Description
Creamy classic mashed potatoes bring comfort straight from American kitchens to dinner tables nationwide. Fluffy, rich potato clouds whipped with butter and cream invite warmth and nostalgia, promising delicious satisfaction with each delightful spoonful.
Ingredients
Scale
main ingredients:
- 2 pounds (907 grams) baking potatoes
- 1 cup (240 milliliters) milk
- 2 tablespoons (30 milliliters) butter
aromatics and seasonings:
- 3 cloves garlic
- salt
- ground black pepper
Instructions
- Fill a large pot (5.5 to 6.5 liters/6 to 7 quarts) with water and bring to a rolling boil over high heat.
- Add 1 tablespoon of salt to the boiling water, then reduce heat to medium and carefully introduce peeled and quartered potatoes along with whole garlic cloves.
- Simmer the potatoes and garlic for approximately 15 to 20 minutes, periodically testing with a fork to ensure they reach a tender, easily pierced consistency.
- While potatoes are cooking, prepare the milk mixture by combining whole milk and unsalted butter in a small saucepan, gently warming over low heat until butter completely melts.
- Once potatoes are fully cooked, drain them thoroughly in a colander, allowing excess water to completely escape.
- Return the drained potatoes and garlic to the original pot, creating a smooth surface for mixing.
- Gradually pour the warm milk and butter mixture over the potatoes, using either a potato masher or electric hand mixer to blend until achieving a smooth, creamy texture.
- Season the mashed potatoes with additional salt and freshly ground black pepper, adjusting to taste and mixing thoroughly to distribute seasonings evenly.
Notes
- Mash Carefully: Opt for a potato masher to achieve a rustic, chunky texture or use an electric mixer for silkier results, stopping just before the potatoes become gluey and dense.
- Eliminate Excess Moisture: Place drained potatoes back into the hot pot over low heat for a couple of minutes, allowing remaining water to evaporate and creating a more luxurious, creamy consistency.
- Prevent Overcooking: Monitor potato cooking time closely to avoid waterlogged, mushy results that compromise the desired smooth and fluffy texture.
- Use Cold Water Technique: Submerge potato pieces in cold, salted water to promote uniform cooking, ensuring tender interiors and perfectly cooked exteriors without soft spots.
- Maintain Consistent Size: Chop potatoes into equal-sized chunks, guaranteeing each piece cooks at the same rate and preventing uneven texture variations throughout the dish.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Dinner, Side Dish
- Method: Simmering
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 4
- Calories: 240 kcal
- Sugar: 2 g
- Sodium: 400 mg
- Fat: 7 g
- Saturated Fat: 4 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 3 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 40 g
- Fiber: 4 g
- Protein: 6 g
- Cholesterol: 15 mg