Today, I've got a delicious twist on a classic side dish that's perfect for any meal: Carrot Mash. This recipe takes humble carrots and transforms them into a creamy, flavorful purée. It's a fantastic option for vegetarians— but the meat-eaters love it too! By keeping things simple and letting the natural sweetness of carrots shine through, this dish is all about comfort and satisfaction. So, grab your carrots, and let's get cooking!
This recipe is:
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- Low Carb
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- Gluten Free
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- Vegetarian
Table of Contents
7 Reasons to Love This Recipe
Here are 8 reasons why you'll adore this mashed carrots recipe:
- A unique twist on a classic side dish.
- Light, fluffy carrots bursting with flavor.
- Surprisingly delightful mashed carrots.
- Sophisticated flavor, not just for kids.
- Who knew carrots could be low-carb?
- Ideal with grilled or roasted meats.
- Easily customizable for any taste.
Carrot Mash With Ginger and Garlic
What's not to love about carrots...? They're affordable, tasty, and very forgiving in the kitchen. That's one ménage à trois everybody wants to take part in!
Now mashed carrots are a little different. They've gotten a bad rap, being fairly synonymous with baby food. Nobody wants to chow down on boring carrot baby food with dinner. But this carrot mash is unique. It has body, finesse, and character.
The body comes from a rough mash of the cooked carrots. I don't advise using a blender, stick blender, or the like. The finesse is introduced with the whipped cream cheese. It makes the mashed carrots lighter and full of air. The character is built through the combination of fresh ginger and robust garlic. When all three elements come together, it becomes the superhero of side dishes. Mashed carrots have been reborn.
Is Carrot Mash Low-Carb?
Yes, carrot mash is low-carb. This recipe contains 14 g net carbs per serving but still it is considered low-carb. Remember that a low-carb diet is one in which you limit your carb intake to around 130 g per day.
Carrot Mash Ingredient List
Here is the list of ingredients for making ginger carrot purée:
- 3 sprigs thyme
- 2 cups water
- ½ cup whipped cream cheese
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 1 ½ pounds carrots, peeled and chopped
- 1 tablespoon garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon ginger, minced
- ½ teaspoon kosher salt
- ¼ teaspoon lemon juice
Ingredient Substitutions
These are some easy swaps you can make for the ingredients in this sweet mashed carrots recipe:
- Carrots: You could swap in sweet potatoes for a complex carb addition (great for carb-cycling), or even parsnips for a non-low-carb version.
- Fresh thyme: While carrots love thyme, fresh rosemary makes a great alternative. In a pinch, dried thyme can be added to the cooking water, though it won't be as fresh-tasting.
- Fresh garlic: Substitute jarred garlic, increasing to 1 ½ tablespoons as it's less potent than fresh. For a mellow garlic flavor, try adding roasted garlic, about 5-6 cloves.
- Fresh ginger: Use jarred minced ginger, draining well and increasing to 1 ½ tablespoons. It's less potent than fresh ginger.
- Whipped cream cheese: If you only have block cream cheese, whip it in a bowl with high sides until light and fluffy using a hand mixer to keep the carrots airy. Also, if you want to know "is cream cheese low carb", check out the in-depth details on the carb content and nutritional value.
- Unsalted butter: Substitute ghee or clarified butter for a similar effect.
- Lemon juice: Try balsamic vinegar, apple cider vinegar, or lime juice to add acidity and balance the fats in the recipe.
Additional Ingredients
Enhance your creamy mashed carrots recipe with these delightful additions that complement the main ingredients perfectly:
- Fresh herbs: After cooking, sprinkle chopped chives or parsley over the carrots for a fresh burst of flavor.
- Spices: For added depth, try cinnamon or freshly ground nutmeg. Cayenne or red pepper flakes can spice things up if you prefer a bit of heat.
- Cheese: Top with freshly shredded Parmesan cheese; using a microplane ensures it melts seamlessly onto the carrots. For extra richness, crumble in some goat cheese to elevate the flavors.
- Zest: Brighten up the dish with freshly grated lemon zest—it adds a zesty punch and an extra pop of flavor, without altering the texture.
Note: These are optional ingredients that are not included in the recipe for carrot mash. You can use them to enhance the flavors of the recipe.
Low-Carb Suggestions
Looking to lower the carb count even further? Start by swapping out carrots, which are relatively high in carbs, for these alternatives:
- Turnips: Swap in turnips for a change. If you're new to using turnips, note that they can be slightly bitter. A trick: add 1 teaspoon of baking soda while boiling to achieve creamy, delightful turnips. Follow the recipe as written from there.
- Broccoli: Yes, you can use broccoli in this recipe. Mashed broccoli is a fantastic twist, especially paired with cheese—delicious! Cook the florets, drain, and mash. Add the remaining ingredients as instructed. For my twist, I skip the ginger and add cheddar cheese along with homemade bacon bits.
- Cauliflower: Cauliflower is a great substitute, but it needs different handling. Boiled cauliflower tends to be too watery when mashed, resulting in a runny consistency. Steam the cauliflower instead, then process it in a food processor for a fluffier texture. Fold in the whipped cream cheese and adjust the seasoning to taste with salt and pepper after adding other ingredients.
Cooking Tools Required
The following is a list of tools you'll need to make carrot mash:
- Pan with a lid
- Skillet
- Hand masher
- Mixing bowl
- Measuring spoons and cups
- Cutting board
- Knife
- Microplane (optional, for cheese)
How to Make Carrot Mash: Complete Cooking Guide
Cooking Method
- Boiling
Preparation Steps
- Gather all the tools and ingredients for this recipe.
