Can You Make Mashed Potatoes With Almond Milk?
Making mashed potatoes with almond milk rather than traditional cow’s milk is becoming increasingly popular due to the rise of plant-based diets. This particular dish has proved itself to be a great vegan replacement for creamy mashed potatoes, with its rich texture and delicate flavor making it a hit with vegans and non-vegans alike. In this article, we’ll delve into the specifics and provide you with important information on how to make delicious and healthy mashed potatoes using almond milk.
Background Information
Almond milk is a great substitute for cows milk, as it’s low in fat and calories compared to traditional cow’s milk. It also contains essential vitamins and minerals, such as magnesium, iron, and vitamin B6. Furthermore, almond milk is also free from lactose, which makes it perfect for those who are either lactose intolerant or vegan.
When it comes to making mashed potatoes with almond milk, the process is very straightforward. All you need to do is substitute cow’s milk with almond milk and you’ll have a delicious vegan dish. In this article, we’ll explain the steps required for making your own mashed potatoes with almond milk.
The Steps Involved
Making mashed potatoes with almond milk is fairly easy and should only take around 10 minutes. The first step is to peel and dice the potatoes. Once you have peeled and diced the potatoes, put them in a large pot and fill it up with enough water to cover the potatoes. Then, it’s time to boil them – set the timer for 10 minutes and wait for the potatoes to become tender. Once the potatoes are ready, it’s time to drain the boiling water and add some almond milk. Finally, mash the potatoes with a masher, adding almond milk as you go until you get the desired consistency.
For a richer and creamier texture, you can add more almond milk as desired. Some people also add a tablespoon of vegan butter or olive oil for a richer flavor. You can also add salt and pepper to the mashed potatoes as well.
The Benefits of Using Almond Milk
Using almond milk for mashed potatoes has a number of benefits that are worth considering. For starters, many experts have shown that almond milk is healthier than its dairy-based counterparts. In fact, it has been found to have five times the amount of calcium, eight times the amount of vitamin E, and seven times the amount of vitamin A found in cow’s milk, while also being lower in saturated fat and offering a wide range of other benefits for heart health.
Additionally, almond milk is rich in antioxidants, which helps protect cells from damage and oxidative stress. Furthermore, it is also rich in unsaturated fats, which can help reduce bad cholesterol levels and increase good cholesterol levels.
The Different Dining Options
Once you have made your mashed potatoes, there are a number of different dining options to choose from. As a side dish, mashed potatoes with almond milk can be served with a variety of different dishes, including roasted chicken, steak, and fish. Served as a main course, mashed potatoes can be served with vegan-friendly ingredients such as tofu, tempeh, and seitan. To complete the meal, you could serve some sautéed vegetables and a green salad.
The Important Tips for Making Mashed Potatoes with Almond Milk
When making mashed potatoes with almond milk, it is important to follow a few basic tips. The first is to make sure you use the right potatoes. For a creamy mash, the best potatoes to use are either russet potatoes, Yukon gold potatoes, or white potatoes. You should also avoid using red potatoes, as these have a waxy texture, making them unsuitable for mashing.
Additionally, it is also important to use the right amount of almond milk. Start off by adding ¼ cup of almond milk and add more as needed until you reach the desired consistency. Furthermore, ensure that your mashed potatoes don’t become too runny, otherwise, the texture won’t be right. Finally, if needed, you can add a tablespoon of vegan butter to your mashed potatoes for an even richer flavor.
Additional Ingredient Varieties to Try
Mashed potatoes made with almond milk can be made even more interesting with different ingredient additions. To add some extra flavor, you can add some vegan cheese, caramelized onions, or spicy jalapeños. If you prefer a sweeter dish, try adding some roasted garlic, oregano, and sage leaves to the combination. Lastly, you can also add some avocado or roasted cauliflower for added texture and flavor. The options are endless, so it’s up to you to experiment and pick the combination that you like best.
Different Plant Milks to Consider
With so many plant-based milks on the market, you might be wondering which one to use for mashed potatoes. While almond milk is the most popular option, there are a number of other alternatives to consider. Soy milk, coconut milk, and oat milk are all great options for making mashed potatoes, each with its own unique flavor and texture. All three milks are also low in saturated fat and high in fiber, so you can feel confident that you are making a healthy choice.
Healthier Bases for Making Dairy Free Mashed Potatoes
If you’re looking to make your mashed potatoes even healthier, there are a number of other bases you can use instead of almond milk. For example, you can try using mashed cauliflower instead of potatoes as a base. This is a great way to get more vegetables into your diet and has a similar texture to mashed potatoes. Additionally, you can also try mashed sweet potatoes, which are high in fiber and full of vitamins and minerals. You can also use white beans as a base for your mashed potatoes instead of potatoes, which is another great way to increase your daily intake of protein and fiber.
Delicious Toppings to Complete the Dish
Once you have your mashed potatoes made with almond milk, you can finish them off with some delicious toppings. Avocado slices, smoked paprika, and vegan bacon bits are some popular vegan options to top your mashed potatoes with. For a more traditional flavor, try adding some shredded cheese and freshly chopped chives. To give your mashed potatoes a unique twist, try adding some roasted garlic, caramelized onions, or olives.
Ultimately, there are so many delicious and healthy options to consider when making mashed potatoes with almond milk. Whether you prefer to make it the traditional way or experiment with some interesting ingredients, there are plenty of possibilities. With this article, you should have all the information you need to recreate this dish at home.
