This recipe gives an Irish classic a healthy spin

Adding cabbage and leeks to simple mashed potatoes boosts their flavour and nutrients. Consider it a healthy spin on a trusted favourite.

• 1 kg (2 lb) Yukon Gold potatoes, unpeeled and quartered
• 780 ml (3 1⁄3 c) low-sodium chicken stock, plus cold water as needed
• 500 g (1 lb) leeks, trimmed, thinly sliced, and rinsed
• 250 ml (1 c) low-fat (1%) milk
• 3 cloves garlic, crushed
• 1 bay leaf
• 500 g (1 lb) green cabbage, cored and thinly sliced
• 50 ml (1⁄4 c) cold water
• 1 ml (1⁄4 tsp) ground nutmeg
• 1 ml (1⁄4 tsp) salt
• 1 ml (1⁄4 tsp) ground white pepper
• 30 ml (2 tbsp) unsalted butter
• 50 ml (1⁄4 c) finely chopped chives

Preparation time: 15 minutes. Cooking time: 50 minutes. Serves 8.

1. Place potatoes in a large saucepan. Add stock and water as needed to cover. Boil potatoes until tender, or 20 to 25 minutes.
2. Place leek, milk, garlic and bay leaf in a large saucepan. Cover and bring to a boil. Simmer until leek is softened, or 20 minutes. Drain and reserve leek, milk and garlic liquid separately. Discard bay leaf.
3. In the same saucepan, place cabbage and 50 millilitres (1/4 cup) of water, then cover. Boil gently until tender, or 10 to 15 minutes. Drain. Squeeze cabbage dry and chop finely.
4. Drain potatoes and transfer to a large bowl. Add milk and garlic and mash well. Stir in leek, cabbage, nutmeg, salt, pepper and butter. Top with chives.

Per serving:

• 168 Calories
• 6 g Protein
• 4 g Fat (including 2 g Saturated Fat)
• 9 mg Cholesterol
• 29 g Carbohydrates
• 3 g Fibre
• 379 mg Sodium

• Cabbage has a bad name simply because it has a history of being overcooked.
• Whatever the type of cabbage, always cook it very briefly and drain it well.
• The simplest cooking technique is to first slice or chop it. Then, steam it over boiling water until it's barely tender, about five minutes. Drain well.
• Just before serving, sauté in a little butter or olive oil to heat through. Season with salt and pepper.

Mashed potatoes have been a trusted favourite of families around the globe. They're simple and easy, and you can make them a little healthier with just a few extra steps.