A tasty, and healthier, alternative to mashed potatoes

We all grew up loving mashed potatoes... or at least I did in my mainly Irish-descent home. They can be fluffy, dense, filling, buttery, and delicious. But there's so much butter and salt in this lovely dish that makes it, well, delicious! It's also super high in starch which is great in moderation, but lets face it... who can only have one helping of this fluffy side dish?

So my solution? White bean puree. I know I know, it sounds like something on the menu at an elderly assisted living home menu. But I assure you it's SO much more!

Here's what you'll need for this yummy alternative to it's starchy and fattening counterpart:

2 15oz cans white bean, drained and rinsed
2-3 cloves garlic
1/3 cup low-sodium chicken stock or broth
1 tbs tomato paste
1-2 tbs finely chopped rosemary
1/3 cup dry white wine
1 tbs olive oil

In a food processor, drop in garlic cloves and pulse a few times to chop up garlic. Add white beans, oil, and chicken broth. Pulse until mixture is smooth (we don't want any chunks, unless that's how you like it!)

In a skillet (preferably after cooking a nice piece of meat, but without is OK too) add 1 tbs olive oil and heat over medium heat. Once oil shimmers, drop in tomato paste and rosemary. Stir together and cook about 20-30 seconds. Add white wine and boil an additional 30 seconds. Lastly, add bean puree and cook 2-3 minutes, stirring often.

Voila! You have a delicious alternative to mashed potatoes! It's a little less "together" as potatoes are, but it's just as delicious and much healthier. Add salt and pepper to taste, but don't over-do it!

Pictured above:

pan seared steak, bean puree, and broccoli sauteed with dried thyme