Oh, mashed potatoes during Christmas? Now that's a tradition worth savouring! There's just something magical about those creamy, buttery clouds of goodness that make them extra special during the holiday season. It's not just a side dish; it's a warm and comforting embrace on a festive plate. While each family has their own set of Christmas traditions, it is not complete without the delicious crispy mashed potatoes added to the dinner platter. But have you ever wondered why is that? Mashed potatoes hold a special place during Christmas for their comforting and versatile appeal. As a timeless comfort food, they evoke a sense of tradition and togetherness, making them ideal for festive family gatherings. "Their ease of preparation aligns with the busy holiday season, allowing for a delicious and practical addition to the Christmas table. With a mild flavour and creamy texture, mashed potatoes complement a variety of main dishes and appeal to guests of all ages," said chef Ganesh, Koa Café. Did you know that the humble potato originated in the Andes, in South America, and was brought to the United Kingdom via Spain by returning sailors from Peru? "An abundant food for the poor, the potato quickly became very popular in the UK," said chef Sunil Singh, Blue Bop Café. According to Singh, it was Queen Victoria who introduced the potato to the Christmas menu, although at the time they were eaten mashed rather than roasted. "These days everyone has their own recipe for the perfect roasties, and everyone swears theirs is better," he exclaimed. The festive presentation options, along with the symbolic significance of potatoes, contribute to making mashed potatoes a cherished and special part of Christmas celebrations. While delicious, these ingredients can add a significant amount of saturated fat and calories. According to Manvi Lohia, registered dietitian, head of holistic health, and international business, Ekaanta, Haridwar, a healthier alternative is using olive oil, known for its heart-healthy fats, or plain Greek yogurt, which adds creaminess and protein. "Incorporating the skin of the potatoes not only adds texture but also increases the dietary fibre content, which is beneficial for digestion and overall health," said Lohia. Here is a recipe for Christmas roast chicken with mashed potatoes, courtesy chef Singh. Chicken Roast Ingredients 1 whole chicken 100 gm chopped garlic 1 lemon - cut into wedges 10 sprigs thyme Sea salt and black pepper 150 gm butter - at room temperature Method *Preheat the oven and prepare a whole chicken by removing any giblets, washing and drying thoroughly. Place the chicken on a baking sheet lined with foil. *Flavour the chicken by rubbing the halved garlic bulb all over the skin of the chicken. *Season the bird generously with salt and pepper including underneath. Smear butter all over the top of the chicken breast, thighs, and leg. *Stuff the garlic cloves into the chicken cavity along with the lemon wedges and thyme. "If you wish to, tie the legs together with kitchen string and tuck the wing tips under the body of the chicken so they don't catch in the oven", Singh said. *Roast in the preheated oven for around 1 hour 30 minutes or until the skin is golden brown and the meat is cooked through. *Allow to rest covered in foil for 15 minutes. Serve sliced with the roasted garlic and lemons, if you like. Mashed Potatoes Ingredients 4 large potatoes, peeled and cut into chunks Salt for boiling 1/2 cup butter 1 cup warm milk Salt and pepper to taste Chopped fresh parsley for garnish (optional) Method *Boil the potato chunks in a large pot of salted water until tender (about 15-20 minutes). *Drain the potatoes and return them to the pot. *Mash the potatoes with a potato masher or fork. *Add butter to the mashed potatoes and mix until melted. *Gradually add warm milk, mixing continuously until the desired creamy consistency is achieved. *Season with salt and pepper to taste. Adjust the milk or butter as needed. *Garnish with chopped fresh parsley if desired. How to serve? *Serve the roast chicken on a platter surrounded by mashed potatoes, and you have a delightful Christmas meal! "Feel free to add your favourite sides and gravy for an even more festive touch," said chef Singh. Portion control is an important factor. During the holidays, it's easy to overindulge, but being mindful of how much we eat helps maintain a balanced diet. Enjoying a moderate serving of mashed potatoes alongside other components of the Christmas meal, like lean proteins and a variety of vegetables, ensures a more nutritious and satisfying experience, mentioned Lohia. "Considering guests with dietary restrictions or allergies is also crucial. For those who are lactose intolerant or have gluten sensitivities, simple modifications like using lactose-free milk or ensuring no gluten-containing ingredients are added can make a big difference," Lohia said.
