Creamy Pesto Whipped Potatoes
Elevate your potato game with these Creamy Pesto Whipped Potatoes, a delightful twist on classic mashed potatoes. Infused with the fresh flavors of basil pesto, and enriched with a touch of parmesan, these potatoes bring a luxurious creaminess and a bit of crunch from toasted pine nuts. Perfect as a side dish for any occasion, they pair beautifully with grilled meats, roasted vegetables, or as a centerpiece for a vegetarian feast. Share this recipe with friends and family, and enjoy the rustic yet sophisticated flavors that will impress every palate!
4
Servings
195
Calories
6
Ingredients
Ingredients
Potatoes
36 ounces (peeled and cut into large chunks)
Hot chicken stock or milk
200 ml (heated)
Olive oil
3 tablespoons (none)
Pesto sauce
3-4 tablespoons (none)
Freshly grated parmesan cheese
1/4 cup (optional)
Toasted pine nuts
1/4 cup (optional)
Instructions
1
Place the peeled and cut potatoes in a large saucepan, and cover them with cold water. Add about 1/2 tsp of salt to the water.
2
Cover the pan and bring the water to a boil over medium-high heat. Once boiling, reduce the heat and let it simmer until the potatoes are tender, about 20-25 minutes.
3
Once tender, drain the potatoes and return them to the saucepan. Use a potato masher to mash the potatoes until smooth and creamy.
4
In a small saucepan, combine the hot chicken stock (or milk), olive oil, and pesto. Heat over medium until just simmering, and then pour this mixture into the mashed potatoes.
5
Using a wooden spoon, vigorously mix the potatoes for about 3 minutes, ensuring the texture becomes light and fluffy.
6
If needed, gently reheat the whipped potatoes on low. Fold in the freshly grated parmesan and toasted pine nuts just before serving.
7
Taste and season with additional salt and pepper, if desired.
Nutrition Information
10.5g
Fat
20g
Carbs
4g
Protein
2g
Fiber
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What are Creamy Pesto Whipped Potatoes?
They are an elevated twist on classic mashed potatoes infused with basil pesto, parmesan cheese, and toasted pine nuts.
How many servings does this recipe make?
This recipe yields 4 servings.
What is the calorie count per serving?
Each serving contains approximately 195 calories.
What are the primary ingredients needed?
The main ingredients are potatoes, chicken stock or milk, olive oil, pesto sauce, parmesan cheese, and pine nuts.
Can I use milk instead of chicken stock?
Yes, you can use 200 ml of either hot chicken stock or milk depending on your preference.
How long do the potatoes need to boil?
The potatoes should simmer for about 20-25 minutes until they are tender.
Is this recipe suitable for vegetarians?
Yes, if you use milk or vegetable stock instead of chicken stock, it is a vegetarian dish.
How do I achieve the whipped texture?
After mashing, vigorously mix the potatoes with the liquid mixture for about 3 minutes until light and fluffy.
What type of pesto should I use?
The recipe calls for 3-4 tablespoons of pesto sauce; standard basil pesto works best.
How much olive oil is required?
You will need 3 tablespoons of olive oil.
Are pine nuts necessary?
Pine nuts are optional but add a nice crunch and rustic flavor to the dish.
How much parmesan cheese is used?
The recipe suggests 1/4 cup of freshly grated parmesan cheese, which is optional.
What is the fat content per serving?
There is 10.5g of fat per serving.
How many carbohydrates are in a serving?
There are 20g of carbohydrates per serving.
Is there fiber in this dish?
Yes, each serving provides 2g of fiber.
How much protein does it contain?
Each serving contains 4g of protein.
Can I add salt and pepper?
Yes, you should taste and season with additional salt and pepper as desired at the end.
Do I need to peel the potatoes?
Yes, the recipe specifies using potatoes that have been peeled and cut into large chunks.
What should I do after draining the potatoes?
Return them to the saucepan and use a potato masher to mash them until smooth and creamy.
When do I add the parmesan and pine nuts?
Fold in the parmesan and toasted pine nuts just before serving.
How do I heat the stock and pesto mixture?
Combine the stock, olive oil, and pesto in a small saucepan and heat until just simmering.
What is a good serving suggestion?
They pair beautifully with grilled meats, roasted vegetables, or as a vegetarian centerpiece.
Can I reheat these potatoes?
Yes, you can gently reheat the whipped potatoes on low heat if needed.
How do I toast the pine nuts?
Toasty them in a dry pan over medium heat for a few minutes until they are golden brown.
Is this an easy recipe to make?
Yes, it is tagged as an easy recipe and a great comfort food side dish.
What category does this dish fall under?
This recipe is categorized under Potato dishes.
What size should I cut the potatoes?
The potatoes should be cut into large chunks for boiling.
Can I use a different type of cheese?
While parmesan is recommended for its saltiness, you could experiment with other hard cheeses.
Is this recipe considered comfort food?
Absolutely, it is a sophisticated version of traditional comfort food mashed potatoes.
How do I ensure the potatoes are tender?
Boil them starting with cold water and check with a fork; they should be easy to pierce after 20-25 minutes.