Description
Ina Garten’s lemon-infused pureed potatoes elevate classic mashed potatoes with zesty Mediterranean flair. Creamy, tangy side dishes complement roasted meats and provide elegant comfort for home cooks seeking restaurant-quality results.
Ingredients
Scale
- 1 tablespoon grated lemon zest (from 2 lemons)
- Kosher salt
- Freshly ground black pepper
- 2.5 lbs (1.13 kg) large Yukon Gold potatoes
- 0.5 lb (227 g or 2 sticks) cold unsalted butter
- 1 cup (240 ml) whole milk
Instructions
- Potato Preparation: Peel and chunk potatoes into uniform pieces, placing them in a large saucepan fully submerged with water, ensuring complete coverage.
- Initial Cooking: Salt the water generously and bring to a vigorous boil, then reduce to a gentle simmer. Cook uncovered for 15 minutes until potatoes become fork-tender.
- Potato Processing: Drain potatoes thoroughly, then press through a food mill positioned over the original cooking pan, creating a silky smooth texture.
- Creamy Transformation: Return pan to low heat, systematically incorporate cold butter cubes, whisking until completely melted and integrated. Gradually stream in warm milk, maintaining a continuous whisking motion to develop a luxurious, velvety consistency.
- Flavor Enhancement: Introduce lemon zest, salt, and freshly ground black pepper. Adjust seasonings to balance flavors, tasting carefully to achieve perfect harmony.
- Serving Presentation: Transfer potatoes to a warmed serving dish, ensuring the puree remains piping hot. Optional final sprinkle of salt adds a subtle finishing touch.
Notes
- Potato Cut Size: Uniform 4-5 cm chunks ensure even cooking and consistent texture throughout the dish.
- Salt Water Technique: Adding salt during boiling deeply seasons potatoes from within, enhancing natural flavors before final seasoning.
- Temperature Control: Low, gentle heat when incorporating butter and milk prevents separation and maintains smooth, creamy consistency.
- Zest Flavor Boost: Fresh lemon zest adds bright, citrusy undertones that elevate the traditional potato puree, creating a sophisticated twist.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Dinner, Snacks
- Method: Boiling
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 6
- Calories: 450
- Sugar: 2 g
- Sodium: 150 mg
- Fat: 30 g
- Saturated Fat: 19 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 9 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 40 g
- Fiber: 4 g
- Protein: 6 g
- Cholesterol: 90 mg