While potatoes start out healthy, mashed potatoes are notorious for having loads of calories and saturated fat. That’s because many recipes call for butter, cream, and other rich ingredients like cream cheese. For our easy recipe rescue, we slimmed things down by switching to light cream cheese and chicken broth for flavor, and boosted the nutrients by mixing in cooked spinach. Through it all, we managed to keep the familiar rich flavor.

Spinach Mashed Potatoes
Makes 12 Servings

5 pounds potatoes, peeled and cut into 1/2-inch cubes (about 10 cups)
1 tablespoon extra virgin olive oil
2 garlic cloves, minced
One 6-ounce bag prewashed baby spinach
1 to 1 1/2 cups all-natural chicken broth
1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
2 ounces light cream cheese (1/4 of an 8-ounce block)
1 tablespoon butter
1 teaspoon kosher salt
Pepper and salt

Place the potatoes in a large saucepan. Add enough water to cover. Cover with a lid and bring to a boil. Reduce the heat and cook, covered, at a simmer until tender, 12 to 15 minutes.

While the potatoes are cooking, heat the oil in a large nonstick skillet over medium heat. Add the garlic and sauté until golden, about 1 minute. Add the spinach and cook, stirring frequently until wilted, about 5 minutes. Place on a cutting board and coarsely chop.

When the potatoes are done, drain and return to the pan. Add the broth, Parmesan cheese, cream cheese, butter, and salt. Mash with a potato masher until smooth. Gently mix in the cooked spinach. Season with pepper and additional salt to taste.

Nutrition Information per Serving: 200 calories, 3.5g total fat, 1.5g saturated fat, 200mg sodium, 36g carbohydrate, 3g fiber, 6g protein, 70% vitamin C.

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