Mashed Potatoes with Broccoli Garlic Rice

Mashed potatoes are an integral part of European Cooking where it is normally served as a side dish with meat preparations. However, it is not very common in Indian cooking and hence I decided to use it as a gravy  with a pulao like preparation with the delicious English vegetable Broccoli. This preparation is a full meal in itself and can become a huge hit with children, small and big.

Ingredients

Mashed Potatoes

• 4 potatoes, boiled and mashed
• 1 small cup milk
• 1 pod of garlic, finely chopped
• 2 tbsp of butter
• 1 tbsp fresh cream
• 1 tbsp white cheddar cheese
• Salt and Pepper to taste

Broccoli and Garlic Rice

• 1 1/2 cup Basmati Rice
• 12-15 broccoli florets chopped into medium pieces
• 1 red bell pepper, finely chopped
• 1/2  green bell pepper, finely chopped
• 4 pods of garlic, finely chopped
• 1 tbsp butter
• Salt and Pepper to taste

Method

• Boil the potatoes and rice in the microwave for 25 minutes.  You can use leftover rice if you have. However, I would recommend using freshly boiled potatoes for the mash.
• Finely chop the garlic and the bell peppers and keep aside. 
• For the rice, take 2 tbsps of butter in a pan and let it melt well. Add the garlic and let it cook until golden brown. Let it burn a little to get a smoky flavor. This goes well with the creamy mashed potatoes.
• Add the bell peppers, salt, and pepper and let it cook for 2-3 minutes. 
• Add the broccoli florets and let the mixture cook for 5-7 mins on a medium flame. I like the broccoli to be par-cooked, however, you can cook it till completely soft or as preferred.
• Add the boiled rice and mix slowly so that the rice doesn't break and become sticky. Let it cook for 2 mins.
• In another bowl, peel and mash the potatoes with a masher or use a potato ricer.

When the rice is cooking, in another pan, take butter and add the remaining garlic. Cook the garlic a little and add the boiled potatoes. Add salt, pepper, milk and cream and whisk well. When the gravy starts boiling, add the cheese and add water as required till you reach a cream-like consistency. Your dish is ready.

I normally prepare it right before dinner and enjoy it hot. If you want to prepare this in advance, while heating , add 1 tsp of butter and mix the rice again and add a little water in the mashed potato too.