Sausage and Mashed Potatoes

There aren't that many dishes that can be served up ALL day long. Sausage and mashed spuds is one of those dishes - breakfast, brunch, lunch, and dinner, the combination is always welcome. And the variations are endless, you can use any combination of Italian sweet and hot pork sausage, or chicken or turkey sausage. There are so many options these days, it's completely in your control!

Note: I like to add a little Dijon mustard on the sausage just before serving (it complements the mustard in the mashed potatoes). 

1 tablespoon olive oil
1 pound Italian sweet and/or hot Italian sausage, or chicken or turkey sausage
4 large Yukon gold potatoes, peeled and cubed
2-3 cloves garlic, peeled
1 carrot, peeled and finely diced 
1/2 cup sour cream or Greek yogurt, or more if needed to create a smooth puree
2 tablespoons butter
2 tablespoons mayonnaise 
1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
1/2 teaspoon onion powder
Salt and freshly ground black pepper
2 tablespoons chopped fresh chives

To cook the sausage, heat the oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the sausage and cook until the links start to give off some of their juices, about 3 minutes. Add enough water to come halfway up the sides of the sausage links, reduce the heat to medium, cover the pan and simmer for 10 minutes. 
Remove the lid, increase the heat to medium-high and cook until the water evaporates and sausage is brown on all sides. 
Meanwhile, to make the mashed potatoes, place the potatoes and garlic cloves in a large saucepan and pour over enough water to cover by at least 2 inches. Set the pan over high heat and bring to a boil. Cook for 12 minutes, until the potatoes are fork-tender, adding the carrot for the last minute of cooking. Drain and return the potatoes, carrot and garlic to the pan. Add the sour cream, butter, mayonnaise, mustard, and onion powder and mash into a slightly chunky puree. Season to taste with salt and pepper. Fold in the chives. 
Serve the mashed potatoes with the sausage arranged over top. 

Serves 4