Smashed Potatoes with Pesto Aioli

Blog by Callie Birtles, RHN in The Clear Skin Solution + Recipe by Katie Stewart, KSW Inc

Summer is the season for backyard barbecues, and there’s nothing better than enjoying a hearty burger with a side dish that’s both delicious and skin-friendly. Enter Smashed Potatoes with Pesto Aioli, the perfect complement to your summer BBQ spread. These crispy, flavourful potatoes, seasoned with Italian herbs and drizzled with a luscious pesto aioli, will elevate any outdoor meal. Not only are they a crowd-pleaser, but they also pack a punch of nutrients that support clear, glowing skin. Let’s dive into the health benefits of some key ingredients in this tasty dish and see how they contribute to your skin’s health.

Fear Not The Humble Potato

The humble potato often gets a bad rap for being a highly glycemic food, but when eaten in moderation and prepared healthfully, potatoes can be a fantastic source of nutrients that support skin health. Potatoes are a great source of potassium, a mineral many of us don’t get enough of. Potassium plays a crucial role in supporting adrenal and thyroid health, which are two common areas we address with our clients in The Clear Skin Solution.

Potassium helps regulate fluid balance, nerve signals, and muscle contractions. It is essential for adrenal function because it aids in the production of hormones that manage stress responses. For thyroid health, potassium ensures that the gland functions properly by maintaining the necessary electrolyte balance for thyroid hormone production.

Flavor So Herb-alicious

Italian herbs such as basil, oregano, and thyme are packed with antioxidants, which help combat oxidative stress and inflammation—two key contributors to acne. Basil, for instance, contains eugenol, a compound known for its anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial properties. Oregano is rich in carvacrol and thymol, compounds that have been shown to possess strong antibacterial effects, helping to keep the skin clear by reducing the presence of acne-causing bacteria.

Pesto, typically made with basil, garlic, pine nuts, and olive oil, is a powerhouse of skin-loving nutrients. Basil, as mentioned, has anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial benefits, while garlic provides additional antibacterial properties, supporting the skin’s ability to fend off breakouts. 

By incorporating these flavorful herbs into our recipe, we not only enhance the taste but also provide a natural boost to your skin health. 

Nutritional Yeast: A B-Vitamin Boost

Nutritional yeast is a fantastic addition to this recipe, providing numerous benefits for your skin health. This ingredient is particularly rich in B vitamins, especially B6 and B12, which are essential for maintaining healthy skin. Here’s how they help:

Supports Cell Metabolism

B vitamins are crucial for supporting cell metabolism. They ensure your skin cells function properly and renew effectively, which is vital for maintaining a healthy complexion.

Reduces Inflammation

Inflammation is a key factor in many skin issues, including acne. B vitamins help reduce inflammation by regulating immune responses and supporting your body’s natural healing processes, leading to clearer skin.

Promotes Liver Health

B vitamins are essential for proper liver function. They aid in detoxification and the removal of waste products that could otherwise lead to skin issues, ensuring a cleaner internal environment and healthier skin.

Boosts Energy Production

B vitamins are crucial for energy production, helping to convert carbohydrates, fats, and proteins into usable energy. This not only supports your overall health but also gives your skin a vibrant, energized appearance.

Improves Red Blood Cell Formation

Vitamin B12 is necessary for the formation of red blood cells, which transport oxygen and nutrients to the skin. This promotes a healthy, glowing complexion.

For a delicious and nutritious addition to your diet, consider incorporating nutritional yeast into your meals. One fantastic option is to try our pesto smashed potatoes paired with our Vegan Steak Spiced Black Bean Burger. These skin-friendly delights not only taste amazing but also offer great benefits for your skin health. Perfect for your summer BBQ, these dishes will elevate your outdoor dining experience while supporting your skin from the inside out. Enjoy the combination of flavours and the health benefits with every bite!

Smashed Potatoes with Pesto Aioli

Summer BBQs call for delicious, skin-friendly sides like crispy Smashed Potatoes with Pesto Aioli, packed with nutrients for glowing skin.

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Ingredients

For the Smashed Potatoes:

• Mini Yellow Potatoes
• 1 tsp Italian Seasoning
• 1 tsp Garlic Powder
• 1 tsp Onion Powder
• 2 tbsp Nutritional Yeast
• ½ tsp Salt
• 4 tbsp Avocado Oil

For the Pesto Aioli:

• 2 cups fresh basil leaves
• 1 cup kale leaves stems removed
• 3 cloves garlic
• ½ cup sunflower seeds
• ½ cup olive oil
• Juice of 1 lemon
• ½ tsp salt
• ¼ tsp pepper
• ½ cup your favourite dairy-free mayo

Instructions

For the Smashed Potatoes:

• Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
• Half boil the mini yellow potatoes in a pot of water until they are just tender. This should take about 10-15 minutes.
• Drain the potatoes and let them cool slightly.
• Place the potatoes on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
• Using the bottom of a glass or a potato masher, gently smash each potato to flatten them slightly.
• In a bowl, combine the avocado oil, garlic powder, onion powder, Italian seasoning, and salt.
• Gently rub the smashed potatoes with the oil and spice mixture, ensuring they are well coated.
• Sprinkle the nutritional yeast evenly over the top of the potatoes.
• Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, or until the potatoes are crispy and golden brown.
• While the potatoes are baking, prepare the Pesto Aioli. Mix 2 tablespoons of Kale Basil Pesto with ½ cup of your favourite dairy-free mayo until well combined.

For the Pesto Aioli:

• In a food processor, combine the basil leaves, kale, garlic, and sunflower seeds. Pulse until finely chopped.
• With the processor running, slowly add the olive oil in a steady stream until the mixture is smooth.
• Add the lemon juice, salt, and pepper, and pulse until combined.
• Mix pesto with dairy-free mayo and serve!

Notes

Find our Kale & Basil Pesto here!