These Vegan Caramelized Onion Mashed Potatoes are creamy and rich, with sweet onions adding a delightful twist. Perfect for any meal to impress your family or friends!
Honestly, who can resist a plate of fluffy mashed potatoes? The caramelized onions give it a nice touch. I just can’t help but go back for seconds (or thirds)! 😄
Making these is so easy! Just boil the potatoes, caramelize some onions, mash it all up, and enjoy. They’re a fantastic side dish that makes everyone smile!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Potatoes: I recommend russet or Yukon gold for their creamy texture once mashed. If you’re in a pinch, red potatoes can work too, but they might be a bit waxier.
Onions: Yellow onions are perfect for caramelizing due to their sweetness. If you prefer, you can use sweet onions or even shallots for a milder flavor.
Olive Oil: While I love using olive oil for its flavor, feel free to use any cooking oil you have on hand. Coconut oil or avocado oil are good alternatives.
Plant-Based Milk: Unsweetened almond, oat, or soy milk are great choices here. You can substitute with any other non-dairy milk, just be aware that flavors might vary slightly!
Vegan Butter: I personally prefer using vegan butter to achieve that creamy texture, but you can use olive oil or a mild flavored margarine if that’s what you have.
How Do You Get Those Onions Perfectly Caramelized?
Caramelizing onions takes some patience but is worth it for the flavor. Here are the steps to get those onions perfectly caramelized:
- Heat up your skillet on medium-low with olive oil and onions.
- Add a pinch of salt to help draw out moisture.
- Cook slowly and stir occasionally for about 25-30 minutes until golden brown. The key is to keep the heat low. If they start to brown too fast, just reduce the heat.
- If you decide to add garlic, drop it in the last 2 minutes of cooking so it doesn’t burn.
Remember, the slower, the better for those sweet, delicious onions!
How to Make Vegan Caramelized Onion Mashed Potatoes
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Potatoes:
- 2 pounds russet or Yukon gold potatoes, peeled and chopped
For the Caramelized Onions:
- 2 large yellow onions, thinly sliced
- 3 tablespoons olive oil, divided
- 4 cloves garlic, minced (optional)
- 1 tablespoon fresh thyme leaves (plus extra for garnish)
For the Mash:
- 1/2 cup unsweetened plant-based milk (such as almond, oat, or soy)
- 3 tablespoons vegan butter or margarine
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 15-20 minutes for prep and around 25-30 minutes for cooking. That makes it roughly 45-50 minutes total from start to finish! Perfect for a comforting side dish without spending all day in the kitchen.
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Cook the Potatoes:
Start by placing the peeled and chopped potatoes in a large pot. Cover them with cold water and add a pinch of salt. Bring the pot to a boil over high heat. Once boiling, reduce the heat to medium and let them simmer for about 15-20 minutes, until they’re tender when pierced with a fork. Drain the potatoes well and then return them to the pot to keep them warm.
2. Caramelize the Onions:
While the potatoes are cooking, grab a large skillet and heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil on medium-low heat. Add the sliced onions along with a pinch of salt. Cook slowly, stirring occasionally, for about 25-30 minutes or until the onions become deeply golden brown and are caramelized. If you’re using garlic, add it in the last 2 minutes of cooking. At the end, toss in the fresh thyme leaves and remove from heat.
3. Mash the Potatoes:
Now it’s time to mash the potatoes! Add the vegan butter to the hot potatoes and start mashing them until smooth. Gradually pour in the plant-based milk and mix until you achieve a creamy, smooth texture. Season the mashed potatoes with salt and black pepper to your liking.
4. Combine and Serve:
Take half of the caramelized onions and gently fold them into the mashed potatoes, mixing well. Once combined, spoon the fluffy mashed potatoes into a serving bowl. Top it off with the remaining caramelized onions and, if you like, some extra fresh thyme for garnish.
5. Enjoy Warm:
Serve the mashed potatoes warm as a rich and flavorful side dish alongside your favorite mains. They’re sure to be a hit at any meal!
This recipe results in creamy, delicious mashed potatoes with a lovely depth of flavor from the caramelized onions and thyme, all while being completely vegan. Enjoy every bite!
Can I Use Other Types of Potatoes?
Absolutely! While russet and Yukon gold potatoes are great choices for their creamy texture, you can also use red potatoes. Just note that they may produce a slightly different flavor and texture since they are waxier.
How Do I Store Leftover Mashed Potatoes?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, you can warm them on the stovetop over low heat, stirring in a little extra plant-based milk to restore creaminess as needed.
Can I Make These Mashed Potatoes Ahead of Time?
Yes, you can prepare the mashed potatoes in advance! Just let them cool, then cover and refrigerate them. To serve, reheat gently, stirring in a bit of plant-based milk to enhance the texture.
What If I Don’t Have Thyme?
No problem! If you don’t have fresh thyme on hand, you can substitute with dried thyme (about 1 teaspoon) or try using other herbs like rosemary or sage for a different flavor profile. Just adjust the amount to your taste!
