I know what you’re thinking. Mashed potatoes are not a health food. And you’re right. But I have some fantastic news for you!  You can now indulge without the bulge!!!

I came up with this idea partially on accident, partially after talking with Hanna, who has written a guest post for me here.  She is a fitness pal of mine and talked about adding garbanzo beans to her mashed potatoes to give her extra protein.

I have made “mashed cauliflower” before, and though the flavor is excellent, the grainy texture was not a perfect win for me since it failed to reach the creamy utopia that mashed potatoes do.  Forgive me for speaking so highly of mashed potatoes.  They are easily one of my husband’s favorite foods and when he has a bite of a good recipe he’ll cry, so I’ve seen the power of mashed potatoes.  Anyway, I combined Hanna’s ideas of the beans and the cauliflower I’ve done in the past with potatoes and it basically made a taste of healthy Heaven.  This recipe is also really easy, and really quick to make, which is why it graced my weeknight dinner table twice this week!

Protein Mashed Potato Recipe makes 4-6 servings

2 red potatoes skin on or off
1 head cauliflower
1.5C cooked cannellini beans
1 scallion stalk
3-4 garlic cloves
salt to taste

I chose cannellini beans because they are naturally smooth and buttery.  Their flavor is a perfect addition to the potatoes to make you think it’s full of butter.

First, chop the potatoes and cauliflower.  This doesn’t have to be pretty.  They’re going to be mashed, remember?

Just cover the potatoes with water and set it on medium heat to bring to a boil.  Then, top the potatoes with the cauliflower.  Essentially, you’ll be boiling the potatoes, and steaming the cauliflower.

Cover and let boil/steam for about 8 minutes.  Add the beans on top and re-cover, cooking an additional 2-3 minutes.

Meanwhile, give a rough chop to the scallions and garlic if you’re not using a garlic press.

Once the potatoes, cauliflower, and beans have been sufficiently cooked and heated, drain off the water and place in a food processor along with the garlic, scallions, and salt.

Blend until desired consistency is reached.  It is that easy!

Enjoy!