Ingredients

The following ingredients have 8 Servings
  • 5 pounds potatoes, peeled and cut into large chunks
  • Pinch saffron threads ((make sure you use a good quality saffron, the expensive stuff-- the other kind has no flavor))
  • 2 tablespoons non-hydrogenated margarine
  • 1 1/2 tablespoons flour ((for Passover or gluten free use 1 tbsp potato starch))
  • 1 cup unsweetened non-dairy milk ((or more if needed (almond, rice, soy, etc.)))
  • 3/4 cup unsweetened canned coconut milk
  • 1 teaspoon crushed garlic
  • Salt and black or white pepper to taste

Instruction

  • In a large pot, cover the potato chunks with a few inches of water, then add ½ tbsp salt. Bring to a boil on the stovetop. Let the potatoes simmer for about 20-25 minutes till soft. 
  • While potatoes are cooking, grind the saffron threads to powder with a mortar and pestle. Add 1 tbsp of hot water to the ground saffron and let it soak for a few minutes.When the potatoes are done cooking, drain them thoroughly and return them to the hot pot on the stovetop. The heat source should be turned off; the residual heat from the pot will “dry out” the potatoes a bit, allowing them to soak up more of the good stuff later.
  • Meanwhile, in a small saucepan, melt 2 tbsp non-hydrogenated margarine over medium heat. Whisk in flour or potato starch to form a thick paste.
  • Whisk in the non-dairy milk, coconut milk, crushed garlic, ½ tsp salt and the saffron water. Heat the mixture over medium, whisking frequently, till it boils and thickens. 
  • Pour the creamy saffron sauce over the cooked potato chunks, then mash with a potato masher till smooth. If using a potato ricer, push the cooked potatoes through the ricer first, then stir in the sauce. If the potatoes need moisture, add more non-dairy milk as you mash. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Don't skimp on the salt-- I usually use around 1 1/4 teaspoons or more. The salt really enhances the flavor of the saffron. Use white pepper if you want a more uniform golden look to the potatoes (without any black flecks).
  • Serve immediately.