwave: If you're short on time, microwave the potatoes instead of boiling them. This can cut cooking time significantly.

Warm the almond milk: Heat the almond milk before adding it to the potatoes. This helps the mashed potatoes stay warm and mix more smoothly.

One-pot method: After boiling, drain the potatoes and return them to the same pot to mash. This reduces the number of dishes to wash.