As you start to plan your Thanksgiving menu, think about this historical tidbit: Sarah Josepha Hale, an influential 19th-century editor who also wrote "Mary Had a Little Lamb," is to thank for your traditional Thanksgiving meal. Not only did she pitch the idea of making Thanksgiving a national holiday to President Lincoln but she also suggested that home cooks make food that was popular at the time rather than what the Pilgrims and American Indians ate at their first feast. While Hale's holiday stuck, her push for us to cook modern food faded. The roast poultry, stuffing/dressing, and yes mashed potatoes stuck around. Why? My guess is that it’s because we know what we like and most people, my dad especially do not like change. I have news for my family (actually I may not tell them!) that I am taking a stand. I'm going to start with a mashed potato makeover. I plan to swap out some of the traditional white potatoes with other tubers or vegetables that might boost fiber and add nutrients or flavor. Here's how you can make over your mashed potatoes on Thanksgiving Day or any other night they're on the menu. Before you swap out let’s review some basic cooking techniques for perfect healthy basic mash. |
Veggie (1 cup raw) | Calories | Carbs (g) | Fiber (g) |
Butternut squash | 82 | 22 | 6 |
Cauliflower | 25 | 5 | 3 |
Celery root | 42 | 9 | 2 |
Parsnips | 111 | 27 | 6 |
Potato | 116 | 26 | 3 |
Rutabega | 50 | 11 | 4 |
Sweet potato | 140 | 32 | 4 |
Turnips | 36 | 8 | 2 |
12 Ways to Add Flavor to Your Mashed Potatoes
Just because you change up the variety of the main ingredient don’t stop there. Try adding flavor notes in the form of herbs, pureed vegetables, or cheese. Check out my top flavor enhancers for a mash.- Roasted garlic--load up on it. The sharp taste of garlic will be mellow and sweet.
- Sautéed leeks or caramelized onions
- Fresh thyme or chopped fresh rosemary
- Sage and a small amount of brown butter
- Fresh chives and Greek yogurt
- Cilantro
- Grated Parmesan or Manchego cheese
- Concentrated orange juice (simmer until it has reduced by half)
- Bacon and bacon grease--just one slice, crumbled
- A sprinkle of smoked paprika just before serving
- Nutritional yeast and light soy sauce (just a teaspoon) for the vegans
- Curry powder and light coconut milk (great with sweet potatoes)
So what do you say? Are you going to make over your mashed potatoes this Thanksgiving or stick with your family favorite?
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