Mexi-Mashed Potatoes

Mexi-Mashed Potatoes Recipe - A Delicious Dish from Mexico

Region / culture: Mexico | Preparation time: 10 minutes | Cooking time: 15 minutes | Servings: 4

Introduction

Mexi-Mashed Potatoes is a delicious and flavorful twist on traditional mashed potatoes. This recipe combines the creamy texture of mashed potatoes with the bold flavors of cheddar cheese, chili powder, and oregano. It is the perfect side dish for any Mexican-inspired meal.

History

The exact origins of Mexi-Mashed Potatoes are unclear, but it is likely that this recipe was created as a fusion of traditional mashed potatoes and Mexican flavors. The combination of creamy potatoes and spicy seasonings has become a popular dish in many households.

Ingredients

2 cups of water
3 tbsp of margarine or butter
0.75 cups of milk
2 cups of potato flakes
4 oz (113 g) or 1 cup of shredded cheddar cheese
1 tsp of chili powder
0.25 tsp of dried oregano leaves

How to prepare

In a medium saucepan, bring water and margarine to a rolling boil.
Remove from heat and stir in milk and potato flakes using a fork until the potatoes reach the desired consistency.
Stir in cheese, chili powder, and oregano.

Variations

For a healthier option, select low-fat or reduced calorie cheese.
If desired, add diced tomato, chopped green onions, and cheese as garnish.
For an additional burst of flavor, replace Cheddar cheese with Taco-flavored or Mexican blend cheese.
Add cooked and crumbled bacon for a smoky flavor.
Mix in diced green chilies for an extra kick of heat.
Top with sliced green onions or chopped cilantro for a fresh burst of flavor.

Cooking Tips & Tricks

Be sure to use potato flakes for this recipe, as they will give the mashed potatoes a smooth and creamy texture.

- Adjust the amount of chili powder to suit your taste preferences. You can add more for a spicier dish or less for a milder flavor.

- For a richer dish, you can substitute heavy cream for the milk in this recipe.

- Be sure to stir the potatoes well to ensure that the cheese is evenly distributed throughout the dish.

Serving Suggestions

Serve Mexi-Mashed Potatoes as a side dish with grilled chicken, steak, or tacos. They also pair well with a fresh salad or roasted vegetables.

Cooking Techniques

Use a fork to stir the potatoes to achieve a smooth and creamy texture.

- Be sure to remove the saucepan from the heat before adding the milk and potato flakes to prevent scorching.

Ingredient Substitutions

You can use regular mashed potatoes instead of potato flakes, but the texture may be slightly different.

- Substitute Monterey Jack cheese for the cheddar cheese for a milder flavor.

Make Ahead Tips

You can prepare the mashed potatoes ahead of time and reheat them in the microwave or on the stovetop before serving.

Presentation Ideas

Serve Mexi-Mashed Potatoes in a decorative serving dish garnished with a sprinkle of chili powder and a sprig of fresh oregano.

Pairing Recommendations

Pair Mexi-Mashed Potatoes with a glass of cold beer or a refreshing margarita for a complete Mexican-inspired meal.

Storage and Reheating Instructions

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

- Reheat the mashed potatoes in the microwave or on the stovetop until heated through.

Nutrition Information

Calories per serving

- 280 calories per serving

Carbohydrates

- Total Carbohydrates: 24g

- Dietary Fiber: 2g

- Sugars: 2g

Fats

- Total Fat: 12g

- Saturated Fat: 7g

- Trans Fat: 0g

Proteins

- Protein: 8g

Vitamins and minerals

Vitamin A: 10%

- Vitamin C: 15%

- Calcium: 20%

- Iron: 6%

Alergens

Contains milk and cheese

Summary

Mexi-Mashed Potatoes are a rich and creamy side dish that is high in carbohydrates and fats. They are a good source of protein and provide a moderate amount of essential vitamins and minerals.

Summary

Mexi-Mashed Potatoes are a delicious and flavorful side dish that combines the creamy texture of mashed potatoes with the bold flavors of cheddar cheese, chili powder, and oregano. This dish is easy to prepare and is sure to be a hit at your next meal. Enjoy!

How did I get this recipe?

The memory of finding this recipe for the first time is still fresh in my mind. It was a warm summer day, and I was rummaging through an old box of recipe cards that had been tucked away in the back of my pantry for years. As I shuffled through the worn and stained cards, one in particular caught my eye. It was titled "Mexi-Mashed Potatoes", and the words were written in my mother's elegant script.

I couldn't believe my luck. My mother had always been a wonderful cook, and I knew that any recipe of hers was sure to be a winner. I quickly gathered the ingredients and set to work in the kitchen, eager to recreate the dish that had captured my attention.

The recipe called for the usual suspects - potatoes, butter, milk - but it also included some unexpected ingredients like jalapenos, cilantro, and cumin. As I chopped and diced, the kitchen filled with the warm, spicy aroma of the seasonings, and I knew I was onto something special.

As the potatoes boiled and the flavors melded together, I couldn't help but think back to my childhood. My mother had always been a creative cook, never afraid to experiment with new ingredients and flavors. She had learned the art of cooking from her own mother, who had learned from hers, and so on down the line. The recipe for Mexi-Mashed Potatoes was just another link in a long chain of family tradition.

When the dish was finally finished, I couldn't wait to taste it. I scooped a generous spoonful onto my plate and took a bite. The flavors exploded in my mouth - creamy and rich, with a subtle kick of heat from the jalapenos. It was unlike anything I had ever tasted before, and I knew that this recipe would become a staple in my own kitchen.

I shared the dish with my family that evening, and it was an instant hit. My children devoured it, asking for seconds and thirds, while my husband praised me for my culinary skills. I beamed with pride, knowing that I had stumbled upon a recipe that would be passed down through the generations.

Over the years, I have made Mexi-Mashed Potatoes countless times, each batch better than the last. I have tweaked the recipe here and there, adding a bit more spice or experimenting with different varieties of potatoes. But the core of the dish - the warmth and love that goes into each spoonful - remains the same.

I have shared the recipe with friends and neighbors, who have all raved about its unique and delicious flavor. They always ask me where I learned to make such a wonderful dish, and I simply smile and say, "It's a family secret."

But the truth is, there is no secret. The recipe for Mexi-Mashed Potatoes is a gift from my mother, passed down through the generations. It is a reminder of the love and care that goes into every meal we prepare, and the joy that comes from sharing good food with those we hold dear.

As I sit here now, surrounded by my family and the delicious aroma of Mexi-Mashed Potatoes wafting through the air, I can't help but feel grateful. Grateful for the memories of my mother and grandmother in the kitchen, for the laughter and love that fills our home with each meal we share. And most of all, grateful for the simple pleasure of a good meal made with care and enjoyed with those we love.