| Prep: 20 mins | Cook: 25 mins | Difficulty: Medium | Serves: 6 |
| kcal | fat | saturates | carbs |
| 350 | 20g | 12g | 32g |
| sugars | fibre | protein | salt |
| 2g | 3g | 11g | 0.7g |
There is a culinary love affair that I’ve been kindling for quite some time. Its name? The Elephant Garlic and Parmesan Mashed Potatoes. I must confess – the added twist of garlic and Parmesan takes this classic comfort food to a whole other level. A beautiful amalgamation of creamy potatoes, a subtle bite from the elephant garlic, and the savory goodness of Parmesan cheese – it’s a gastronomic delight that keeps your taste buds begging for more.
The Allure of Southern Comfort Cuisine
Being a southern belle and hailing from the hearty kitchens of Charleston, South Carolina, I’ve grown up savoring traditional dishes that are wholesome, flavorful and ground in simplicity. The Elephant Garlic and Parmesan Mashed Potatoes bring back floods of comforting nostalgia, reminding me of those lazy Sunday afternoons when family sat down for a sumptuous home-cooked meal.
Bountiful Health Benefits
But this delightful concoction isn’t just about the taste. Rich in fiber and vitamin C, potatoes can greatly contribute to a balanced diet. Then we have the elephant garlic, which is known for its multitude of potential health benefits, including lowering cholesterol, reducing blood pressure, and aiding in weight control. Finally, Parmesan cheese may not be the healthiest ingredient in the world but in moderation, it’s a flavorful source of key nutrients like calcium, protein, and vitamin A.
One thing to remember, however, is that even the healthiest meals should fit into the larger picture of balanced, moderate eating. As Benjamin Franklin supposedly said, “Eat not to dullness. Drink not to elevation.”
Pairs Perfectly…
Aside from its delightful standalone deliciousness, this dish pairs exquisitely well with a good ol’ Southern sausage gravy, or perhaps a roasted free-range chicken cooked in the Serious Eats style. Even a Butterflied Grilled Turkey from Simply Recipes would find the perfect complement in the robust flavours of this masterpiece.
Yet, my personal favorite pairing for the Elephant Garlic and Parmesan Mashed Potatoes is a rich Charleston-style crab soup. The seafood flavours stand in perfect harmony with the robustness of the mashed potatoes, each one enhancing the other, culminating in a symphony of textures and flavours unrivalled in the culinary world.
All said and done, the reason why I love the Elephant Garlic and Parmesan Mashed Potatoes is simple – it is delicious, comforting and carries within each bite, a piece of my Southern heritage.
What You’ll Need
- 2 pounds of Yukon Gold potatoes
- 1 head of Elephant Garlic
- 1/2 cup of heavy cream
- 4 tablespoons of unsalted butter
- 1 cup of freshly grated Parmesan cheese
- Salt to taste
- Black pepper to taste
- 1 tablespoon of chopped fresh parsley for garnish (optional)
Method
Step One
Start by preheating your oven to 400 degrees F (200 degrees C). Cut the top off the head of Elephant Garlic, drizzle it with some olive oil and wrap it in foil. Place it in the oven and let it roast for 40-45 minutes or until it’s soft and slightly caramelized. Once done, remove it from the oven and let it cool.
Step Two
While the garlic is roasting, peel and wash your Yukon Gold potatoes. Cut them into quarters and place them in a large pot of water. Bring the water to a boil and then reduce the heat to a simmer. Simmer the potatoes for about 15-20 minutes or until they are tender and easily pierced with a fork.
Step Three
Once the potatoes are cooked, drain them and return them to the pot. Add in your heavy cream, unsalted butter, and the freshly grated Parmesan cheese. Begin to mash the potatoes until they become smooth.
Step Four
By this time, your roasted garlic should be cool enough to handle. Squeeze the soft garlic out of the skin and add it to your mashed potatoes. Continue to mash until the garlic is well incorporated.
Step Five
Season your mashed potatoes with salt and black pepper to taste. Mix well to ensure the seasoning is evenly distributed throughout the potatoes.
Step Six
Transfer the mashed potatoes to a serving dish. If desired, you can garnish with a tablespoon of freshly chopped parsley. Serve warm and enjoy your Elephant Garlic and Parmesan Mashed Potatoes!
