Caramelized Onion Mashed Potatoes

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Caramelized onion mashed potatoes are the answer to boring side dishes. The addition of sweet, sticky onions adds incredible depth and complexity, leaving plain mashed potatoes in the dust.

Both mashed potatoes and caramelized onions have been culinary staples for centuries. Unlike some recipes with clear origin stories, caramelized onion mashed potatoes seem to have emerged from the collective creativity of cooks looking to enhance a classic.

Specific recipes for caramelized onion mashed potatoes likely started to pop up more prominently in modern food blogs and magazines focused on updated comfort food. Chefs and home cooks realized the amazing flavour combination and began sharing their takes on the dish.

This isn’t your average mashed potato recipe! The caramelized onions add visual appeal and a touch of gourmet flair that makes the dish feel special and impressive.

The recipe typically involves a simple addition to traditional mashed potatoes. This easy twist offers a significantly enhanced flavour profile without much extra effort.

Caramelized onion mashed potatoes, like the simple potato salad recipe, or the Hungarian parsley potatoes, complement a wide range of main courses, from roasted meats and fish to vegetarian dishes. They can be as easily incorporated into a holiday feast as they can be in a weekday meal.

Ingredients

This recipe uses just a handful of ingredients – potatoes, onions, salt, paprika and sunflower oil. Let’s talk about this:

• 1 kg Potatoes: The star of the dish! Choose starchy potatoes like Russet or Yukon Gold for the best creamy, fluffy texture when mashed.
• Two Onions: Yellow or sweet onions work best for caramelization. Their natural sugars will transform into a rich, sweet flavour as they cook down.

• 2 tbsp Sunflower Oil: A neutral-flavoured oil with a high smoke point, perfect for caramelizing the onions. You could substitute olive oil, but watch the heat to avoid burning.
• 2 tsp Sea Salt: The essential seasoning that enhances all the flavours in the dish. Adjust the amount to your liking.
• 2 tsp Paprika: Offers a subtle warmth and a hint of smokiness that pairs beautifully with the sweetness of the onions.

How to Make the Caramelized Onion Mashed Potatoes?

Prepare the Ingredients

Preparing the ingredients for this recipe takes less than five minutes. First, I peel and cut the potatoes into cubes directly in a pot. I fill the pot with enough water to cover the potatoes and add a teaspoon of salt. Then, I bring them to a boil. While the potatoes cook, I prepare the onions.

Peel the onions and chop them very finely. I want the onions to really affect the taste and feel of the mashed potatoes, adding sweetness and depth of flavour, but I don’t want them to be the main attraction. That’s why I chop them small rather than in large pieces.

Make the Caramelized Onion

To caramelize the onions, heat two tablespoons of sunflower oil in a saucepan over low to medium heat. Add the onions and sauté them, stirring occasionally, until they soften and become translucent, not browned. This takes about five minutes.

Season with a teaspoon of sea salt and two teaspoons of sweet paprika. This will change the color of the final dish and add warmth and complexity to the flavor. After adding the paprika, turn off the heat to prevent it from burning.

Mash the Potatoes and Mix It All

After the potatoes have boiled, drain the water and mash them while they are still hot. In this recipe, I don’t mash them completely; instead, I mash them until partially mashed, leaving some chunks for a coarser texture. This intentional partial mashing creates a wonderful, coarser texture.

Add the caramelized onions to the potatoes and mix well with a wooden spoon or spatula until evenly combined and the potatoes have a consistent colour.

This caramelized onion mashed potato recipe takes just 30 minutes and is a delicious new twist on a classic side dish.

Serving the Mashed Potatoes

Serve them in a bowl as you would traditional mashed potatoes. Sprinkle fresh chopped chives, parsley, or a touch of extra paprika for colour and a flavour boost.

Pair the mashed potatoes with various meaty main dishes like roasted turkey legs, beef paprikash, or a creamy chicken stew.

F.A.Q.

How to Store?

Allow the mashed potatoes to cool to room temperature before storing them. Transfer the mashed potatoes to an airtight container or a bowl covered tightly with plastic wrap. Caramelized onion mashed potatoes will keep in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.

Reheat individual portions in the microwave or gently on the stovetop over low heat, stirring occasionally. You may need to add a splash of milk or cream to loosen the consistency.