Prepare to revolutionize your side dish game with a mind-blowing twist on traditional mashed potatoes! This Creamy Kabocha Squash Mashed Potatoes recipe is about to become your new culinary obsession, transforming an ordinary potato dish into a restaurant-worthy masterpiece that will have your dinner guests begging for the recipe. By combining the classic comfort of mashed potatoes with the rich, sweet nuance of kabocha squash, you'll create a side dish that's not just a accompaniment, but the star of the meal.
Prep Time: 15 mins
Cook Time: 30 mins
Total Time: 45 mins
Cuisine: American
Serves: 6 servings
Ingredients
- 2 pounds potatoes, peeled and cubed
- 1 pound kabocha squash, peeled and cubed
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- 1/4 cup butter
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Prepare ingredients by thoroughly washing potatoes and kabocha squash. Peel both vegetables and cut into roughly 1-inch cubes, ensuring uniform size for even cooking.
- Place potato and kabocha squash cubes in a large pot and cover completely with cold, salted water. Ensure water level is about 1-2 inches above the vegetables.
- Set pot on high heat and bring water to a rolling boil. Reduce heat to medium-high and maintain a steady boil, cooking for approximately 18-22 minutes until vegetables are extremely tender and can be easily pierced with a fork.
- While vegetables are cooking, warm heavy cream and butter in a small saucepan over low heat, stirring occasionally to prevent scorching. Keep mixture warm but not boiling.
- Once vegetables are fully cooked, drain thoroughly in a colander, allowing excess moisture to steam off for 2-3 minutes.
- Return drained vegetables to the original pot and mash using a potato masher or ricer, working to create a smooth, creamy consistency.
- Gradually pour warm cream and butter mixture into mashed vegetables, folding gently to incorporate. Season with salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste.
- Continue mixing until potatoes and squash reach a rich, creamy texture. Adjust seasoning as needed.
- Transfer to a serving dish, creating a smooth surface. Optional: Garnish with a small pat of butter or chopped fresh herbs like chives or parsley.
Tips
- Choose the right potatoes: Use starchy potatoes like Russet or Yukon Gold for the smoothest texture.
- Cut vegetables uniformly: Ensure all cubes are roughly the same size to guarantee even cooking.
- Salt your boiling water generously: This helps season the vegetables from the inside out.
- Warm your cream and butter before adding: This prevents cooling down the potatoes and helps create a smoother, more integrated mixture.
- Don't overwork the potatoes: Mash just until combined to avoid a gluey texture.
- Taste and adjust seasoning: Always season in layers and taste as you go.
- For extra richness, consider adding a touch of roasted garlic or a sprinkle of nutmeg to elevate the flavor profile.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 250kcal
Carbohydrates: 35g
Protein: 4g
Fat: 12g
Saturated Fat: 7g
Cholesterol: 35mg
