Creamy Vegan Mashed Potatoes

The most basic recipe for vegan mashed potatoes involves merely boiling the potatoes in water and mashing them up until there are no longer any large chunks. However, it is when mashed potatoes are seasoned with herbs and mixed with a creamy base that they become the ultimate comfort food. The herbs used in this recipe not only add flavor to the dish but also offer some health benefits of their own. The type of potato that you choose can also enhance the nutritional content.

Yellow Potatoes
Even if you don’t count sweet potatoes, there is a bewildering array of the tubers available. Potatoes come in a variety of colors, including red, yellow, white, and purple. While you could use any type of potato you wish to make this recipe, there are some advantages to choosing yellow potatoes. Yellow potatoes can add some cheeriness to your table because of their bright, warm color. Yellow potatoes get their hue from antioxidants called carotenoids, which help to protect the cells of your body from damage by free radicals. Specifically, yellow potatoes contain vitamin C, which not only works as an antioxidant itself but also helps to regenerate others. One variety of yellow potatoes to consider is Yukon Gold. It is a cross between a South American wild yellow potato and the North American white potato that was developed at a university in Canada.

Dill
Feathery, flavorful, and easy to find, dill has been used for centuries as an ingredient in traditional medicine, especially in Asia. While the effectiveness of dill to treat health complaints has not yet been scientifically confirmed, it is a fact that the herb contains a wide variety of healthful nutrients, including zinc, riboflavin, copper, and magnesium. Dill also contains calcium, which is important to source and consume in a vegan diet. Both dill and yellow potatoes contain potassium, which can help to lower blood pressure. Also don’t forget it tastes great as well!