Provencial Black Olive and Fresh Thyme Mashed Potatoes

Indulge in the rich, Mediterranean-inspired flavors of Provencal Black Olive and Fresh Thyme Mashed Potatoes, a sophisticated twist on a classic comfort food. This recipe elevates creamy russet potatoes with the briny, salty notes of chopped Kalamata olives and the aromatic earthiness of fresh thyme. Sautéed garlic in olive oil adds depth, while velvety heavy cream and butter create a luscious texture that's irresistibly smooth. Perfect for an elegant dinner party or a cozy family meal, this dish pairs beautifully with roasted meats or grilled vegetables. Ready in just 35 minutes, these mashed potatoes deliver gourmet flair without the fuss, making them a standout addition to your recipe collection.

Nutriscore Rating: 65/100

Prep Time:15 mins

Cook Time:20 mins

Total Time:35 mins

Servings: 4

Ingredients

• 2 pounds Russet potatoes
• 4 tablespoons Unsalted butter
• 0.5 cups Heavy cream
• 0.5 cups Pitted black olives (such as Kalamata)
• 1.5 tablespoons Fresh thyme leaves
• 2 cloves Garlic
• 1 teaspoons Salt
• 0.5 teaspoons Freshly ground black pepper
• 1 tablespoon Extra virgin olive oil
• 0 as needed for boiling Water

Directions

Step 1

Peel the russet potatoes and cut them into evenly sized chunks, approximately 1-2 inches wide for even cooking.

Step 2

Place the potato chunks into a large pot and cover them with cold water, adding a pinch of salt to the water for flavor.

Step 3

Bring the water to a boil over high heat, then reduce the heat to medium and simmer for 15-20 minutes, or until the potatoes are fork-tender.

Step 4

While the potatoes are cooking, finely chop the pitted black olives to create small pieces, and set aside.

Step 5

Heat 1 tablespoon of extra virgin olive oil in a small skillet over low heat. Mince the garlic cloves and add them to the skillet, cooking gently for 1-2 minutes, or until fragrant but not browned. Add the fresh thyme and stir for another 30 seconds, then remove from heat.

Step 6

Drain the cooked potatoes and return them to the pot. Allow the residual heat to evaporate any excess moisture for about 1 minute.

Step 7

Add the butter to the potatoes and mash using a potato masher or a ricer for a smoother texture.

Step 8

Gradually pour in the heavy cream while continuing to mash, until the potatoes reach your desired consistency. Adjust cream quantity if needed.

Step 9

Stir in the chopped olives, sautéed garlic and thyme mixture, salt, and black pepper. Mix thoroughly to distribute the flavors evenly.

Step 10

Taste and adjust seasoning with additional salt or pepper if necessary.

Step 11

Transfer the mashed potatoes to a serving bowl, garnish with a few whole thyme sprigs or additional black olive pieces, and serve warm.

Nutrition Facts

Serving size	(1331.9g)

Amount per serving	% Daily Value*
Calories	2020.4

Total Fat 121.8g	0%
Saturated Fat 56.4g	0%
Polyunsaturated Fat 0.0g
Cholesterol 244mg	0%
Sodium 3445.5mg	0%
Total Carbohydrate 210.0g	0%
Dietary Fiber 20.4g	0%
Total Sugars 10.5g
Protein 28.7g	0%

Vitamin D 0IU	0%
Calcium 259.5mg	0%
Iron 13.4mg	0%
Potassium 5218.3mg	0%

*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.

Source of Calories

Fat: 53.4%

Protein: 5.6%

Carbs: 41.0%