Ultimate Cheesy Lentil Mashed Potatoes: A Nutritious and Flavorful Comfort Food Upgrade

Transform your next meal into an unforgettable culinary experience with these delightful Cheesy Lentil Mashed Potatoes. By thoughtfully incorporating nutritious lentils and rich, melting cheese into classic mashed potatoes, we elevate a humble side dish into the undeniable star of your plate. The lentils and cheese seamlessly blend with the creamy potato base, infusing every spoonful with a depth of flavor and satisfying texture that takes them to a truly ‘next level’ status. This isn’t just a side; it’s a comforting, wholesome, and incredibly delicious main event. (Skip to recipe.)

For many years of my life, I genuinely believed I wasn’t fond of potatoes. This conviction stemmed largely from my mother, who never particularly cared for them herself. Growing up, potatoes were a constant presence on our dinner table, not necessarily because they were a family favorite, but out of practicality and necessity. My dad loved them, they were abundant from our garden, and as a cheap, filling staple, they were essential for feeding a large family. They were simply an expected part of nearly every meal, a culinary given on every farm family’s table.

It wasn’t until I ventured into adulthood and began exploring the vast world of cooking on my own that my perception of potatoes underwent a profound transformation. I realized they were far more than just a bland, starchy side. Potatoes, in their myriad forms, held an incredible potential for flavor, texture, and pure comfort. This revelation sparked a newfound appreciation, turning what was once a mere obligation into a genuine culinary delight. Suddenly, I began to not just like, but truly crave potatoes.

Today, potatoes are the epitome of comfort food for me, a dish I simply cannot get enough of. Their versatility is astounding, offering endless possibilities for delicious meals. Whether boiled to fluffy perfection, baked until tender, crisp-fried, richly roasted, perfectly hashed, delightfully smashed, elegantly scalloped, classic french-fried, thinly chipped, creatively pancaked, cleverly noodled, or, my absolute favorite – decadently mashed – potatoes hold a special place in my heart. Especially mashed: creamy, warm, and profoundly soul-satisfying, they are the ultimate canvas for culinary creativity.

Mashed potatoes are, in fact, the perfect vehicle for an array of wonderful additions. Imagine a generous blob of melting butter, adding richness and a silky texture. Then, lashings of sharp, savory cheese, transforming the potatoes into a gooey, flavorful dream. A sprinkle of carefully selected spices can awaken the palate, while a handful of garlic and onions, mellowed to a subtle savoriness, builds a foundational depth of flavor. And then, there are lentils – those humble, earthy, nutty little legumes. The combination of creamy mashed potatoes and wholesome lentils is nothing short of magical; they go together like a couple perfectly in love, each enhancing the other’s best qualities.

Red lentils are particularly suited for this dish. When cooked, they break down into a soft, velvety mass that melds beautifully and imperceptibly with the creamy potatoes, adding body and richness without altering the desired texture. Lentils are not just a welcomed guest in the potato bowl for their texture; they are the kind of guest that arrives bearing an abundance of useful gifts. They are packed with essential nutrients, including a generous amount of fiber, vital iron, folate, various minerals, and a significant boost of plant-based protein. Furthermore, they contribute a full, satisfying flavor while remaining low in fat, making your mashed potatoes not just delicious but incredibly wholesome. Incorporating lentils means you’re not just enjoying a tasty meal; you’re nourishing your body with every spoonful.

So, next time you’re planning a dinner gathering, consider inviting a few lentils to the party. These unassuming legumes consistently behave themselves, taste absolutely fantastic, and get along wonderfully with all the other ingredients on the plate, ensuring a harmonious and delightful meal for everyone.

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Essential Tips for Perfect Cheesy Lentil Mashed Potatoes

These Cheesy Lentil Mashed Potatoes are wonderfully versatile and perfect for meal prepping. You can easily make them several hours or even a full day ahead of time, allowing flavors to meld and deepen. When you’re ready to serve, simply reheat them gently at a low temperature in a saucepan. To restore their luscious, creamy texture, gradually add a splash of water, milk, or even chicken stock, stirring until they reach your desired consistency. Avoid high heat, as it can cause the potatoes to stick or become gluey.

For a vegan or dairy-free version: This recipe is easily adaptable to suit various dietary needs. Simply substitute the butter with an equal amount of good quality olive oil or your favorite vegan margarine. For the cheesy flavor, replace the shredded cheddar cheese with 2 tablespoons of nutritional yeast. Nutritional yeast imparts a distinct, savory, and slightly nutty flavor reminiscent of cheese, making it an excellent alternative for plant-based dishes.

Cheesy Lentil Mashed Potatoes Recipe

This recipe yields a generous amount of deeply satisfying, cheesy, and nutritious mashed potatoes. Prepare to impress your family and friends with this elevated comfort classic.

