Mashed Potatoes, who doesn't love them? Creamy and filling, the ultimate comfort food! But Merchanos are not like anything you've tried before, unless you're Assyrian. So if you're looking for easy beginner Assyrian recipes, this one is it! Serve with kofta kebab or sumac chicken.
Let's address the elephant in the room right off the bat... Assyrian mashed potatoes are orange! They get their beautiful color from a small amount of tomato paste that mixed in, along with caramelized onions.
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We Assyrians love our potatoes! In fact, we use them in all kinds of recipes. This includes Biryani, Potato Chop, and Vegan Lentil Soup (Aadas). However, this Assyrian recipe is one of the easier recipes you'll find so be sure to give it a try!
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๐ง Why This Recipe Works
- What I love about this recipe is how simple it is to prepare. I also appreciate the fact that it's not loaded with heavy butter or cream.
- This combination of flavors is fantastic and makes Merchanos an excellent vegan and gluten free mashed potatoes option.
- They can be prepared ahead of time and reheated.
- Leftovers taste great!
๐ Ingredients & Substitutions
- Potatoes: Russet or Idaho potatoes.
- Onions: You'll need one yellow onion.
- Tomato Paste: Tomato paste gives these mashed potatoes their beautiful color.
- Spices: All you need is sea salt to season the potatoes but you can also add paprika, if you wish.
- Garnish: Merchanos can be garnished with scallions or chopped fresh Italian parsley.
๐ฅ How to Make This Recipe
Step 1: Roughly chop potatoes and place in a medium-sized pot. Add enough water to cover the potatoes, along with one teaspoon salt. Cover and bring to a boil. Simmer until the potatoes are tender, or approximately 20 minutes.
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Pro Tip: Add a few tablespoons of butter to the boiling potatoes for even creamier potatoes!
Step 2: Caramelize chopped onions in olive oil for at least 5 minutes over low heat, then stir in tomato paste. Add onion and tomato paste mixture and remaining salt to the mashed potatoes. Stir until completely blended.
Step 3: Top with scallions or chopped Italian parsley and enjoy!
๐ฉ๐ผโ๐ณ Pro Tips
- Add a few cloves of garlic to the boiling potatoes and mash with the potatoes.
- Minced garlic can be added to the onions at the same time you add the tomato paste. Sautรฉ for a minute before adding to the potatoes.
- Add a little chicken or vegetable broth for an even creamier texture.
- Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 5 days.
๐ฝ Related Recipes
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๐ Recipe
Merchanos (Assyrian Mashed Potatoes)
Ingredients
- 4 medium potatoes (peeled)
- 2 teaspoon salt (divided)
- 1 tablespoon butter (optional)
- 2ยฝ teaspoon olive oil
- 1 medium onion (diced)
- 1ยฝ tablespoon tomato paste
- 2 scallions (chopped)
Instructions
- Roughly chop potatoes and place in a medium-sized pot. Add enough water to cover the potatoes, along with one teaspoon salt. Cover and bring to a boil. Simmer until the potatoes are tender, or approximately 20 minutes.
- Caramelize chopped onions in olive oil for at least 5 minutes over low heat, then stir in tomato paste. Add onion and tomato paste mixture and remaining salt to the mashed potatoes. Stir until completely blended.
- Top with scallions or chopped Italian parsley and enjoy!
Notes
- Add a few tablespoons of butter to the boiling potatoes for even creamier potatoes!
- Add a few cloves of garlic to the boiling potatoes and mash with the potatoes.
- Minced garlic can be added to the onions at the same time you add the tomato paste. Sautรฉ for a minute before adding to the potatoes.
- Add a little chicken or vegetable broth for an even creamier texture.
- Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 5 days.
Rolanda Sylvain says
When I was little my Italian Grandmother would make these with whole garlic cloves, no onion. We would refrigerate the potatoes and use as a spread on homemade baked bread. Not healthy that way, but oh so good! I look forward to trying this recipe!
HildaSterner says
Hi Rolanda, that sounds amazing! I'm a big garlic fan. I'm curious, what are those potatoes called in Italian?
Kelly Methey says
These sound delicious! I will be making them soon! I am a mashed potatoes girl!!
HildaSterner says
Yes, and best of all, they're way healthier than normal mashed potatoes. Let me know what you think!
2pots2cook says
Printed to have at hand while making it this weekend. To be honest, a bowl of lattice salad would be just fine for me to have for lunch during this super hot weather we have. Thank you so much !
HildaSterner says
Thank you for the feedback! We have been having 90+ degree weather here in Montana so I can relate. Just wait until it cools off!