This is a quick and easy mashed potato side dish that goes well as a side or part of a mezze.
You can prepare the cumin herb mix and refrigerate it to use when required.
I have already done a cumin tomato herb version and it is practically the same except I don't like to add bulgur wheat to this one because I feel the potato is starchy enough.
That said, some people add bulgur wheat which then makes it a kind of kibbeh.
It could even be baked or topped with cheese or sliced boiled eggs, the options are endless but I exist to show you the basic way and you can embellish all you want 😊
This Lebanese style mashed potato is not like the western one with milk and butter that favours no lumps, sometimes I even roughly crumble the potato with a fork to give it some texture because it's not baby food so don't be too precious about lumps.
I like using a good waxy potato like Yukon Gold which is perfect for mashing. You can buy Kamouneh (Kibbe spices) from Middle Eastern shops or make your own with my recipe here.
The additional herbs used are usually seasonal but I think fresh mint and basil are the best options.
The golden finishing move is to use the very best olive oil you have and don't be afraid to be liberal with it.
Use the back of a spoon to make pretty indents just like your grandmother would and serve warm.
Cumin & Herb Mashed Potato (Kamounet Batata)
Ingredients
- 4 medium sized potatoes
- 1 tablespoon of Kamouneh spices
- 1 teaspoon of dried mediterranean herbs
- ½ tablespoon of salt
- Pinch of dried chilli flakes
- Pinch of black pepper
- Pinch of sumac
- Approx 6-7 mint leaves
- Approx 10-15 basil leaves
- Extra virgin olive oil
Instructions
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Boil the potatoes until done
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Peel the skins and mash with the back of a fork
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Add the Kamouneh, dried herbs, lemon zest, salt, black pepper, chilli flakes and sumac
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Finely chop the fresh herbs and add with a drizzle of olive oil
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Adjust the seasoning to your liking
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Serve in a plate, indent the surface with the back of a spoon
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Drizzle well with extra virgin olive oil
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You might also like these other recipes from the Zaatar and Zaytoun collection:
Vegan Chickpea and bulgur wheat pilaf
Kamounet banadoura (Cumin tomatoes with bulgur wheat)
Fasolia bi lahme (Lebanese White bean stew with meat)
Kibbeh nayeh (raw kibbe)
Lebanese tabbouleh
Bianca
Looks great! I would be very glad to try this.