Carrot And Dill Mash Recipe

I absolutely adore this creamy carrot mash because it brings back cozy childhood memories of helping mom in the kitchen, and the fresh dill gives it a vibrant pop that’s just the right mix of fancy and homey. Plus, it’s super easy to whip up and impress my friends at weekend potlucks without spending hours in the kitchen!

Carrot and Dill Mash is a delightful side dish that combines the earthy sweetness of carrots with the fresh flavor of dill. What I adore about the butter and olive oil is how they impart a velvety texture, and I certainly appreciate the richness that heavy cream brings.

This dish serves up a solid dose of vitamin A and dietary fiber, rendering it as wholesome as it is tasty.

Ingredients

The following are the raw materials.

They are derived from plants.

Carrots are: high in beta-carotene, fiber, and antioxidants; low in calories; and nearly fat-free.

They are sweet and brilliantly colored.

Butter without salt: Contributes creaminess and richness, which improves the texture and flavor of the mash.

Oil of Olive: Delivers beneficial lipids and a slight, fruity flavor that makes a lovely counterpoint to carrots.

Dill: Provides a refreshingly herbaceous flavor and is rich in antioxidants and trace nutrients.

Silky and rich, heavy cream has a way of making desserts feel luxurious.

But if you’re looking for something a little lighter, milk (or a combination of milk and half-and-half) can provide a similarly textured filling, without the extra calories.

Ingredient Quantities

• 1 pound (about 450g) carrots, peeled and chopped
• 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 tablespoon fresh dill, chopped (or 1 teaspoon dried dill)
• 1/4 cup (about 60ml) heavy cream or milk
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions

1. A big pot of salted water should be brought to a boil before the chopped carrots are introduced.

2. Prepare the carrots by boiling them until tender, which takes about 15-20 minutes. Make sure to drain them thoroughly.

3. Drain the carrots and return them to the pot. Place the pot over low heat for 1-2 minutes to evaporate any excess moisture.

4. Place the unsalted butter and olive oil into the pot with the carrots.

5. Using a potato masher or an immersion blender, blend the carrots until they are smooth.

6. Slowly incorporate the heavy cream or milk with the mashed carrots until everything is well mixed.

7. Combine the fresh dill (or dried dill if you are using that) in with the other ingredients.

8. Add salt and pepper to taste, adjusting as necessary.

9. Combine all ingredients completely until they are well mixed and unified.

10. If desired, garnish with additional dill and serve as a warm side dish.

Equipment Needed

1. Large pot
2. Colander or strainer
3. Potato masher or immersion blender
4. Measuring cups and spoons
5. Cutting board
6. Knife
7. Mixing spoon

FAQ

• Can I use different herbs instead of dill?You can use parsley, thyme, or chives for a distinct flavor instead of dill.
• Is there a dairy-free option for this recipe?Certainly, you may use a plant-based alternative for butter and use either coconut or almond milk in place of heavy cream.
• Can this recipe be made ahead of time?Indeed, the mash can be made a day ahead of time and reheated on the stove or in the microwave before serving.
• How do I ensure the carrots are soft enough for mashing?Simmer or steam the carrots until they are tender enough to be pierced with a fork, which generally takes about 15-20 minutes.
• Is it necessary to peel the carrots?Peeling is not mandatory to achieve a smooth texture; however, peeled carrots do yield smoother-textured carrot cake. That said, adding whole, unpeeled carrots, as is the case in some recipes for raw carrot cake, is a way to retain more nutrients, and a “rustic feel.”
• Can other types of oil be used instead of olive oil?Certainly! You may use canola oil, sunflower oil, or any other oil of your liking that has a mild flavor.

Substitutions and Variations

You can substitute an equal amount of margarine or dairy-free spread for a vegan option in place of unsalted butter.
Use avocado oil or melted coconut oil for a different flavor profile when preparing this dish—instead of olive oil.
You can replace fresh dill with an equal amount of another herb. You can use fresh parsley, basil, or tarragon. You will notice a difference in flavor; each of these herbs will give the dish a slightly different flavor profile.
Coconut milk or almond milk can replace heavy cream or milk when you want a dairy-free option.
A low-sodium salt substitute can replace salt; for a milder taste, white pepper can be used instead of regular pepper.

Pro Tips

1. Enhance Flavor with Aromatics Before boiling the carrots, try adding a clove of garlic or a bay leaf to the water. This can impart subtle additional flavor to the carrots as they cook.

2. Perfect Consistency If you desire a creamier texture, consider running the boiled carrots through a food processor instead of using a potato masher. This will achieve a smoother consistency.

3. Balance the Sweetness Carrots can be naturally sweet. To balance this, consider adding a small splash of lemon juice or a pinch of nutmeg when incorporating the cream or milk.

4. Richness and Texture For a richer flavor, use full-fat cream instead of milk. Additionally, you could add a tablespoon of sour cream or cream cheese for extra creaminess and tang.

5. Fresh Herb Garnish Fresh dill can elevate the dish when used as a garnish. Consider adding a sprinkle of finely chopped fresh dill just before serving to enhance both flavor and presentation.