Wasabi Kale Mashed Potatoes

Wasabi Kale Mashed Potatoes

Wow.  Its hard to believe I haven't posted since Feb. but finishing my dissertation and job hunting was a priority so I took a bunch of time off from the kitchen and blogposting.  My diet, lack of exercise, and stress during this time period did not do me well at all and it is with this post I will re-avow my dedication to eat more vegetables and to increase my blogposts.  This recipe has been something hanging out in my head for awhile and I had a bunch of potatoes that were threatening to go bad, so I gave it a go.  I can't really state enough how incredibly tasty this dish was and I am sure I will make it again soon.  This is also the first time I got to use the light box set up my sister and her husband gave me as a Christmas present and I really like how the photo turned out.

Serves: 4-6
Prep Time: 45 min
Cook Time: 30-40 min

Ingredients:

2-3 lb potatoes, peeled and coarsely chopped

1 Tbsp salt (add to water for boiling potatoes)

8-10 kale leaves, deribbed and finely chopped

1 stick (1/2 cup) salted butter, softened

1 Tbsp wasabi powder (or to taste)
1 Tbsp warm water
1/2 cup milk or cream
1-3 cloves garlic, minced
ground pepper to taste

Directions:

• bring salted water with chopped potatoes to boil, cook at simmer until soft
• steam chopped kale, set aside
• mix together wasabi powder and warm water until paste forms
• whip softened butter and cream together
• add wasabi paste, garlic, and ground pepper and stir until uniform 
• mash potatoes by hand or with a mixer
• add in wasabi butter mixture and chopped kale to potatoes and stir until evenly distributed
• serve warm and top with pepper

Alternate suggestions:

• use arugula, chard or your favorite green instead of kale
• top with parmasean cheese
• use soy creamer and margarine instead of cream and butter to make vegan 
• add chopped ginger for additional flavor