For a rich and satisfying meal that’s full of flavor, Garlic Vegan Mashed Potatoes with Caramelized Onions and Grilled Mushrooms is a perfect choice. The creamy garlic-infused mashed potatoes pair beautifully with sweet, golden caramelized onions and hearty, savory grilled mushrooms. This combination offers a perfect balance of creamy, savory, and umami flavors, making it a comforting yet elevated plant-based dish.
Why Grilled Mushrooms?
Grilled mushrooms, especially varieties like portobello or cremini, have a meaty texture and absorb flavors wonderfully. When grilled or sautéed, they develop a rich, smoky flavor and a satisfying chewiness that complements the soft mashed potatoes and sweet caramelized onions.
Caramelized Onions for Sweetness
Caramelized onions add a touch of sweetness and deep, rich flavor to this dish. Slow-cooked until golden brown, they provide a wonderful contrast to the earthy mushrooms and garlicky mashed potatoes.
Recipe: Garlic Vegan Mashed Potatoes with Caramelized Onions and Grilled Mushrooms
Servings: 4
Preparation Time: 15 minutes
Cooking Time: 35 minutes
Total Time: 50 minutes
Ingredients:
For the Garlic Mashed Potatoes:
- 2 pounds Yukon gold or russet potatoes, peeled and diced
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/4 cup unsweetened plant-based milk (almond, oat, or soy milk)
- 2 tablespoons olive oil or vegan butter
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- Fresh parsley or chives (optional, for garnish)
For the Caramelized Onions:
- 2 large onions, thinly sliced
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 teaspoon balsamic vinegar (optional, for depth of flavor)
- Salt and pepper, to taste
For the Grilled Mushrooms:
- 12 oz cremini or portobello mushrooms, sliced
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon soy sauce or tamari (for gluten-free)
- 1 teaspoon thyme (fresh or dried)
- Salt and pepper, to taste
Instructions:
- Prepare the Caramelized Onions:
- In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium-low heat. Add the sliced onions and a pinch of salt, stirring occasionally.
- Cook the onions for 20-25 minutes, stirring every few minutes, until they are golden brown and caramelized. If they start to stick, you can add a splash of water to deglaze the pan. Stir in the balsamic vinegar during the last few minutes of cooking for added flavor, if using.
- Once caramelized, season with salt and pepper to taste, and set aside.
- Cook the Garlic Mashed Potatoes:
- While the onions are caramelizing, bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the diced potatoes and cook for about 15-20 minutes, or until the potatoes are tender and easily pierced with a fork. Drain the potatoes and return them to the pot.
- In a small skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat and sauté the minced garlic for 1-2 minutes, until fragrant and lightly golden (be careful not to burn the garlic).
- Add the garlic-infused olive oil and plant-based milk to the drained potatoes. Mash until smooth and creamy, adding more milk if needed to reach your desired consistency. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Grill the Mushrooms:
- In a large skillet or grill pan, heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil over medium-high heat. Add the sliced mushrooms in a single layer (you may need to do this in batches) and cook for 5-6 minutes, until browned and tender.
- Add the minced garlic, soy sauce, and thyme to the mushrooms, and cook for another 2 minutes, stirring frequently to coat the mushrooms evenly. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Assemble the Dish:
- Serve the garlic mashed potatoes on a plate and top with caramelized onions and grilled mushrooms. Garnish with fresh parsley or chives if desired.
- Serve and Enjoy:
- Serve warm and enjoy this savory, comforting, and flavor-packed plant-based meal.
Nutritional Information (Per Serving):
- Calories: 380
- Protein: 8g
- Carbohydrates: 55g
- Fiber: 8g
- Sugar: 8g
- Fat: 14g
- Saturated Fat: 2g
- Iron: 3mg
- Calcium: 100mg
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Rich in Flavor: The garlic-infused mashed potatoes are creamy and full of flavor, while the caramelized onions add a sweet, rich contrast to the savory grilled mushrooms.
- Balanced and Wholesome: This dish is not only comforting but also nutritious, thanks to the fiber and vitamins from the potatoes, onions, and mushrooms.
- A Comforting and Elevated Meal: This meal feels both cozy and refined, making it perfect for a special dinner or a weeknight treat.
- Versatile and Customizable: You can easily swap out the mushrooms for other vegetables, like roasted asparagus or broccoli, or add extra herbs to suit your taste.
Final Thoughts
Garlic Vegan Mashed Potatoes with Caramelized Onions and Grilled Mushrooms is the ultimate plant-based comfort food, combining the richness of mashed potatoes with the deep, savory flavors of caramelized onions and grilled mushrooms. Whether you’re looking for a hearty weeknight dinner or a special meal to impress guests, this recipe is sure to satisfy your cravings for a flavorful and wholesome plant-based dish.
Serve this with a simple salad or roasted vegetables for a well-rounded, satisfying meal. Enjoy!
