Loaded Garlic Kale Potatoes
Try this Loaded Garlic Kale Potatoes recipe, or contribute your own.
Try this Loaded Garlic Kale Potatoes recipe, or contribute your own.
- 2 tablespoons nutritional yeast
- 1/2 teaspoon olive oil
- 1 large head (or 2 small heads) garlic
- 4 small to medium-sized russet potatoes scrubbed and pricked
- 1/2-1 cup unsweetened almond or soy milk (as needed)
- 1-2 tablespoons vegan buttery spread or additional olive oil to taste
- fine salt and freshly ground pepper to taste
- 1/2 bunch kale stems removed and finely chopped (about or 5-6 cups)
- 4 tablespoons vegan parmesan (i love go veggie vegan parm homemade hempesan topping, nutritional yeast, or breadcrumbs)
- Carbohydrate 2.674 g
- Cholesterol 0 mg
- Fat 0.462624999774999 g
- Fiber 1.47 g
- Protein 2.681 g
- Saturated Fat 0.0610674999689319 g
- Serving Size 1 1 -6 serving (7g)
- Sodium 3.50281249999549 mg
- Sugar 1.204 g
- Trans Fat 0.104118124993907 g
- Calories 22 calories
Step-by-step
- Preheat your oven to 400F.
- Cut the top of the garlic head off crosswise, so that the cloves are exposed.
- Rub the half teaspoon olive oil over the cloves, then wrap the head of garlic in foil.
- Place the garlic and the four potatoes onto a baking sheet.
- Bake for 45-55 minutes, or until the potatoes are completely fork tender.
- Remove the potatoes and garlic from the oven.
- Allow the potatoes to cool for about 10 minutes, until they can be handled.
- Raise the oven temperature to a broil.
- About 15 minutes before the potatoes and garlic are ready, bring a pot of water to boil with a steamer attachment.
- Steam the chopped kale till tender (about 3 minutes).
- Slice the potatoes in half lengthwise.
- Use a spoon to gently scoop the flesh out, making sure not to break the skins.
- Transfer the potato flesh to a mixing bowl.
- Squeeze the roasted garlic right into the potato; the cloves should be very soft and slip out of the skin easily when you give it a good squeeze.
- Add the non-dairy milk (starting with ½ cup), vegan buttery spread (I used about 1 ½ tablespoons), and the nutritional yeast to the potato/garlic mixture.
- Use a potato masher or a large fork to mash the potatoes, adding extra non-dairy milk as needed to achieve a creamy texture.
- The potatoes should be a bit chunkier and less fluffy than traditional mashed potatoes, but the garlic should be well incorporated; if any cloves are hard to mash, you can use the back of a fork to break them down.
- Taste the potatoes and add salt and pepper as needed.
- Fold in the kale, taste again, and adjust seasonings to taste.
- Scoop the potato/kale mixture into the empty potato skins.
- Top each with about a half tablespoon of vegan parmesan, hempesan, nutritional yeast, or breadcrumbs.
- Place the baking sheet under the broiler for 5 minutes, or until the tops of the potatoes are crispy and gently golden.
- Serve.
Loaded Garlic Kale Potatoes: A Weeknight Winner
As a busy working mom, finding time to cook healthy and delicious meals can feel like a Herculean task. Between school runs, work deadlines, and the endless cycle of laundry, the kitchen often takes a backseat. But I firmly believe that nourishing meals shouldn't be sacrificed at the altar of busyness. That’s why I’m always on the lookout for recipes that are both quick to prepare and bursting with flavor – and these Loaded Garlic Kale Potatoes are a perfect example.
This recipe is my go-to when I need a satisfying and healthy dinner that doesn't require hours of slaving over a hot stove. The combination of roasted garlic, creamy mashed potatoes, and tender kale is simply divine. The best part? It's surprisingly easy to put together. Even on the most hectic of evenings, I can whip this up in under an hour, leaving me with enough time to enjoy a well-deserved glass of wine (or maybe just a cup of tea!) while my family devours this delicious dish.
The secret to this recipe's success lies in the perfectly roasted garlic. Roasting the garlic brings out its natural sweetness, creating a depth of flavor that elevates the entire dish. I’ve experimented with different types of potatoes, and russets are my favorite; they hold their shape beautifully while still getting wonderfully fluffy when mashed. And don't even get me started on the kale! A quick steam tenderizes the leaves without making them mushy, adding a healthy boost of nutrients and a lovely earthy flavor.
I love the versatility of this recipe. Feel free to get creative with the toppings. I often use a mix of vegan parmesan, nutritional yeast, and breadcrumbs for a delightfully crunchy topping. But hemp seeds or even a sprinkle of fresh herbs would also be amazing. The possibilities are truly endless!
Beyond the Recipe: Finding Balance in a Busy Life
Cooking, for me, is more than just sustenance; it's a form of self-care. It's a time to disconnect from the chaos of daily life and focus on creating something nourishing, both for my body and my soul. Even if I only have 30 minutes to spare, I find that the simple act of preparing a meal can be incredibly therapeutic. The rhythmic chopping, the fragrant aromas, the satisfying sizzle – these small moments of mindful cooking bring a sense of calm and control to even the most hectic days.
But let's be honest, life as a working mom is anything but predictable. There are days when even a simple recipe feels like a monumental task. On those days, I remind myself that it’s okay to adjust my expectations. A slightly messy kitchen, a less-than-perfect presentation – these things don't diminish the value of a home-cooked meal. What matters most is that I've taken the time to nourish my family with love and good food.
This recipe, therefore, is more than just a dish; it's a symbol of my commitment to finding balance in a busy life. It represents my desire to create nourishing moments, amidst the constant juggle of work and family. It's a testament to the fact that even amidst the chaos, we can carve out time for ourselves and for those we love, through the simple pleasure of sharing a delicious meal together. And that, my friends, is something truly worthwhile.
So, the next time you're looking for a quick, healthy, and utterly delicious dinner, give these Loaded Garlic Kale Potatoes a try. They're sure to become a staple in your busy weeknight routine. And remember, even on the busiest of days, taking time to nourish yourself and your family is never a waste of time. It’s an investment in your well-being, and it’s something to always cherish.
