Creamy Mashed Potatoes Recipe
Ingredients
- Potatoes: 2 pounds (900 g) Russet or Yukon Gold potatoes
- Butter: 1/2 cup (115 g) unsalted butter
- Milk: 1/2 cup (120 ml) whole milk (you can adjust for desired creaminess)
- Salt: 1 teaspoon (5 g), plus more for boiling
- Black Pepper: 1/4 teaspoon (1 g) (adjust to taste)
- Optional: 1/4 cup (60 ml) heavy cream for extra richness
- Optional: Fresh herbs (like chives or parsley) for garnish
Instructions
- Prepare the Potatoes:
- Peel the potatoes and cut them into evenly sized chunks (about 1.5 inches or 4 cm).
- Rinse the potatoes under cold water to remove excess starch.
- Boil the Potatoes:
- Place the potatoes in a large pot and cover them with cold water.
- Add about 1 tablespoon (15 g) of salt to the water.
- Bring to a boil over medium-high heat. Once boiling, reduce the heat to a simmer and cook until the potatoes are fork-tender, about 15-20 minutes.
- Drain the Potatoes:
- Once cooked, drain the potatoes in a colander and let them sit for a minute to allow excess steam to escape.
- Mash the Potatoes:
- Return the drained potatoes to the pot. This helps to evaporate any remaining moisture.
- Add the butter (cut into small pieces) to the hot potatoes. Allow it to melt for a minute.
- Using a potato masher or ricer, mash the potatoes until smooth and creamy. Avoid over-mashing to prevent them from becoming gummy.
- Add Milk and Seasonings:
- Gradually add the milk (and heavy cream if using) while continuing to mash until you reach your desired consistency.
- Season with salt and black pepper. Taste and adjust the seasoning as necessary.
- Serve:
- Transfer the mashed potatoes to a serving bowl.
- You can garnish with chopped fresh herbs if desired.
- Serve warm alongside your favorite main dishes.
Tips
- For extra flavor, consider roasting garlic and mixing it in, or using infused oils.
- If you like a bit of tang, try adding a splash of sour cream or cream cheese.
- Always taste and adjust seasonings according to your preference.
Enjoy your creamy mashed potatoes!