What are Asiago Pesto Mashed Potatoes?
Asiago Pesto Mashed Potatoes are a delicious variation of the traditional mashed potatoes recipe. They are made by cooking potatoes until they are soft, then mashing them together with butter, cream, and a flavorful pesto made with basil, garlic, pine nuts, and Asiago cheese.
Ingredients for Asiago Pesto Mashed Potatoes
To make Asiago Pesto Mashed Potatoes, you will need the following ingredients:
- 2 pounds of potatoes, peeled and chopped
- 4 tablespoons of butter, cut into pieces
- 1/2 cup of heavy cream
- Salt and pepper to taste
- For the pesto:
- 1 cup of basil leaves
- 1/2 cup of Asiago cheese, grated
- 2 cloves of garlic
- 1/4 cup of pine nuts
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1/2 cup of extra virgin olive oil
How to make Asiago Pesto Mashed Potatoes
Making Asiago Pesto Mashed Potatoes is very easy. Follow these steps:
1. Peel and chop the potatoes and place them in a large pot. Cover them with cold water and add a pinch of salt. Bring the water to a boil over high heat.
2. Reduce the heat to medium-low and let the potatoes simmer for about 20 minutes or until they are soft.
3. Drain the potatoes and return them to the pot.
4. Add the butter, cream, salt, and pepper to taste. Mash everything together until the potatoes are smooth.
5. In a food processor, combine the basil leaves, Asiago cheese, garlic, pine nuts, salt, and pepper. Pulse everything together until it forms a smooth paste.
6. With the food processor running, slowly pour in the olive oil until the pesto is well combined.
7. Add the pesto to the mashed potatoes and stir everything together until well combined.
8. Serve the mashed potatoes hot and enjoy!
Tips for making the perfect Asiago Pesto Mashed Potatoes
1. Use a potato masher instead of a food processor to mash the potatoes. This will help to ensure that they are not overworked.
2. Be generous with the butter and cream. This will help to create a rich and creamy texture for the mashed potatoes.
3. Don't skip on the pesto. The flavor of the pesto is what makes these mashed potatoes unique and delicious. Be sure to use high-quality ingredients for the pesto, like fresh basil and Asiago cheese.
4. Don't overheat the mashed potatoes. Overheating can cause the cream to separate and the butter to melt, resulting in a greasy texture.
5. Garnish your mashed potatoes with extra grated Asiago cheese and chopped fresh basil for an extra pop of flavor.
Conclusion
Asiago Pesto Mashed Potatoes are an easy-to-make and delicious alternative to traditional mashed potatoes. They are perfect for adding extra flavor and pizazz to any meal. Just be sure to follow the tips above for the perfect texture and flavor, and you'll have a dish that will impress your family and guests alike.
Valuable Tips When Making Asiago Pesto Mashed Potatoes Recipes
Asiago pesto mashed potatoes are a delightful side dish that can add a burst of flavor to your meals. The combination of creamy and slightly tangy potatoes with the pesto undertones of basil, garlic, and pine nuts creates a delicious and fulfilling experience. However, to achieve the perfect asiago pesto mashed potatoes, there are some tips that you need to follow. In this article, we will share valuable tips when making asiago pesto mashed potatoes recipes.
1) Choose the Right Potatoes
The type of potatoes you use can significantly affect the texture of your mashed potatoes. Russet potatoes, for instance, are perfect for mashed potatoes because they are starchy and dry, resulting in a light and fluffy texture.
However, when making asiago pesto mashed potatoes, Yukon gold potatoes are recommended. Yukon gold potatoes are creamier and less starchy than russet potatoes, providing a smooth, velvety texture.
2) Don't Overcook the Potatoes
It is essential to cook your potatoes correctly; otherwise, your mashed potatoes may end up gluey and seen-through due to the excess starch from overcooked potatoes.
To avoid this, cook your potatoes just enough to make them tender without overcooking them. You can do this by piercing them with a fork, and when they slide off easily, they are ready to be drained.
3) Mash the Potatoes When Still Hot
Mash your potatoes while still hot. When you mash your potatoes while hot, it will make them creamier, and easier to mix with other ingredients. Also, ensure you use a potato masher or a hand-held mixer instead of a blender or food processor.
Using a blender or food processor will overwork the potatoes, resulting in a gluey texture.
4) Add Pesto to Taste
When making asiago pesto mashed potatoes, add pesto to taste. Asiago pesto mashed potatoes are all about the flavor balance between the potatoes and the pesto.
The amount of pesto you add depends on your taste preference; therefore, add the basil, garlic, and pine nut mixture slowly and adjust accordingly.
5) Stir the Pesto in Gently
When incorporating the pesto into the mashed potatoes, stir it in gently to avoid overworking the potatoes. Overworking the potatoes can lead to a gluey texture, and you don't want that.
6) Add Cheese and Cream
Asiago pesto mashed potatoes are not complete without adding cream and cheese. Adding cheese enhances the flavor and provides a delicate texture to the dish.
Incorporating shaved asiago cheese and heavy cream will create a subtle and delicious combination that will enhance the flavor of your mashed potatoes.
7) Garnish with Basil Leaves
To enhance the overall presentation of your asiago pesto mashed potatoes, garnish with basil leaves. Basil leaves add a touch of color and provide a delightful aroma to the dish.
Conclusion
Asiago pesto mashed potatoes are a savory side dish that you can make at home, using readily available ingredients. Following the above valuable tips will help you make the perfect asiago pesto mashed potatoes recipe that will leave your taste buds satisfied.
Remember to choose the right potatoes, mash them while still hot, add pesto to taste, stir the pesto in gently, add cheese and cream, and finally, garnish with basil leaves.
With these tips, you will make a delicious asiago pesto mashed potatoes recipe that will be the talk of the dinner table.
