Leek Mashed Potatoes

Leek Mashed Potatoes is a delicious and hearty dish that combines the creaminess of mashed potatoes with the subtle sweetness of leeks. This dish is a popular side dish that is perfect for any occasion, from casual family dinners to fancy holiday feasts.

The resulting dish has a rich and creamy texture, with a savory and slightly sweet flavor that pairs well with a variety of main dishes. Leek Mashed Potatoes is a versatile dish that can be customized to suit individual tastes and preferences, such as adding garlic or herbs for an extra pop of flavor. Whether served alongside roasted chicken, grilled steak, or a vegetarian main dish, Leek Mashed Potatoes is sure to be a crowd-pleaser.

Note from Ana

Hello leek lover,

Today, I'd like to share with you a personal favourite of mine from my childhood - Leek Mashed Potatoes. Growing up, we had leeks in our garden, and they quickly became one of my favourite vegetables. Their subtle sweetness and unique flavour always brought a touch of something special to every dish. As I started to cook for myself and, later on, my kids, I worked on perfecting this dish.

So why should you give this comforting Leek Mashed Potatoes recipe a try?

Childhood favourite: This recipe is rooted in my childhood and brings with it a world of nostalgic memories. It's my hope that it might become a cherished dish in your household, too.
Flavour upgrade: The leeks bring a wonderful twist to the classic mashed potatoes, adding a subtle sweetness and a delightful layer of flavour.
Nutritious: Besides being delicious, leeks are a great source of vitamins A, C, and K, and have a good amount of dietary fibre.
Versatile: This dish is incredibly versatile. It can be served alongside a wide range of main dishes, from a simple grilled chicken breast to a fancy roast.
Easy to make: Despite its fancy flavour profile, this is a dish that's quite straightforward to prepare, making it perfect even for weeknight dinners.

I can't wait for you to try this Leek Mashed Potatoes recipe and experience the delightful twist it brings to the classic mashed potatoes.

Best,

Ana

How to Prepare Leek Mashed Potatoes

Ingredients:

4 medium potatoes, peeled and cubed

4 leeks, sliced

40 g unsalted butter, or to taste

salt, to taste

black pepper, to taste

Optional, for garnish:

1 green onion, thinly sliced

Instructions:

1. For the potatoes: Add potatoes to cold, salted water and cook for 10 - 12 minutes or until halfway cooked.

2. For the leeks: Add them to potatoes and cook additional 8 - 10 minutes or until both vegetables are fork tender and cooked through.

3. Add butter: Drain leeks and potatoes and return to the same pot. Add butter and carefully mash with potato masher or a fork. Season with salt and black pepper, Garnish with green onion and serve.

4. Dobar tek!

How to Serve and Pair:

Serving Suggestions: Leek Mashed Potatoes pairs wonderfully with roasted or grilled meats, particularly chicken or beef, and is equally delightful alongside a vegetarian main course.

Pairing: For Leek Mashed Potatoes, which are rich and savory with a hint of sweetness from the leeks, a variety of drinks can complement the dish well:

Chardonnay: A buttery Chardonnay pairs nicely with the creamy texture and buttery flavor of the mashed potatoes.
Sauvignon Blanc: If you prefer a crisper wine, a Sauvignon Blanc with its herbal notes can complement the leek flavor beautifully.
Pinot Noir: For red wine lovers, a light Pinot Noir with its earthy undertones can balance the richness of the potatoes.
Sparkling Water: A refreshing option for a non-alcoholic drink, perhaps with a squeeze of lemon to cut through the richness.
Amber Ale: For beer enthusiasts, an amber ale with its balance of malt and hops works well with the heartiness of the dish.
Hard Cider: A dry hard cider can offer a nice contrast with its slight sweetness and effervescence.

Dietary Information:

Vegetarian-friendly.
Gluten-free.
Can be made vegan by substituting butter with a plant-based alternative.

Make-Ahead Tips:

This dish can be prepared a few hours in advance and reheated, making sure to add a little extra butter or milk to retain its creamy texture.

Cleaning Tips:

After cooking, soak your pot in warm water to make cleanup easier. A gentle scrub should remove any residue without much effort.

Similar Dishes:

Garlic Mashed Potatoes: A classic favorite with the bold flavor of garlic.
Cauliflower Mash: A low-carb alternative to traditional mashed potatoes.
Sweet Potato Mash: A sweeter version with a hint of cinnamon or nutmeg.
Mashed Potatoes with Chives: A simple yet flavorful variation with fresh chives.
Cheesy Mashed Potatoes: Creamy mashed potatoes enriched with your favorite melted cheese.

