These Vegan Caramelized Onion Mashed Potatoes are creamy and packed with flavor! The sweet caramelized onions add a yummy twist that makes these potatoes extra special.
Honestly, I could eat a whole bowl by myself! Pair them with your favorite veggie dish or just enjoy them on their own—trust me, they’re that good!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Potatoes: Yukon Gold or Russet are great choices for their creamy texture. If you’re looking for lower carb options, consider using cauliflower or sweet potatoes, but the texture will vary.
Onions: Yellow onions are best for caramelizing due to their sweetness. However, red onions can work too, adding a slightly different flavor. You can also use shallots if you want a milder taste.
Plant-Based Milk: Unsweetened oat, almond, or soy milk are all good choices. If you have an intolerance to these options, try rice or coconut milk, but watch out for flavors that might change the dish.
Vegan Butter: I prefer using vegan butter for the creamy richness. If you’re out, olive oil or coconut oil can be alternatives, although they will change the flavor a bit.
How Can You Perfectly Caramelize Onions?
Caramelizing onions may seem daunting, but it’s quite simple! The key is patience. Slowly cooking them lets their natural sugars develop that delicious sweetness.
- Start by heating your oil in a large skillet over medium-low heat, which allows even cooking.
- Add the sliced onions, a pinch of salt, and sugar to help draw moisture out and speed up caramelization.
- Stir frequently to prevent sticking and burning. If you notice browning, lower the heat slightly.
- Cook until they are golden brown, about 25-30 minutes. If needed, splash in a bit of water to keep them from sticking.
With practice, you’ll get those perfectly caramelized onions that add an amazing depth to your mashed potatoes!
Vegan Caramelized Onion Mashed Potatoes
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Mashed Potatoes:
- 3 pounds Yukon Gold or Russet potatoes, peeled and cut into chunks
- 1/2 cup unsweetened plant-based milk (oat, almond, or soy)
- 3 tablespoons vegan butter or margarine
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- Salt, to taste
- Freshly ground black pepper, to taste
- Fresh thyme leaves for garnish (optional)
For the Caramelized Onions:
- 2 large yellow onions, thinly sliced
- 3 tablespoons olive oil, divided
- 1 teaspoon sugar (to help caramelize onions)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delicious vegan side dish will take about 40-50 minutes in total. You’ll spend about 15-20 minutes preparing and boiling the potatoes, while the onions will take about 25-30 minutes to caramelize. The best part is that you can multitask, so everything comes together beautifully!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Cook the Potatoes:
Start by placing the peeled and chopped potatoes into a large pot. Cover them with cold water and add a pinch of salt. Bring to a boil over high heat, then reduce to a simmer. Cook until the potatoes are very tender, which should take about 15-20 minutes. Once done, drain them well and set aside.
2. Caramelize the Onions:
While the potatoes are cooking, heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a large skillet over medium-low heat. Add your sliced onions and sprinkle them with sugar and a pinch of salt to help with the caramelization process. Stir the onions frequently. Cook them slowly until they turn deeply golden brown—this usually takes around 25-30 minutes. If they start to stick or burn, simply add a splash of water. Once they are perfectly caramelized, remove them from the heat and set aside.
3. Prepare the Creamy Mixture:
In a small saucepan or microwave, warm the plant-based milk together with the vegan butter until both are melted and well combined. This will enhance the creaminess of your mashed potatoes!
4. Mash the Potatoes:
Now it’s time to mash! Use a potato masher or a ricer to mash the drained potatoes until they’re smooth. Gradually add the warmed plant-based milk and butter mixture along with the minced garlic. Mix until everything is smooth and creamy. Don’t forget to season with salt and pepper to taste!
5. Combine and Serve:
Gently fold in half of the delicious caramelized onions into your mashed potatoes. Transfer the potatoes to a serving bowl and top with the remaining caramelized onions. For an extra touch, garnish with fresh thyme leaves if you’d like. Serve warm and enjoy every delicious bite!
These Vegan Caramelized Onion Mashed Potatoes are not just a side dish; they’re an experience! Creamy, flavorful, and perfect for any meal.
Can I Use Frozen Onions for This Recipe?
Yes, you can use frozen onions if you’re short on time! Just sauté them directly from frozen, and they should caramelize nicely. Keep in mind they may need a bit more time to cook down compared to fresh onions.
What Other Ingredients Can I Add to the Mashed Potatoes?
Feel free to customize your mashed potatoes! You can add roasted garlic, nutritional yeast for a cheesy flavor, or even steamed broccoli for added nutrition. Just be mindful of how additional ingredients may change the consistency.
How Should I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. If they seem dry when reheating, simply stir in a little more plant-based milk to restore creaminess.
Can I Use Chicken Broth Instead of Plant-Based Milk?
Yes, you can use vegetable broth for a more savory flavor if you prefer a less creamy texture! Just remember to adjust the salt as needed, depending on the broth’s saltiness.