For Mashed Potatoes With More Flavor And Fiber, Stir In This Starchy Canned Vegetable

It's hard to argue against potatoes being the most versatile food. The cooking opportunities for the starchy vegetable are practically endless — you can make them fried, sliced, twice-baked, mashed, you name it. However, one of the most popular potato dishes is good old mashed potatoes with butter and milk. Folks often top them with cheese or bacon, but we recommend adding green peas for unique flavor, texture, and fiber.

Green peas add a sweet, mildly earthy flavor and an interesting pop of chewy texture to cut through the mashed potatoes' thick, creamy richness. Beyond providing a hint of fresh brightness to the dish's grounded savory flavor, boiled peas also offer about 9 grams of extra fiber per cup. So if you're hoping to boost your fiber intake — for heart health and digestion — peas are a fantastic addition.

The process is easy. After boiling the potatoes until tender, you'll add frozen peas for about a minute, drain both, mash the spuds, then mix in butter and milk until soft. Just be sure to adjust the amount of each ingredient based on how thick you prefer your mashed potatoes.

There are many ways to serve this simple, comforting dish. You can dish it out right away, or cover it and let it sit for a few minutes before serving, as some recipes suggest. From there, sprinkle salt, pepper, or dried herbs on top, and add butter for even more richness. Cover the potatoes with shredded cheddar cheese for a sharp, nutty flavor that melts deliciously into the dish. Or mix in a few bacon crumbles or finely chopped scallions for some saltiness and crunch.

Pair your green pea-mashed potato dish with a hearty pot roast or roasted veggies like asparagus, squash, carrots, or zucchini. Or, after mixing in the peas, try topping mashed potatoes with mushroom stew for a hearty bite. If you're feeling creative, you could even top soup with these mashed potatoes, which makes for an ideal comfort meal. But ultimately, you can't go wrong with a side of simple fish sticks or chicken tenders.