Creamy puree with tomato sauce and bell pepper

Creamy Mashed Potatoes with Tomato and Bell Pepper Sauce: A Simple and Satisfying Recipe

If you are looking for a delicious and comforting recipe to sweeten your fasting days, you've come to the right place! The creamy mashed potatoes with tomato and bell pepper sauce are not only a tasty choice but also an excellent way to indulge your taste buds without breaking your dietary restrictions. This recipe is quick to prepare, and the ingredients are accessible and healthy.

Preparation time: 15 minutes
Cooking time: 30 minutes
Total time: 45 minutes
Servings: 4

A Brief History
Mashed potatoes are a classic dish loved in many cultures, with deep roots in culinary traditions. When paired with sauces, mashed potatoes become a versatile dish, perfect for any meal. The addition of tomato and bell pepper sauce brings a touch of freshness and flavor, transforming a simple mash into a true feast.

Ingredients
For the mash:
- 8 large potatoes (approximately 1.5 kg)
- Salt (to taste)
- Margarine (approximately 50 g; if it's not a fasting day, you can use butter and milk)
- A small root of parsley

For the sauce:
- 3 tablespoons oil (preferably olive)
- A small can of peeled tomatoes (approximately 400 g)
- 1 tablespoon bell pepper paste
- Half a bell pepper (approximately 100 g)
- Fresh dill (a bunch)
- A cup of water (approximately 250 ml)
- Salt and pepper (to taste)

Preparation Techniques and Practical Tips
1. Preparing the Potatoes:
- Start by peeling the potatoes. It's important to choose quality potatoes, preferably of the "waxy" type to achieve a creamy mash, such as Yukon Gold or red potatoes.
- Wash them well and cut them into evenly sized cubes to ensure even boiling.
- Place the potato cubes in a pot with cold water, add a pinch of salt and the parsley root cut into 4. Boil the potatoes for 20 minutes until they are very soft.

2. Preparing the Sauce:
- Meanwhile, prepare the sauce. Heat the oil in a pan over medium heat. Gently add the peeled tomatoes (you can also use fresh tomatoes, but make sure they are well-ripened) and the bell pepper paste.
- Wash and finely dice the half bell pepper, then add it to the pan. This will add a sweet flavor and pleasant texture to the sauce.
- Season with salt and pepper, then add the cup of water. Let the sauce simmer over medium heat for 15 minutes until it thickens slightly. Finally, add the finely chopped dill for an extra touch of freshness.

3. Finishing the Mash:
- Once the potatoes are boiled, drain them and remove the parsley root. Add the margarine (or butter) and use a masher to mash them well until creamy and smooth. You can also add a little milk if you want an even finer mash.

4. Serving:
- Serve a generous portion of mash on a plate and pour the tomato and bell pepper sauce over it. You can garnish with a few fresh dill leaves for an attractive appearance.

Variations and Suggestions
- Add cheese: If you are not fasting, adding feta cheese or a creamy cheese to the mash can provide a special flavor.
- Flavor it: You can experiment with spices like basil, oregano, or even chili for a personalized sauce to your taste.
- Enrich the mash: Instead of margarine, you can try extra virgin olive oil for a more intense and healthy flavor.

Frequently Asked Questions
1. Can I use sweet potatoes?
- Yes, sweet potatoes can be a delicious alternative, offering a sweeter taste and unique texture.

2. How can I store leftover mash?
- You can keep the mash in an airtight container in the refrigerator for 2-3 days. Reheat it in the microwave or on the stove, adding a little milk to restore its creaminess.

3. What other dishes can it be combined with?
- This mash pairs excellently with vegetable meatballs, grilled vegetables, or even a fresh salad for a complete meal.

Nutritional Information
This recipe is not only delicious but also healthy! Potatoes are a good source of complex carbohydrates, and tomatoes provide essential antioxidants like lycopene, which has beneficial health effects. Approximately, one serving contains about 250 calories.

Whether you prepare this recipe on fasting days or simply want to enjoy a healthy dish, the mashed potatoes with tomato and bell pepper sauce will bring a touch of joy to your plate. Don't forget to play with flavors and customize your dish to your preferences! Enjoy!