Once you taste these creamy, rich, Roasted Garlic Horseradish Mashed Potatoes you won’t want plain old mashed potatoes again. Tangy horseradish, roasted garlic, and creamy sour ceam and cream make this recipe a family favorite.
Is there anything more comforting than mashed potatoes? Have a bad day? Crave some mashed potatoes. Not feeling well? A little bit of mashed potatoes will soothe what ails you. You know what I’m talking about.
You can buy frozen mashed potatoes or tubs of ‘fresh’ mashed potatoes that are sold in the meat section of the grocery store and you just pop in the microwave. Those would work in a desperate pinch. And honestly, I have indulged in more than a few of those black tubs of prepared, pasty potatoes. But a hot, steaming bowl of perfect, fluffy, homemade mashed potatoes that are perfectly seasoned, creamy, and buttery is a guilty pleasure that rivals those 80’s throwback tunes you jam to in your car. Again, you know what I’m talking about.
What is horseradish anyway? Horseradish is a tuber vegetable that, when grated, releases a potent, spicy, peppery heat that is felt in the nose and sinuses for just a brief moment. There isn’t a lasting ‘burn’ on the tongue like other hot, spicy foods. This quick blast of spiciness makes horseradish a delicious addition to rich, fatty, meaty dishes. Not a fan of a lot of spice? Mixing the grated root with vinegar will help to tame those spicy notes-but only if you do it immediately after grating the root. The longer you wait to add the vinegar, the spicier the horseradish tastes. Also, horseradish finishes with an almost sweet note that is very nice to a salty main dish.
Horseradish was used medicinally by the ancient Greeks and Egyptians for gout, arthritis, digestive issues and as an aphrodisiac. But it was the Europeans who we should thank for actually eating horseradish. They used the root as an accompaniment for oysters, roasted meats, and pickled meats. One theory is that the ancient Europeans used horseradish to cover up the taste of meat that wasn’t quite fresh. The horseradish, with its piquant flavors and tangy spice, cuts through the fatty richness of the beef and masks any type of gamey flavors.
It is also believed that horseradish stimulates peristalsis or the reflex that moves food through the digestive system. So that heavy prime rib or steak dinner will digest a whole lot easier with a bit of horseradish on the side.
One taste of these creamy and tangy Roasted Garlic Horseradish Mashed Potatoes and you won’t want a bite of any other mashed potato dish. Perfect with chicken, pork roast, or beef, this recipe can be made in advance and warmed in the microwave before serving.
The potatoes can be made a day in advance, covered, and chilled. The next day, bring to room temperature, then reheat in a microwave or double boiler, stirring often until hot.
You can increase or decrease the amount of horseradish to suit your taste. The amount used in this recipe provides just enough heat at the end of the bite, but not enough to burn in the sinuses.
TIPS FOR THE PERFECT ROASTED GARLIC HORSERADISH MASHED POTATOES
You can make roasted garlic easily at home. Here is a video to help you do it:
What to serve with Roasted Garlic Horseradish Mashed Potatoes