Simple Mashed Potatoes
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Simple Mashed Potatoes |
A simple mashed potato recipe:
Ingredients:
- 2 lbs (900 g) potatoes, peeled and cut into chunks
- 4 tbsp (56 g) unsalted butter, cut into pieces
- 1/2 cup (120 ml) milk or cream
- Salt and
pepper to taste
Instructions:
- Place the potato chunks in a large pot and cover them with cold water. Add a generous pinch of salt.
- Bring the water to a boil over high heat, then reduce the heat to medium-low and simmer the potatoes until they are tender when pierced with a fork, about 15-20 minutes.
- Drain the potatoes and return them to the pot.
- Add the butter to the pot and use a potato masher or fork to mash the potatoes until they are mostly smooth.
- Gradually stir in the milk or cream, adding more or less as needed to achieve your desired consistency. Keep in mind that the potatoes will thicken slightly as they cool.
- Season the mashed potatoes with salt and pepper to taste.
- Serve the mashed potatoes hot, topped with additional butter or gravy if desired.
Note: For extra flavor, you can add minced garlic, chopped fresh herbs, or grated cheese to the mashed potatoes before serving. Additionally, if you prefer a smoother texture, you can use a hand-held electric mixer or a food processor to puree the potatoes instead of mashing them by hand.
Cool fact about mashed potatoes.
Here's a cool fact about mashed potatoes: they were first introduced to Europe by Spanish explorers who brought back potatoes from South America in the 16th century.
However, mashed potatoes did not become popular in Europe until the 18th century, when French chefs started adding butter and cream to them to create a smoother, creamier texture. Today, mashed potatoes are a beloved comfort food around the world and are often served as a side dish to accompany meat, fish, or vegetables.