Vegan Smashed Potatoes Recipe With Garlic & Herbs

Welcome to a culinary adventure that will redefine your love for potatoes! If you're on the hunt for a scrumptious vegan side dish that's bursting with flavor, our Vegan Smashed Potatoes Recipe With Garlic & Herbs is about to become your new go-to. These golden, fluffy-on-the-outside, tender-on-the-inside potatoes are not only a feast for the taste buds but also a cinch to prepare. Whether you're a die-hard vegan or simply looking to add a plant-based twist to your menu, this dish is a winner, especially for potato lovers. So, let's dive into the delicious world of smashed potatoes and discover how to create this mouthwatering masterpiece!

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Jump to:

• Ingredients
• Instructions
• 📖 Recipe
• Substitutions and variations
• What should I serve with vegan smashed potatoes?
• What herbs work best with Vegan Smashed Potatoes?
• FAQ's
• Shop this post
• 💬 Comments

Now that the summer months are on their way we are eating more salads and barbecue dishes. It is such a joy to eat outside and we enjoy our meals in the garden or as picnics whenever we get the opportunity. These vegan smashed potatoes are just perfect for this kind of meal. They have a lovely, light flavour and provide a substantial side dish. They aren't crispy potatoes, more soft and fluffy like a potato salad, without the dressing.

These vegan smashed potatoes with herbs are full of flavour and are really quite quick to whip together. They will store well in the fridge so they can be made ahead of time if you are hosting a BBQ so there is less to prepare on the day.

Ingredients

This potato dish is made from really simple ingredients, and if you have a herb garden you will be in your element, picking your own fresh herbs for this recipe. 

• new potatoes (or baby potatoes)
• plant based butter (or extra virgin olive oil)
• fresh thyme leaves
• fresh parsley (chopped)
• garlic granules
• salt and black pepper

For exact quantities see the recipe card below.

There is a good reason for using fresh herbs in this recipe - dried herbs just won't be the same so don't be tempted. I tend to buy growing herbs from the supermarket and plant them in a herb planted in my garden so that I always have fresh herbs to hand and this works out very cost effective. Any plant based butter will be suitable - I use the plant based Flora block as it has that authentic buttery texture and flavour.

Instructions

This recipe is really very simple to knock together. Simply boil the new potatoes in a large saucepan of salted water for about 12 minutes until they are fork tender or they are soft when cut through with a knife. The cooking time might vary slightly depending upon how big your potatoes are. Drain the potatoes and place potatoes back into the saucepan and smash them gently with a potato masher until they are broken up slightly. When crushing your potatoes you must do it gently - you don't want to mash them! You just want them smashed a little out of shape but with plenty of texture left behind. You could also lay the cooked potatoes on a baking tray and crush them gently with the bottom of a glass.

Remove the thyme leaves from the stems and just use the leaves and finely chop the parsley. Cut the butter into small cubes and stir the herbs, garlic powder and butter through the smashed potatoes. Season with salt and pepper.

I love this served warm alongside a fresh salad and vegan burgers or a vegan tart as a perfect side dish. It is equally delicious cold too, although you can warm it up a little in the microwave if you like.

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📖 Recipe

Substitutions and variations

There are numerous variations and substitutions you can try to customize your Vegan Smashed Potatoes Recipe With Garlic & Herbs to suit your taste preferences or dietary restrictions. Here are some ideas:

1. Potato Varieties: This recipe calls for small potatoes, but if you don't have any then traditional potatoes like russet or Yukon Gold will also work well, you can experiment with sweet potatoes, purple potatoes, or fingerling potatoes for unique flavors and colors. If you use larger potatoes you can chop them up into smaller pieces to make the crushing process easier.
2. Herb Choices: Mix and match herbs to create different flavor profiles. Consider using rosemary, thyme, chives, or tarragon in addition to or instead of the herbs mentioned in the recipe.
3. Garlic Variations: Roast whole fresh garlic cloves for a sweeter, milder garlic flavor, or use garlic powder or minced garlic for a more intense taste.
4. Olive Oil Alternatives: Substitute vegan butter with oilive oil or with other plant-based oils like avocado oil, coconut oil for a different richness.
5. Nutritional Yeast: Add nutritional yeast for a cheesy, umami flavor in your mashed potatoes.
6. Spice It Up: For a kick of heat, add a pinch of red pepper flakes, smoked paprika, or cayenne pepper.
7. Veggies: Mix in roasted or sautéed vegetables like spinach, kale, or roasted red peppers for added color and nutrients.
8. Creaminess: Instead of almond milk, you can use other non-dairy options like soy milk, oat milk, or coconut milk for creaminess.
9. Toppings: Experiment with toppings like vegan parmesan cheese, spring green onions, caramelized onions, vegan sour cream or toasted breadcrumbs for extra texture and flavor.
10. Citrus Zest: A touch of lemon or lime zest can brighten up the flavors in your mashed potatoes.
11. Fresh Lemon juice or Lime Juice: Add a squeeze of fresh citrus juice for a zesty kick.
12. Seasonings: Besides salt and pepper, try adding a pinch of smoked sea salt, truffle salt, or flavored salts to enhance the taste.
13. Air fryer smashed potatoes: If you prefer crispy smashed potatoes, after you have mixed through the butter and herbs you could put them into the air fryer and air fry for 10-15 minutes. You will then get crispy edges and golden brown little smashed potatoes.

