Steamed Red Potatoes with Lite Cream Sauce

Steamed Red Potatoes with Lite Cream Sauce: A Quick & Easy Family Recipe

As a busy mom, I'm always on the lookout for quick, healthy, and delicious meals that my family will actually eat. Let's be honest, picky teenagers can be a challenge! One evening, after a whirlwind of school activities and errands, I found myself staring into the refrigerator, desperately seeking inspiration. I'd seen a few cooking shows earlier that day, featuring elaborate potato dishes, but frankly, I didn't have the time (or the energy) for anything complicated.

That's when the idea for this Steamed Red Potatoes with Lite Cream Sauce struck me. It's a simple recipe, using ingredients I usually have on hand, and it's surprisingly versatile. You can adjust the spices and herbs to suit your taste, and it's a great way to use up leftover potatoes. The best part? My teenagers devoured it! This recipe isn't just about satisfying hungry bellies; it's about creating a comforting and delicious meal within minutes, leaving me with more time to spend with my family.

The beauty of this dish lies in its simplicity. The red potatoes are steamed until tender, ensuring a fluffy texture that's perfect for soaking up the creamy sauce. While the potatoes are steaming, the sauce comes together effortlessly in a double boiler. This method ensures a smooth, luxurious creaminess without the need for constant stirring. The subtle blend of garlic powder, sea salt, black pepper, and Italian seasoning adds a depth of flavor that elevates this simple dish.

I love how adaptable this recipe is. Feel free to experiment with different herbs and spices to create your own unique flavor profile. Add a pinch of paprika for a smoky flavor, or try some fresh rosemary for a more herby twist. You could also incorporate other vegetables, such as broccoli or carrots, to make it a complete meal.

This recipe isn't just a quick weeknight meal; it's a testament to the power of simple ingredients and a little bit of creativity in the kitchen. It’s a reminder that even on the busiest of days, you can create something delicious and satisfying for your loved ones, without sacrificing precious time or your sanity.

This recipe is a keeper in our house, and I'm excited to share it with you. I hope it brings as much joy to your family's dinner table as it does to ours. Bon appétit!

Ingredients:

This recipe requires easily accessible ingredients, which you most likely already have in your kitchen.

• 1 pound red potatoes
• 1 cup skim milk
• 2 tbsp olive oil & sea salt butter
• 2 tbsp cream cheese
• 1 tbsp garlic powder
• 1 tbsp sea salt
• 1 tbsp black pepper
• 1 tbsp Italian seasoning
• 4 tbsp olive oil

Serving Suggestions:

Serve these steamed red potatoes hot, as they tend to cool down quickly. They pair perfectly with roasted chicken, grilled fish, or a simple salad. You can also use them as a side dish for your favorite comfort food. The creaminess of the sauce complements the fluffy texture of the potatoes beautifully.

Tips and Tricks:

To ensure even cooking, try cutting the potatoes into uniform pieces. If you don't have a steamer, you can cook the potatoes in boiling water instead. Just make sure to cook them until they are fork-tender. For a richer sauce, use whole milk instead of skim milk. You can also add a pinch of nutmeg or cayenne pepper for an extra kick of flavor.

A Quick Note from a Busy Mom:

Making time for a healthy and delicious dinner doesn’t have to be a Herculean task, even with a busy schedule. This recipe is a testament to that! It’s about embracing simplicity and making the most of the ingredients you have. Enjoy!

Step-by-step

• Wash and clean all of the red potatoes and cut them into chunks--I did mine into quarters so they all steamed through evenly. You might want to layer them all in your steamer to ensure even cooking. Our steamer took ~45 minutes to cook the potatoes fork-tender; however, follow your manufacturers instructions.
• While you are waiting on the potatoes to cook, combine remaining ingredients in large metal mixing bowl.
• Fill small saucepan halfway to three-quarters full with water then heat to gently boiling.
• Place metal mixing bowl of spices, butter, cheese & milk over saucepan & whisk until all ingredients are well incorporated and creamy.
• You can turn the heat on the saucepan down to low and leave the improvised double-boiler (which we made in the previous 2 steps) warm until the potatoes are done steaming.
• Once the timer on your steamer goes off and while the potatoes are nice and hot gently incorporate them into the large metal mixing bowl of cream sauce.
• Fold the potatoes into the sauce once you get everything into the same mixing bowl.
• Serve while nice & hot since it will cool quickly.