Kale and Mascarpone Mashed Potatoes

I love making these mashed potatoes when I need a quick side dish to go along with a protein for dinner. You get your green veggies and starch all in one dish!

I made crock pot balsamic and brown sugar glazed pork tenderloin tonight and served these mashed potatoes as the side dish. I had to go to a local farm from 5-7 for one of my college classes today and I knew I would be getting back to my house too late to cook a protein and side dish, so the crock pot definitely helped me out.

These mashed potatoes only took about 30 minutes to make and my boyfriend added some of the gravy from the pork to the potatoes. I copied his idea and it was delicious. The potatoes are so good by themselves, but everything is better with a flavorful gravy added to it!

The next time you're in a need of an all in one side dish, turn to this healthy and nutritious mashed potato recipe, and maybe add some gravy if you feel like indulging that night!

Kale and Mascarpone Mashed Potatoes:

(original recipe from: http://giadadelaurentiis.com)

Potatoes:
5 russet potatoes, peeled and chopped
2 garlic cloves, minced
1 teaspoon salt
2 tablespoons unsalted butter

Kale:
3 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
1 small onion, diced
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon pepper
2 garlic cloves, minced
1 bunch kale, chopped
1/4 cup chicken broth

Assembly:
1 cup mascarpone cheese
1/2 cup chicken broth
1/2 stick unsalted butter
3/4 cup parmesan cheese, grated
1 teaspoon salt
1 teaspoon pepper

1. Combine the potatoes, garlic, salt and butter in a large pot and fill with enough water to just cover the tops of the potatoes. Cover and bring to a boil. Once boiling, reduce to a simmer and cook until the potatoes are tender, about 15-20 minutes.
2. Drain and return the potatoes back to the pot and mash them using a potato masher.
3. Heat the oil in a large skillet and add in the onion. Cook until tender, about 5 minutes. Add in the garlic, salt, pepper, kale and chicken broth. Cook until the kale has wilted. 
4. Add the kale mixture, mascarpone, chicken broth, butter, parmesan, salt and pepper to the potatoes and cook over low heat until the cheese is melted everything is well incorporated.