As newlyweds, M. and I love cooking dinners together, spending an hour or so whipping up a 3-course meal. But other nights, we just want simple comfort food with intense flavors that are whipped up in less than 20 minutes. This is where Idaho Spuds come in.
First of all, before having Idaho Spuds, I had never had mashed potatoes from a box. It’s not something you see much in the Dominican Republic, and I honestly never even gave them much thought. I can hear you sigh and say “Oh why can’t she just peel, cut and boil potatoes? Isn’t she a chef? Bla bla bla…” I could, but sometimes (probably once a week), I feel too lazy to do the peel, cut and boil method and the satisfaction of having comforting, buttery mashed potatoes in five minutes is definitely appealing. They come in Classic Flakes and Signature Potato Bits.
One of the main issues when using a pre-made product is the fear of added preservatives, but Idaho Spuds are 100% Idaho® potatoes. No fillers, all potatoes. And since potatoes are naturally glute-free, so are Idaho Spuds! The fact that they cook quickly is great and here are some quick ideas to add even more flavor to your Idaho Spuds:
- Grate your favorite cheese, such as Parmesan, Taleggio or even a dollop of burrata to make it indulgent!
- Finely chop broccoli florets and steam for 2-3 minutes. Stir into mashed potatoes for added health benefits and color!
- Instead of making mashed potatoes with whole milk, use a mix of both whole milk and coconut milk. Serve alongside your favorite curry!
- Some easy to add flavors are: wasabi, horseradish, or ginger. Remember a little goes a long way!
- Sprinkle with spices and cover with marshmallows for a twist on your classic sweet potato pie. Cinnamon, Nutmeg, Allspice and Cloves are some of my favorites!
Serves 2
2 tablespoons tomato paste
Idaho Spuds
Cilantro Paste
Fresh Cilantro
(measurements depending on amounts needed)
- In a hot cast iron pan, chop chorizo into slices and sear for 2 minutes. Add chopped pepper and onion and cook until translucent. Add tomatoes and let simmer for 20 minutes. Season with sugar, salt and pepper.
- During the last 5 minutes of cooking, prepare mashed potatoes as instructed. Add cilantro paste as well as fresh cilantro leaves and fold in. Serve and enjoy!
Connect with Idaho Spuds! Check out their website for some delicious recipe ideas, follow them on Twitter and give them a like on Facebook!
lovely meal and cool graphic adore them
i love chorizo! love the idea of making it into a savory ragu and topping it on top of cilantro potatoes! hahaha well btwn two chefs, i would only expect 3 course meals! have a splendid weekend!
What a fun change up to pasta and sauce! I am a big fan of chorizo, it is spicy happiness:-) This sounds delicious! Hugs, Terra
Oh, the chorizo ragu sounds fantastic! I need to make this.
I love soft tomatoey things on top of potatoes. but out of a box ? Not many of those here and they’re in a little plastic bag. I use them for bread recipes that call for instant potatoes.
I’ll order some and try it just for you. I trust your judgement. 🙂 You don’t promote crap.
I love chorizo. Love it. And it makes such beautiful red oil in the pan:)
The Hubby would love this, just without cilantro he isn’t a fan. He just found his crave for chorizo and likes it alot of ways. I have been putting it in with scrambled eggs, onions and cheese and serving it in a flour tortilla. He just can’t get enough!
I’ve never thought of topping mashed with a tomato-based sauce. It’s good to think outside the box 🙂
I love the idea of adding cilantro!! (to anything actually. lol)
Growing up I was always afraid of the spiciness of chorizo, but I think it’s time to venture out into the unknown! And with a ragu it’s hardly intimidating anymore! Confidence instilled. Thanks, M! ~Megan