• 2 lbs potatoes (approximately 900gms or about 4 medium-to-large-sized potatoes, such as Russet or Yukon Gold)
• 1 cup (180gms) red lentils, rinsed thoroughly
• ¼ of a medium onion, finely diced
• 3 cloves garlic, peeled and left whole
• 2 cups (480ml) water
• 1½ teaspoons fine sea salt, or to taste
• ½ teaspoon ground white pepper
• ½ teaspoon dry mustard powder
• ¼ teaspoon ground nutmeg
• 3 tablespoons unsalted butter, divided (or vegan alternative)
• 1 cup shredded extra-old cheddar cheese (120gms/4 oz.), or 2 tablespoons nutritional yeast for vegan
• Sprinkle of fresh parsley or snipped chives for garnish, optional

Instructions:

1. Prepare the Potatoes: Begin by peeling the potatoes thoroughly. Once peeled, cut them into uniform 1½-inch (4cm) chunks. Uniform pieces ensure even cooking, which is crucial for perfectly mashed potatoes. Dice the quarter of a medium onion finely, and peel the three cloves of garlic.
2. Combine Ingredients: Place the prepared potato chunks, rinsed red lentils, diced onion, and whole garlic cloves into a medium-sized heavy-bottomed saucepan. Pour in the 2 cups of water.
3. Initial Cooking: Bring the mixture to a rolling boil over medium-high heat. Once boiling, reduce the heat to a gentle simmer, cover the saucepan with a tight-fitting lid, and allow it to cook until the potatoes are very tender when pierced with a fork. This typically takes about 20 to 25 minutes. The lentils will also be thoroughly cooked and softened during this time.
4. Reduce Excess Liquid: Once the potatoes are tender, remove the lid from the saucepan. Increase the heat slightly to medium and continue cooking for another 5 minutes, or until most of the water has been absorbed. You should be left with only a small amount of mushy liquid at the bottom of the pan. Keep a close eye on the potatoes during this stage to prevent them from burning or sticking to the bottom. A good test is to scrape the bottom of the pot with a wooden spoon; if you can see a clear path that doesn’t immediately fill back in with liquid for a few seconds, the liquid content is just right for mashing.
5. Season and Mash: Remove the saucepan from the heat. Add the fine sea salt, ground white pepper, dry mustard powder, ground nutmeg, and 2 tablespoons of the butter (or vegan alternative) to the cooked potato and lentil mixture. Using a sturdy potato masher, begin mashing thoroughly until the potatoes and lentils are smooth and creamy, with no large lumps remaining. The cooked garlic cloves will also mash effortlessly, infusing the mixture with their mellow flavor.
6. Add Cheese and Adjust Consistency: Incorporate the shredded cheddar cheese (or nutritional yeast for a vegan version) into the mashed mixture. Continue mashing until the cheese is completely melted and evenly distributed throughout the potatoes, creating a wonderfully gooey and flavorful texture. If the mashed potatoes seem a bit too dry or stiff, add a few tablespoons of warm water or milk (or plant-based milk) at a time, mashing until the mixture reaches your preferred smooth and creamy consistency.
7. Serve and Garnish: Transfer the hot and creamy Cheesy Lentil Mashed Potatoes into a warm serving bowl. For an extra touch of indulgence and presentation, place the remaining tablespoon of butter on top, allowing it to slowly melt into the rich potatoes. Finally, sprinkle with fresh parsley or snipped chives for a pop of color and herbaceous aroma.

This recipe generously makes approximately 6 cups, serving 6 to 8 people as a hearty and satisfying side dish, or even as a light main course.

Guten Appetit!

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More Lentil-Inspired Creations

This delicious Cheesy Lentil Mashed Potatoes recipe was originally created for the prestigious Canadian Lentil Recipe Revelations Challenge, highlighting the incredible versatility of lentils. If you’ve enjoyed this recipe, you might be interested in exploring some of the other innovative lentil dishes I’ve developed for various contests and everyday cooking:

From This Year’s Challenge:

Lentil Taco Tartlets: Perfect bite-sized appetizers bursting with Mexican-inspired flavors.

Chocolate Lentil Truffle Cake Pops: A surprising twist on a sweet treat, secretly packed with nutritious lentils.

Lentil Polenta with Mushroom Ragu: A hearty and comforting vegetarian main course, showcasing lentils in a unique way.

Broccoli Lentil Salad: A refreshing and healthy salad, perfect for any season, bringing together the goodness of broccoli and lentils.

Favorites from Last Year’s Contest:

And if you’re still looking for more lentil inspiration, these popular recipes from last year’s challenge are definitely worth trying:

Lentil Fries with Currywurst Dipping Sauce: A creative and flavorful alternative to traditional fries, served with a zesty dipping sauce.

Garlic Lentil Soup: A warming and aromatic soup, perfect for a cozy meal, rich in garlic and lentil goodness.

Lentil Rice Bowl Salad with Pecans, Cranberries & Knock-your-Socks-Off Dressing: A vibrant and satisfying salad bowl packed with textures and flavors.

German Style Sweet and Sour Lentil ‘Eintopf’ (One-Pot): A hearty and flavorful one-pot meal inspired by traditional German cuisine.

Confetti Crepes with Chocolate Lentil Cream, Pears, and Hazelnuts: An elegant dessert showcasing lentils in a surprisingly delicious sweet application.