The Best Mashed Potatoes Recipe

Whether you’re having schnitzel, fish, meatballs, or steak for lunch or dinner, a serving of excellent mashed potatoes never disappoints. With its smooth texture and delightful taste of potatoes and butter, this simple recipe yields an amazing result.

Why Mashed Potatoes?

Mashed potatoes are beloved for their versatility and comfort factor. They can be the star of a meal or a perfect accompaniment. Not only are they easy to make, but they also allow for creative variations.

You can adjust the texture to your liking, from chunky to ultra-smooth, and add flavors that suit your taste.

The Secret to Perfect Mashed Potatoes

The key to delicious mashed potatoes lies in selecting the right type of potatoes and not skimping on butter. Here are some tips to ensure your mashed potatoes turn out heavenly:

• Choose the right potatoes: For a creamy consistency, opt for starchy potatoes like type C, which are more floury and contain higher starch content.
• Generous with butter: Don’t hesitate to use a whole stick of butter. For 3.3 lbs (1.5 kg) of potatoes, 8.8 oz (250 g) of butter is ideal. Use high-quality butter with at least 80% fat content.
• Use full-fat milk: Whole milk with 3.5% fat is perfect. Warm it before adding to the potatoes to help achieve a smooth mash. You can also substitute it with heavy cream for a richer flavor.

Step-by-Step Guide

Here’s how you can make the best mashed potatoes:

1. Peel and chop the potatoes: Peel the potatoes and place the peeled ones in a bowl of water to prevent oxidation. If they are large, cut them into roughly 1.2-inch (3 cm) pieces. Avoid chopping them too small to prevent them from absorbing too much water.
2. Cook the potatoes: Transfer the cleaned potatoes to a large pot, cover with cold water until just submerged, and bring to a boil. Reduce the heat and let them simmer for about 15 to 18 minutes. Check for doneness by piercing with a toothpick or fork; they should go through with little resistance.
3. Drain and dry the potatoes: Drain the cooked potatoes and return them to the pot. Let them sit on low heat for about 1 to 2 minutes to evaporate excess water.
4. Mash with butter and milk: Warm the milk in a saucepan or microwave. Add it to the pot with the potatoes along with room-temperature butter. Season with salt and freshly ground black pepper. Mash using a potato masher until they reach a creamy consistency. For a smoother mash, pass the potatoes through a sieve, but avoid using a hand mixer to prevent a sticky texture.
5. Adjust seasoning: Taste and adjust the seasoning with more salt if necessary. Serve hot with an extra pat of butter on top.

Enhance Your Mashed Potatoes

While classic mashed potatoes are delightful on their own, you can elevate them with a few additional ingredients:

• Nutmeg: Freshly ground nutmeg adds a subtle warmth and depth to the flavor.
• Cheese: Grated Parmesan or Cheddar can bring a delightful savory note. Stir in some cheese while mashing for an extra creamy texture.
• Garlic: Infuse the milk with garlic by adding a crushed clove while warming it. This gives the mash a gentle garlicky aroma.
• Fresh herbs: Garnish with finely chopped parsley, chives, rosemary, or spring onions for a burst of freshness and color.

Serving Suggestions

Mashed potatoes can be paired with a wide variety of dishes. Here are some ideas:

• Meat dishes: Serve with schnitzel, meatballs, steak, or roasted chicken for a hearty meal.
• Fish: Mashed potatoes complement grilled or baked fish beautifully.
• Vegetarian options: Pair with roasted vegetables or a creamy mushroom sauce for a delicious vegetarian meal.

Conclusion

Looking for the perfect side dish to complement your meals? Try this creamy and delicious mashed potatoes recipe!

It’s super easy to make and pairs wonderfully with almost anything – schnitzel, fish, meatballs, or steak.