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Potato Basil Purée

This vibrant potato basil purée is a sophisticated twist on classic mashed potatoes, offering a silky texture and a striking herbaceous flavour. By quickly blanching fresh basil before blending it with single cream and nutty Parmesan cheese, you create a vivid green sauce that transforms simple boiled potatoes into an elegant side dish. The combination of earthy Yukon Golds and aromatic herbs makes this a standout accompaniment for grilled meats or roasted vegetables.

As a versatile vegetarian dish, this recipe is ideal for dinner parties or Sunday lunches when you want to impress with minimal effort. The secret to the perfect consistency lies in steam-drying the potatoes before whisking, ensuring they absorb every drop of the fragrant basil cream. Serve it piping hot with an extra dusting of cheese for a comforting yet refined finish.

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Ingredients for Potato Basil Purée

  • 2 cups fresh basil leaves, lightly packed

  • 900g large Yukon Gold or white boiling potatoes

  • 240ml half-and-half

  • 90g freshly grated Parmesan cheese, plus extra for serving

  • 2 teaspoons kosher salt

  • 1 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper

Bring a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil and fill a bowl with ice water. Add the basil leaves to the boiling water and cook for exactly 15 seconds. Remove the basil with a slotted spoon and immediately plunge the leaves into the ice water to set the bright green colour. Drain and set aside.

Peel the potatoes and cut them in quarters. Add the potatoes to the same pot of boiling water and return to a boil. Cook the potatoes for 20 to 25 minutes, until very tender. Drain well, return to the sauce- pan, and steam over low heat until any remaining water evaporates.

In a small saucepan over medium heat, heat the half-and-half and Parmesan cheese until the cream simmers. Place the basil in a food processor fitted with the steel blade and purée. Add the hot cream mixture and process until smooth.

With a handheld mixer with the beater attachment, beat the hot potatoes in the pot until they are broken up. Slowly add the hot basil cream, the salt, and pepper and beat until smooth. If the potatoes need to be reheated, cover and cook gently over low heat for a few minutes. Pour into a serving bowl, sprinkle with extra Parmesan cheese, season to taste, and serve hot.

Clause de non-responsabilité

While every effort has been made to ensure the information is accurate and up to date, individual needs may vary and dietary requirements can differ based on personal health conditions. Always check food labels and allergen information before preparing or consuming any recipe. If you have specific health concerns, allergies, intolerances, or are following a medically prescribed diet, seek advice from your GP, pharmacist, or a registered dietitian before making significant changes to your diet or lifestyle.

Historique de l'article

Les informations contenues dans cette page ont été évaluées par des cliniciens qualifiés.

  • 28 janvier 2026 | Publié à l'origine

    Auteur: :

    UK recipe editors

    Examiné par des pairs

    UK recipe editors
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