Not Your Average Mashed Potatoes

Eeek! It's Thanksgiving already. Seems like just yesterday we were giving recipes and tips for the beginning of tailgating season. Last week we gave you a delicious and healthier alternative to Pecan Pie  and this week we are looking at a healthier and more nutritious way to make a favorite side dish: mashed potatoes.

Potatoes get a bad rap in the fitness world. People claim that they are empty calories, or just starch. But actually, they are incredibly nutritionally dense. That's why the Irish hailed them as a miracle crop!  They contain healthy antioxidants, vitamins and have been shown to lower blood pressure. (See HERE for full nutritional profile)

At the same time, the sweet potato has even more healthy stuff. Sweet Potatoes have high amounts of vitamins, just as the regular potato does, but they have added anti-inflammatory nutrients, and blood sugars regulating benefits. Full Nutritional Profile.

Since both are so healthy, why not…combine them?

Gold and Sweet Mashed Potatoes

Gather:
1 lb Yukon Gold Potatoes-peeled and cut into 1 inch chunks
1 lb Sweet Potatoes- peeled and cut into 1 inch chunks (personally, I like the skin. If you like you can keep it on)
1/2 cup low fat milk (or broth)
2 tbsp coconut oil or butter
1 tsp brown sugar
1 tbsp salt
1/2 tbsp black pepper

Method:

1. Place potatoes and sweet potatoes in a large saucepan, adding enough water to cover the potatoes.
2. Cook until very soft, about 25 minutes.
3. Drain the potatoes, then mash them in the pot to the desired consistency. 
4.  Melt coconut oil or butter in a small bowl in the microwave, 30 seconds or so. (Alternatively, place in a small saucepan and heat over medium until melted.) 
5. Stir in milk or broth, coconut oil (or butter) mixture, sugar, salt and pepper into the mashed potatoes until eel combined.

Enjoy,  Happy Thanksgiving from us at Norton!

photo courtesy of Pinterest