Frequently Asked Questions for Leek Mashed Potatoes

How to clean leeks

Cleaning leeks can be a bit tricky since dirt and sand can get trapped between their layers. To properly clean leeks, cut off the dark green tops, slice the leeks into thin half-moon shapes, and place them in a bowl of cold water. Swish the leeks around to loosen any dirt or sand. Let the leeks sit for a few minutes to allow any grit to settle to the bottom of the bowl. Then, lift the leeks out of the water with a slotted spoon or your hands and rinse under running water to remove any remaining dirt or sand. Finally, drain the leeks in a colander and pat them dry with a clean kitchen towel or paper towels.

What kind of potatoes are best to use in this recipe?

For mashed potatoes, starchy potatoes are generally recommended as they break down well and create a nice, fluffy texture. Russet potatoes (sometimes called Idaho potatoes) are a good choice due to their high starch content. Yukon Gold potatoes are another good option for mashing. They are slightly less starchy than Russets, but they have a creamy texture and a buttery flavour which can enhance the overall taste of the dish.

Can I use a different type of potato?

Yes, you can use different types of potatoes, but starchy potatoes like Russet or Yukon Gold are the best for achieving a light and fluffy texture.

How can I make the mashed potatoes creamier?

You can add milk or cream to the mashed potatoes.

Can I make this Leek Mashed Potatoes ahead of time?

Yes, you can make Leek Mashed Potatoes ahead of time and reheat them in the oven or microwave. Add a little bit of milk or cream to the potatoes to prevent them from drying out.

How can I customize this dish?

You can add other ingredients like garlic, herbs, or Parmesan cheese to the mashed potatoes for extra flavor. You can also experiment with different types of milk or cream, or use a non-dairy option like almond milk.

How should I store any leftovers?

You can store leftover Leek Mashed Potatoes in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, you can use either the microwave or a pot on the stove. Add a bit more butter to keep them from drying out.

Serve with:

Leek Mashed Potatoes is a versatile side dish that pairs well with a variety of main dishes. Here are some suggestions for dishes that would complement the flavors of Leek Mashed Potatoes:

Roast chicken or turkey: The savory flavors of roasted poultry pair perfectly with the sweet and creamy mashed potatoes.
Grilled or roasted steak: The richness of a grilled or roasted steak is balanced by the lightness of the mashed potatoes, making for a satisfying meal.
Braised short ribs: The tender, slow-cooked beef pairs well with the creamy potatoes and savory leeks.
Baked salmon: The mild flavor of baked salmon is complemented by the sweetness of the leeks and the creaminess of the mashed potatoes.
Roasted vegetables: Leek Mashed Potatoes can also be served alongside a variety of roasted vegetables, such as Brussels sprouts, carrots, or green beans, for a healthy and flavorful meal.

To make Leek Mashed Potatoes you only need three ingredients and one pot. It is buttery but light and bright.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 20

Cook Time 25

Total Time 45

Course Side Dish

Cuisine Croatian

Servings

Ingredients

4 medium potatoes peeled and cubed
4 leeks sliced
40 g butter or to taste
salt to taste
black pepper to taste

Optional, for garnish:

1 green onion thinly sliced

Instructions

For the potatoes: Add potatoes to cold, salted water and cook for 10 - 12 minutes or until halfway cooked.
For the leeks: Add them to potatoes and cook additional 8 - 10 minutes or until both vegetables are fork tender and cooked through.
Add butter: Drain leeks and potatoes and return to the same pot. Add butter and carefully mash with potato masher or a fork. Season with salt and black pepper. Garnish with green onion and serve.

Notes

How to clean leeks: Start by cutting off the root end and dark green leaves. Slice into thin rings and place into a bowl of cold water. Gently separate the layers of the leeks with your fingers to ensure all the dirt is removed. Place the slices in a colander and rinse under cold water.

Serving options: Serve it as a side dish with chicken or other poultry. It also goes really well with roasted beef or pork.

Meal prep: You can make Leek Mashed Potatoes in advance, It will hold well in the fridge up to three days. You can reheat it in the microwave or on the stove top. When re-heating on the stove top add a couple of spoons of water to prevent from sticking and burning.

What drink to serve with Leek Mashed Potatoes: the best wines to pair with leek dish are dry white wines such as Chenin Blanc and unoaked or subtle oaked Chardonnay.

Vegan option: Replace butter in this recipe with vegan butter.

Keyword kid-friendly, side dish

DID YOU MAKE THIS RECIPE?I love hearing how you went with the recipes! Tag us on Instagram @worldcuisinesnet