- Peel and chop the carrots into evenly sized pieces for even cooking.
- Mince ginger and garlic.
Cooking Instructions
- Boil carrots: In a pan with a lid, add carrots, water, thyme, and a pinch of salt. Bring to a boil over high heat, then reduce to a simmer. Cook for up to 20 minutes, or until carrots are fork-tender.
- Prepare garlic and ginger butter: While the carrots cook, melt the butter in a skillet over medium-high heat. Add minced garlic and ginger, cooking for 2-3 minutes until fragrant. Remove from heat and set aside.
- Mash carrots: Drain carrots, removing thyme sprigs. Mash carrots using a hand masher.
- Add flavors: Mix in prepared garlic and ginger butter, the whipped cream cheese, kosher salt, and lemon juice. Combine well.
- Adjust seasoning: Taste and season with salt and lemon juice to your preference.
- Serve: Serve hot and enjoy!
💡 My Pro Tip
Let’s discuss some cooking tips crucial for this recipe:
- Avoid using baby carrots from a bag—they're too watery and prone to falling apart when boiled.
- Chop peeled carrots into uniform sizes for even cooking.
- Test carrots after 15 minutes of cooking time to gauge doneness.
- Be cautious not to overcook; mushy mash isn’t ideal.
- Use a hand masher for a chunkier texture (better than a ricer or blender.)
- Opt for whipped cream cheese; regular cream cheese is too dense.
- Lightly sauté ginger and garlic until fragrant.
- Brighten the dish with a squeeze of lemon for added deliciousness.
⏲️ Time-Saving Tips
- Cut carrots into uniform sizes for even cooking.
- Prep the whole dish ahead and reheat when ready to eat.
- Use jarred minced garlic and ginger.
- Peel and chop carrots ahead of time to streamline cooking.
What to Serve With Carrot Mash?
This popular carrot mash pairs beautifully with a variety of dishes that complement its flavors and textures.
- Pork Kabobs: The Southwest spices of the pork kabob marinade are a great match for the delicate ginger in the carrot mash.
- Picanha Steak: The creamy consistency of carrot mash enhances the perfectly grilled steak.
- Crispy Pork Belly Recipe: The rich roasted pork pairs beautifully with the smooth carrots and the pop of flavor from the ginger.
- BBQ Lamb Chops: The velvety carrot purée provides a silky-smooth texture that complements the powerful savory taste of the grilled lamb.
- Lemon Roasted Chicken: The little pop of acidity from the lemon chicken goes perfectly with the comforting flavors of the carrot mash.
Storage, Freezing, and Reheating Instructions
Storage
Store in a sealed container in the fridge. The carrot mash should stay fresh for up to a week.
Freezing
This freezes well and can be kept for up to 3 months in a freezer-safe airtight container. Defrost overnight in the fridge, then reheat as directed above. After reheating, whip them again with a sturdy whisk to restore their light texture.
Reheating
For best results, gently heat in a non-stick frying pan over low heat, stirring frequently to prevent burning. Alternatively, microwave on medium-low heat, stirring to prevent splattering.
Recipe Conclusion
Carrot Mash is ready to steal the show! With its creamy texture and burst of flavors, it's one of my favorite carrot side dishes. Whether you’re enjoying a quiet meal or hosting a gathering, this mash adds a touch of homemade goodness to any occasion. Get ready to indulge in comfort and taste—because cooking should always be this rewarding!
Grab those carrots, unleash your inner chef, and let's get going with this marrot cash masterpiece. Let your senses savor every bite and delight in the magic of homemade goodness. It’s time to cook, savor, and share the love. Bon appétit!
More Carrot Recipes
Looking for more low-carb carrot recipes to make? Check out these:
FAQs
It takes about 15-20 minutes to soften carrots.
Yes, you can use a potato masher to mash carrots.
Easy Carrot Mash Recipe
Ingredients
- 3 sprigs thyme
- 2 cups water
- ½ cup whipped cream cheese
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 1 ½ pounds carrots peeled and chopped
- 1 tablespoon garlic minced
- 1 tablespoon ginger minced
- ½ teaspoon kosher salt
- ¼ teaspoon lemon juice
Instructions
Preparation Steps
- Gather all the tools and ingredients for this recipe.
- Peel and chop the carrots into evenly sized pieces for even cooking.
- Mince ginger and garlic.
Cooking Instructions
- Boil carrots: In a pan with a lid, add carrots, water, thyme, and a pinch of salt. Bring to a boil over high heat, then reduce to a simmer. Cook for up to 20 minutes, or until carrots are fork-tender.
- Prepare garlic and ginger butter: While the carrots cook, melt the butter in a skillet over medium-high heat. Add minced garlic and ginger, cooking for 2-3 minutes until fragrant. Remove from heat and set aside.
- Mash carrots: Drain carrots, removing thyme sprigs. Mash carrots using a hand masher.
- Add flavors: Mix in prepared garlic and ginger butter, the whipped cream cheese, kosher salt, and lemon juice. Combine well.
- Adjust seasoning: Taste and season with salt and lemon juice to your preference.
- Serve: Serve hot and enjoy!
Notes
Nutrition
“This website provides approximate nutrition data and information for convenience and as a courtesy only.”
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