Recipe: Smashed root vegetables for the colder months

"Root vegetables are fall and winter's best-kept secret. Packed with nutrients, natural sugars and starch, these humble ingredients make a healthy and flavorful alternative to the classic russet potato. They're also a wonderful way to boost your intake of vitamins and minerals during the colder months. Once peeled, these earthy gems reveal a rainbow of antioxidant-rich colors from deep magenta to warm ochre to buttery yellow sure to brighten even the grayest day and add cheer to your holiday table."

"Feel free to mix and match a variety of roots, such as sweet potato, parsnip, rutabaga, carrot and celery root, for a perfect balance of sweetness and earthiness. Don't worry if your mash turns out a bit chunky; the rustic texture adds charm and visual appeal. This recipe calls for a combination of sour cream and Greek yogurt, which lend richness and a pleasant tang to each bite. You can opt for all sour cream, all yogurt or a blend of both"

"Peel the vegetables and cut them into 1-inch chunks. Place the vegetables in a large pot with 2 teaspoons salt and cover with cold water. Bring to a boil over medium-high heat, then reduce the heat to medium and simmer, partially covered, until the vegetables are very tender, about 20 minutes. Drain the vegetables and return them to the pot; cool 5 minutes. Add the garlic and butter and mash with a potato masher until the butter is melted."

Ingredients include 3 pounds of mixed root vegetables such as sweet potato, celery root, and rutabaga, plus garlic, butter, sour cream, Greek yogurt, kosher salt, and black pepper. Peel and cut vegetables into 1-inch chunks, simmer in salted cold water until very tender (about 20 minutes), then drain and cool briefly. Mash vegetables with grated garlic and softened butter, then blend in sour cream and Greek yogurt to desired consistency. Season with additional salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste. The mash can be chunky for a rustic texture and uses colorful, antioxidant-rich roots for sweetness and earthiness.

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