| Prep: 20 mins | Cook: 45 mins | Difficulty: Medium | Serves: 6 |
| kcal | fat | saturates | carbs |
| 350 | 16g | 10g | 45g |
| sugars | fibre | protein | salt |
| 2g | 5g | 7g | 0.2g |
Even as a dedicated lawyer by day, one of my great passions finds roots in the bustling heart of my home’s kitchen. Today, we’re talking about one of my absolute favourites – Smashed Potatoes with Voatsiperifery Butter. This fruit-based recipe is as much about exploration as it is about flavor. A delightful mingling of the familiar with the exotic, this dish calls upon simple ingredients like Yukon Gold potatoes and lemon zest to create a staple that’s out of this world.
A Perfect Fusion
Drawing from my beloved Afro-Southern roots, Smashed Potatoes with Voatsiperifery Butter showcases the bridging of culinary worlds – Southern comfort with a fiery West African spin. This is the epitome of ‘tried and true meets fresh and new’. If you love dishes like Jambalaya or Jollof Rice, this recipe might just be your new comfort meal.
Made with Voatsiperifery Pepper, a rare spice from the rainforests of Madagascar, this dish hums with a subtle yet punchy heat that is both intriguing and satisfying. The pepper, paired with the buttery, velvety texture of the smashed potatoes, creates a harmony of flavors reminiscent of traditional Nigerian pepper soup or American mashed potatoes but with the volume dialed up.
The Beauty of Balance
While indulgent, the health benefits of the dish shouldn’t be overlooked. The starch in potatoes can help to improve digestion, and they are a rich source of vitamin C. The Voatsiperifery pepper, besides providing a delightful kick, is a powerhouse of antioxidants which promote a radiant, healthy complexion. Furthermore, peppers are well-known as metabolism boosters, aiding in weight loss. The lemon zest lends additional layers of health benefits; packed with vitamin C and heart-healthy bioflavonoids.
Paired with a simple side of collard greens or an heirloom tomato salad in the summer, it makes for a meal both diverse in palate and balanced in nutrition. You could also serve it with a well-marinated grilled steak or fried chicken for a deep dive into comfort food territory. Whichever way you enjoy these flavorful smashed potatoes, it presents a culinary journey of the senses you’ll want to embark on time and again.
This might be a recipe rooted in fusion, but it’s one that illustrates how different food cultures can not just coexist, but sing together in a harmonious symphony of flavors. And that’s why I love this recipe!
What You’ll Need
- 3 pounds of Yukon Gold Potatoes
- 1 cup Whole Milk
- 8 tablespoons Unsalted Butter
- 4 tablespoons Voatsiperifery Pepper, ground
- Salt, to taste
- 2 tablespoons Fresh Lemon Zest
Method
Step One
Start by cleaning the Yukon Gold Potatoes, then put them in a large pot. Add enough cold water to cover the potatoes and bring it to boil over medium-high heat. Let it simmer, partially covered, for about 20 to 30 minutes or until they are tender.
Step Two
While the potatoes are boiling, combine the Whole Milk and Unsalted Butter in a saucepan. Warm over medium heat until the butter is completely melted.
Step Three
Once the potatoes are cooked, drain the water and return them to the pot. Use a potato masher to smash them until they are roughly broken up.
Step Four
Add the warmed milk and melted butter mixture to the smashed potatoes. Stir well to combine. You want your potatoes to be creamy but still have some texture to them.
Step Five
Stir in Voatsiperifery Pepper, and Salt according to your taste. Mix well until the potatoes are well-seasoned.
Step Six
Finally, sprinkle the Fresh Lemon Zest over the smashed potatoes and fold it in gently. This will give the dish a bright and tangy finish.
Step Seven
Give your smashed potatoes a final taste and adjust the seasoning if needed. Serve your Smashed Potatoes with Voatsiperifery Butter while they’re hot and enjoy!