Feel free to get creative and experiment with these variations and substitutions to make Vegan Smashed Potatoes that suit your personal preferences and dietary needs.

What should I serve with vegan smashed potatoes?

Vegan Smashed Potatoes with Garlic & Herbs can be a versatile and delicious side dish that pairs well with a variety of main courses and side dishes. Here are some ideas for what you can serve with your Vegan Smashed Potatoes:

1. Vegan Roast: Serve with a hearty vegan roast or a plant-based meat substitute like seitan or tempeh for a satisfying meal.
2. Vegan Sausages: Grilled or sautéed vegan sausages, bratwursts, or hot dogs are a great match.
3. Vegan Meatloaf: A slice of vegan meatloaf makes for a comforting pairing.
4. Vegan Stew or Chili: A warm and hearty stew or chili can create a balanced and filling meal.
5. Vegan BBQ: Pair with your favorite vegan BBQ dishes like pulled jackfruit sandwiches or BBQ tofu.
6. Vegan Lentil Loaf: A vegan lentil loaf is a nutritious and savory option.
7. Grilled or Roasted Vegetables: A side of grilled or roasted vegetables like asparagus, Brussels sprouts, or carrots can add color and nutrition to your plate.
8. Vegan Salad: A fresh green salad with a tangy vinaigrette can provide a refreshing contrast to the creamy potatoes.
9. Vegan Coleslaw: Creamy vegan coleslaw can complement the potatoes and add a crunchy texture.
10. Vegan Shepherd's Pie: Serve alongside a slice of vegan shepherd's pie for a comforting and filling meal.
11. Vegan Stir-Fry: A vibrant and vegetable-packed stir-fry can be a light and tasty pairing.
12. Vegan Sautéed Greens: Sautéed spinach, kale, or Swiss chard can provide a nutritious and colorful side.
13. Vegan Tofu Scramble: Enjoy your smashed potatoes with a flavorful tofu scramble for a breakfast-inspired twist.
14. Vegan Burgers: Serve alongside vegan burgers, sliders, or veggie patties for a satisfying meal.
15. Vegan Tacos or Burritos: Create a taco or burrito bowl with smashed potatoes, beans, salsa, and vegan toppings.

These are just some ideas to get you started, but the possibilities are endless. Feel free to mix and match based on your personal preferences and create a delightful vegan meal with Vegan Smashed Potatoes as the star side dish.

What herbs work best with Vegan Smashed Potatoes?

Vegan Smashed Potatoes are incredibly versatile when it comes to herbs, and the choice largely depends on your personal taste preferences. However, here are some herbs that work exceptionally well and can elevate the flavor of your Vegan Smashed Potatoes:

1. Rosemary: Rosemary's earthy and piney aroma pairs wonderfully with potatoes. Fresh rosemary leaves or dried rosemary can be used.
2. Thyme: Thyme has a subtle, earthy flavor that complements potatoes beautifully. Fresh thyme leaves or dried thyme are great options.
3. Chives: Chives add a mild onion-like flavor and a vibrant green color. They are often used as a garnish.
4. Parsley: Flat-leaf parsley or curly parsley can add a fresh, slightly peppery flavor and a burst of green color.
5. Dill: Fresh dill brings a bright and slightly anise-like flavor to the potatoes. It pairs exceptionally well with vegan yogurt-based sauces.
6. Sage: Sage has a robust, savory flavor that can give your Vegan Smashed Potatoes a rustic and comforting taste.
7. Oregano: Oregano provides a Mediterranean twist with its aromatic and slightly peppery notes. It works well if you want a more Mediterranean-inspired dish.
8. Basil: Fresh basil leaves can infuse a subtle sweetness and a hint of peppery flavor into your potatoes.
9. Tarragon: Tarragon imparts a unique, slightly sweet and anise-like flavor to the potatoes. It's a great choice for those looking for a distinctive taste.
10. Cilantro: For a fresh and zesty twist, consider using fresh cilantro. It works well if you want to give your Vegan Smashed Potatoes a touch of Mexican or Southwestern flair.
11. Mint: Fresh mint leaves can add a refreshing, slightly sweet flavor to your potatoes. This is an excellent option if you're looking for a unique twist.
12. Dried Italian Herb Blend: A blend of dried herbs like basil, oregano, thyme, and rosemary can be convenient for adding a Mediterranean flavor profile.

You can experiment by combining different herbs or using a single herb to create the flavor profile you desire. Don't be afraid to get creative with your Vegan Smashed Potatoes by adjusting the herb quantities to suit your taste and culinary preferences.

FAQ's

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If you try this simple smashed potatoes recipe, let us know! Leave a comment, rate it, and don't forget to tag a photo #wemadethisvegan on Instagram. You can also share this recipe on social media or Pin it for later.