Mashed potatoes are the quintessential comfort food and are commonly served as a holiday side dish. They are very simple to make and can be flavored with anything from salt and pepper to fresh herbs to grated blue cheese. Making creamy, fluffy mashed potatoes that are flavorful depends on proper cooking technique. Mashed potatoes that are gummy, heavy and lumpy are usually the result of improperly cooked and poorly mashed potatoes.
Making Mashed Potatoes
Wash and peel your potatoes and then cut them into cubes, which will allow for more even cooking. Place the potatoes in a large pot and fill the pot with water until the potatoes are just covered. Season the water with salt, which will heighten the natural flavor of the potato. Bring the water to a rolling boil and then reduce the heat and let the potatoes simmer for about 20 minutes or until they are very tender. Do not try to rush the potatoes. Taking them out early will produce gummy and sticky mashed potatoes.
Drain the potatoes and return them to the pan. Allow them to sit and dry for two minutes. Heat 1/2 cup of whole milk in a small pan until it is warm. Add 1/4 cup of softened butter to the potatoes and stir until it is evenly incorporated. Pour the milk over the potato mixture. With a potato masher, gently smash the potatoes until the milk is fully absorbed and the potatoes are creamy and smooth
Flavorful Additions
To add more flavor to the mashed potatoes, add 1/2 cup of grated Parmesan cheese, cheddar cheese or crumbled blue cheese along with the milk and butter. If you are a garlic fan, add two cloves of minced roasted garlic to the mashed potatoes. Try a combination of chopped fresh herbs such as thyme, oregano and rosemary to liven up the potatoes.
Tags: mashed potatoes, blue cheese, fresh herbs, mashed potatoes, Mashed potatoes, potatoes that, which will