Napa Farmhouse 1885™: Broccoli, Leek & Sweet Potato Mash

Wednesday, April 16, 2014

Broccoli, Leek & Sweet Potato Mash

Fresh steamed vegetables mashed together with olive oil and seasonings is a delicious, easy and nutritious side dish. Perfect for weeknight dinners and elegant enough for entertaining on weekends, mashed vegetables provide endless combinations. Tonight I made a mash with broccoli, leek and sweet potatoes. The result? Amazing. Mashed vegetables are wonderful. Just use the freshest, in-season, local, organic/sustainably grown ingredients. You really can taste the difference.

I love this combination but you can adjust based on what you have on hand or what is in season. I like cauliflower, red bell pepper and potato with cheese or try my Spicy Fava Bean Mash. Other options are beets and parsnips, roasted root vegetables, carrots, sweet potatoes & peas, or mashed potatoes, rutabagas & parsnips. What combinations would you create?

Broccoli, Leek & Sweet Potato Mash
1 head broccoli. large woody ends removed and broccoli cut into florets
1 large sweet potato
1 large leek, cleaned and chopped (white and pale green parts)
extra virgin olive oil
pinch dried red pepper flakes
sea salt
freshly cracked black pepper
1/2 cup shredded parmigiano reggiano cheese
2 tbsp Italian parsley, chopped

Add 1 inch of water to large stockpot and bring to a boil. Add steamer insert (if available). Add larch pinch salt and broccoli to pot, either in the steamer or directly into pot. Steam for 5-8 minutes or until soft. Remove from heat and drain.

Prick sweet potato all over with a fork. Place on a microwave safe plate and microwave for 8-10 minutes or until really soft.

Warm 1 tbsp olive oil in skillet over medium high heat. Add leeks and saute until soft and beginning to caramelize. Add the leeks, including the olive oil, to a food processor along with the broccoli and potato flesh. Add pinch each red pepper flakes, salt and black pepper. Process until as mashed as you like. I like mine with a bit of texture but keep going if you want a smoother mash. Add 1-2 tbsp olive oil and process for a couple of seconds. Add mash to skillet and simmer until hot. Taste and adjust seasonings if necessary. Sprinkle cheese and parsley over top and serve immediately.