Are you craving creamy mashed potatoes smothered in rich gravy but want to skip the oil? Say goodbye to the splash of oil and hello to a healthier, oil-free version of this classic comfort food duo! In this guide, we’ll show you how to make velvety mashed potatoes and savory gravy without the need for added oils. Get ready to indulge in pure potato perfection and flavorful gravy goodness β without any oily regrets!
Why Choose Oil-Free Potatoes & Gravy?
Opting for oil-free potatoes and gravy offers a host of benefits for your health and well-being. By eliminating added oils, you can enjoy the natural flavors of the potatoes and herbs without masking them with unnecessary fats. Oil-free cooking also reduces the calorie content of your meal, making it a lighter and more heart-healthy option. Additionally, oil-free potatoes and gravy are perfect for accommodating various dietary preferences, including vegan, vegetarian, and plant-based diets. So whether you’re serving up a holiday feast or a weeknight dinner, oil-free potatoes and gravy are sure to be a crowd-pleaser!
Tips for Making Oil-Free Potatoes & Gravy
Before we dive into the recipes, here are some tips to help you create delicious oil-free mashed potatoes and gravy:
- Choose the Right Potatoes: Opt for starchy potatoes like Russets or Yukon Golds for the creamiest mashed potatoes.
- Boil in Seasoned Water: Flavor your cooking water with salt, garlic cloves, or herbs to infuse the potatoes with extra flavor.
- Mash with Creamy Substitutes: Use non-dairy milk, vegetable broth, or unsweetened almond milk instead of butter or cream for creamy mashed potatoes.
- Thicken Gravy Naturally: Use ingredients like flour, cornstarch, or arrowroot powder to thicken your gravy without the need for oil.
- Enhance Flavor with Herbs and Spices: Add depth to your gravy with aromatic herbs and spices like thyme, rosemary, sage, garlic powder, and onion powder.
Now, let’s dive into the recipes and learn how to make oil-free mashed potatoes and gravy that will have you coming back for seconds!
Oil-Free Mashed Potatoes
Ingredients:
- 2 pounds Russet or Yukon Gold potatoes, peeled and cubed
- 4 cloves garlic, peeled
- 1/2 cup unsweetened almond milk or non-dairy milk of choice
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Chopped fresh chives or parsley for garnish (optional)
Instructions:
- In a large pot, bring salted water to a boil. Add the cubed potatoes and whole garlic cloves to the pot.
- Boil the potatoes and garlic until tender, about 15-20 minutes.
- Drain the potatoes and garlic, reserving some of the cooking water.
- Transfer the cooked potatoes and garlic to a large mixing bowl.
- Mash the potatoes and garlic with a potato masher or fork until smooth and creamy.
- Gradually add almond milk, a little at a time, until you reach your desired consistency.
- Season the mashed potatoes with salt and pepper to taste.
- If needed, add a splash of the reserved cooking water to thin out the potatoes.
- Transfer the mashed potatoes to a serving dish and garnish with chopped fresh chives or parsley, if desired.
- Serve hot and enjoy the creamy goodness!
Oil-Free Gravy
Ingredients:
- 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour or cornstarch
- 2 cups vegetable broth
- 1 tablespoon low-sodium soy sauce or tamari
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1/2 teaspoon dried rosemary
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
- In a small bowl, whisk together flour or cornstarch and a few tablespoons of vegetable broth to create a slurry.
- In a saucepan, heat the remaining vegetable broth over medium heat.
- Gradually whisk in the flour or cornstarch slurry, stirring constantly to prevent lumps from forming.
- Add soy sauce or tamari, onion powder, garlic powder, dried thyme, and dried rosemary to the saucepan.
- Continue to cook the gravy, stirring frequently, until it thickens to your desired consistency.
- Season the gravy with salt and pepper to taste.
- If the gravy becomes too thick, you can thin it out with a little more vegetable broth or water.
- Once the gravy is ready, remove it from the heat and transfer it to a gravy boat or serving bowl.
- Serve hot alongside the mashed potatoes and enjoy the savory goodness!
Conclusion
With these simple and delicious oil-free recipes, you can enjoy the classic comfort of mashed potatoes and gravy without the need for added oils. Whether you’re serving them up for a holiday feast, a cozy dinner at home, or a special occasion, these oil-free mashed potatoes and gravy are sure to be a hit with your family and friends. So go ahead, mash without the splash and savor every spoonful of pure potato perfection and flavorful gravy goodness β guilt-free and delicious! π₯πΏπ²