Wednesday, March 23, 2011

White Bean Potato Purée


What side dishes would you serve along with pork tenderloin or roast beef? This was the question that I asked in my last post on Pork Tenderloin. As I get more experience in cooking and baking, I tend to find new focus and directions which I feel that I am lacking, something that I haven't mastered yet. It is always fun to explore new stuff, otherwise life would so boring. Same goes for science, once we are done with one project, we want to work on new ones with the acquired skills and knowledge from our previous project. This is how science usually advances.

In fancy restaurants and in cooking shows, main dishes are always served with a sauce and a side dish that  the flavors go well together. As you can see, I'm starting to explore different combination of side dishes that would complement well with mains. Since you viewers come from different part of the world, it was very interesting to see how you would respond to this question. There were some basic and quick side dishes that you have mentioned such as mashed and roasted potatoes, rice, pasta and greens. A few of you have mentioned grilled and sautéed asparagus, this is something that haven't tried yet, seems like it is a common side dish for Westerners. Thanks for all your response, I greatly appreciate it.


I would not ask this question for no reason if I haven't made one myself. Mashed potatoes are perfect when they are light and fluffy, even better when milk and butter is added. A good alternative is to use white beans. Since they have a very similar texture to potatoes once cooked, they are excellent sources of fiber! This mashed white bean potato dish complements well with any saucy dishes, a lighter and healthier alternative to mashed potatoes.

Serves 6
Preparation Time: 10 mins
Cooking Time: 15 mins
Printable Recipe

Ingredients

2 red-skinned or russet potatoes, peeled and cut into 1/2-inch cubes
1 can (14 oz.) navy or cannellini beans, drained and rinsed
2 garlic cloves for garlic paste
1/2 tsp ground rosemary (or any other herbs like thyme and oregano)
Salt and pepper

Procedure

1. In a medium pot, place potatoes and cover with water. Boil until potatoes are tender, about 10 mins.

2. Meanwhile, prepare garlic paste. Check this video for preparation. Garlic paste has a finer and smoother texture than minced garlic.

3. Turn heat to medium-low and add in beans. Simmer for 2-3 mins.


4. Drain until about 1/3 cup of cooking water remains. Add in garlic paste and herbs.


5. Purée mixture with an immersion blender. Season with salt and pepper to taste.

27 comments:

  1. your potato puree looks awesome! I like how tasty mashed potatoes are, but they kinda get too dense for my liking sometimes. i love the lightness of yours :)

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  2. Victor, this is a stunning side dish! I absolutely love the idea of combining hearty potatoes with creamy white beans - I bet the combination tastes wonderful! Thanks for sharing and inspiring me with this delicious idea. Also, thank you for leaving such a kind comment on my blog! :) Have a great day.

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  3. This is a great substitute to the traditional all potato mash. The addition of beans means addition of fiber into this creamy side dish. what a great idea!

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  4. What a great idea to add the beans to the potato. Looks delicious!

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  5. Wow beans and potato together in puree thats sounds absolutely marvellous..simply yummy..

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  6. very good substitute for just the normal mashed potatoes and will added ingredients for more flavors.

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  7. a good substitute for the usual mashed potatoes, if i able to find this white bean, i must prepare this way.

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  8. A fantastic way to incorporate more fiber and protein in your diet. And delicious too! Thanks for sharing this lovely recipe!

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  9. This is so original and healthy. Love this combination; anxuous to give this one a try.And love the idea of making a garlic paste. Always finding something new on your site; thanks.
    Rita

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  10. Looks so creamy... has a melt-in-the-mouth texture..

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  11. I love to try this bean puree, I may spice up little bit with some chili powder

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  12. une excellente idée mon cher Victor
    l'ajout des haricots à la pomme de terre la purée a l'air délicieuse
    à bientôt

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  13. I would have never thought to combine the white beans in a mashed potato! Definitely going to try this the next time I have mashed potatoes! =)

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  14. I love mashed potatoes with celery root and I know I would love them with the white beans too! Another great idea.

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  15. What a wonderful side dish...so unique,love it!

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  16. This is a really good recipe. Do you reckon I can try it with butter beans? I really like the taste :) And kudos to you for putting a decent sized portion on your plate, you mentioned about side dishes in posh restaurants, but their portions are minuscule, however beautifully presented!

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  17. Hi Victor. Thank you for visiting me at Simplify. Your blog is very interesting! I love it. I will be back!

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  18. @Pudding Pie Lane Any beans with a very thin skin would work. Let me know how it turns out.

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  19. I have never tried mixing potatoes and beans in a puree. This is a great idea.

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  20. I just made white beans last night! Why havn't I ever thought about putting them with potatoes? Fabulous dish! Miriam@Meatless Meals For Meat Eaters

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  21. I love this idea! Combining potatoes with white beans sounds great:)!

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  22. Je sers habituellement un purée de pommes de terre à l'ail. J'aime tellement cette recette avec les fèves cannellinis.

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  23. Thanks for stopping by the Food Hound! I love the concept of Random Cuisine! More students should try cooking for themselves... fewer Freshman 15 :) This looks like a super side dish, and is easy enough for a weeknight! Sold!

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  24. I love this idea! It's one I would of NEVER thought of but sounds insanely good! White beans are so creamy and mild - I can see why this works so well.

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  25. Nie way to sneak in some protein. Looks great n definitely healthier..thanks for sharing..


    US Masala

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  26. This is a really interesting recipe. It would be perfect with the pork. I hope you have a great weekend. Blessings...Mary

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  27. thanks for sharing this! i think i've seen those white beans selling here. i shall keep this recipe for future use.

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