Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This recipe is a creative and playful way to add some extra green to your St. Patrick’s Day spread. The spinach pesto brings a fresh and vibrant flavor to mashed potatoes, offering a new way to enjoy this classic side dish. The spinach 4-leaf clover garnish is not only fun but also gives the dish a special, festive touch perfect for celebrating the holiday. Plus, you can get creative with variations on the pesto or even serve the potatoes in tart shells for a more elegant presentation.
Ingredients
- Fresh baby spinach
- Olive oil
- Garlic
- Parmesan cheese
- Lemon juice (optional)
- Mashed potatoes (prepared)
- Pine nuts or walnuts (optional)
- Tart shells (optional for serving) (Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
Directions
- Prepare the spinach pesto by blending fresh spinach, garlic, Parmesan, olive oil, and optional lemon juice. Adjust seasoning to taste.
- Mix the spinach pesto into mashed potatoes, stirring until fully incorporated.
- For a fun garnish, use a 4-leaf clover punch to cut out spinach leaves and decorate the dish.
- Optional: Pipe the pesto mashed potatoes into tart shells and bake for about 20 minutes.
Servings and Timing
- Serves 4-6
- Preparation time: 20 minutes
- Cooking time: 20 minutes (if using tart shells)
Variations
- Substitute walnuts for pine nuts in the pesto for a different flavor.
- For a creamier texture, add a little sour cream or cream cheese to the mashed potatoes.
- If you prefer a different herb, try basil or parsley in place of spinach for the pesto.
- Serve in small tart shells for an elegant appetizer or as part of a main course.
Storage/Reheating
- Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Reheat in the microwave or on the stovetop, adding a splash of milk or cream if the potatoes have thickened too much.
FAQs
1. Can I use frozen spinach for the pesto?
Yes, frozen spinach can be used, but fresh spinach will give a better texture and flavor for the pesto.
2. How do I make the mashed potatoes?
You can make mashed potatoes using your favorite recipe, or simply use pre-made mashed potatoes for convenience.
3. Can I use pre-made pesto instead of making my own?
Absolutely! If you’re short on time, jarred pesto can be used instead of homemade spinach pesto.
4. How do I make the spinach 4-leaf clovers?
You can use a 4-leaf clover punch to cut the shapes from fresh spinach leaves.
5. Can I make this recipe ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the mashed potatoes and pesto ahead of time. Just store them separately and mix them together before serving.
6. Can I serve this dish as a main course?
While it’s traditionally a side dish, you could serve this as a vegetarian main course with a hearty salad.
7. What other herbs can I use for the pesto?
You can use basil, parsley, or even arugula for a different pesto flavor.
8. How do I store leftover spinach pesto?
Store leftover pesto in an airtight container in the fridge for up to a week or freeze it for longer storage.
9. Can I use a different type of nut for the pesto?
Yes, walnuts, almonds, or cashews can be used as alternatives to pine nuts.
10. What can I serve with these potatoes?
These pesto potatoes pair wonderfully with roasted chicken, grilled fish, or a vegetarian dish like stuffed peppers.
Conclusion
This fun, green-themed potato dish is perfect for celebrating St. Patrick’s Day with a unique and tasty twist on a classic. The spinach pesto adds flavor and vibrancy, while the 4-leaf clover garnish brings a playful, festive touch. Whether you’re serving it as a side or as part of a special meal, this recipe is sure to impress your guests.
Wearing of the Green on Potatoes
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes (if using tart shells)
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 4-6 servings
- Category: Side Dish, St. Patrick's Day, Vegetarian
- Method: Blending, Mixing, Baking (optional)
- Cuisine: Irish-American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Celebrate St. Patrick’s Day with a fun twist on classic mashed potatoes by adding a vibrant spinach pesto in this “Wearing of the Green” on Potatoes recipe. The creamy mashed potatoes are beautifully coated with fresh spinach pesto, offering a burst of flavor and color. Garnished with a festive spinach 4-leaf clover, this dish is the perfect addition to your holiday meal, adding both charm and deliciousness to your table!
Ingredients
- Fresh baby spinach
- Olive oil
- Garlic
- Parmesan cheese
- Lemon juice (optional)
- Mashed potatoes (prepared)
- Pine nuts or walnuts (optional)
- Tart shells (optional for serving)
Instructions
- Prepare the spinach pesto by blending fresh spinach, garlic, Parmesan, olive oil, and optional lemon juice. Adjust seasoning to taste.
- Mix the spinach pesto into the mashed potatoes, stirring until fully incorporated.
- For a fun garnish, use a 4-leaf clover punch to cut out spinach leaves and decorate the dish.
- Optional: Pipe the pesto mashed potatoes into tart shells and bake for about 20 minutes.
Notes
- Swap walnuts for pine nuts in the pesto for a slightly different flavor.
- For extra creaminess, add a bit of sour cream or cream cheese to the mashed potatoes.
- If you prefer a different herb, try basil, parsley, or arugula instead of spinach for the pesto.
