Mashed potatoes are a timeless comfort food that can transform any meal into a culinary masterpiece. I have an all-love relationship that dates back to my mom’s kitchen in Zimbabwe. Growing up on a farm meant that we had the privilege of growing them in our backyard. I know you will love this mashed potatoes recipe just as much as I do.
While we are still on the subject of creamy side dishes, I recommend you try creamy cauliflower mash and creamy, cheesy cauliflower casserole.
Why I Love Mashed Potatoes
- Easy to make: Mashed potatoes are simple to make, requiring minimal ingredients, yet they deliver maximum satisfaction—a quality that makes them a staple in many cuisines worldwide.
- Versatility: They are incredibly adaptable. They can be paired with almost any main dish, like delicious oxtail stew, succulent lamb shanks, and osso buco.
- Customizable: You can customize with flavors like garlic, cheese, or herbs and serve in both casual and elegant settings.
- Comfort Food Appeal: Mashed potatoes evoke feelings of warmth and nostalgia. Often associated with family gatherings, holiday meals, and home-cooked meals. Their creamy texture and mild flavor provide a sense of comfort.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Best Potatoes For Mashed Potatoes
The foundation of perfect mashed potatoes starts with the choice of potato. Starchy varieties like Sebago (Australia), Yukon Gold (Canada), or Russet (USA) yield a smooth and fluffy mash. While waxy potatoes are less ideal for a creamy texture.
- Potatoes: The star of the dish, go with starchy varieties that are detailed above.
- Butter is King: Use high-quality unsalted butter for a rich flavor. Add cold butter in increments to incorporate it evenly.
- Milk: Warm whole milk strikes a balance between creaminess and a light texture.
- Heavy cream: add that extra creamy punch (optional).
- Sour cream: for that slight tangy taste (optional).
- Seasoning: salt and black pepper to taste.
- Herbs: garnish with chopped parsley or chives for added freshness.
How to Make Mashed Potatoes
1. Prepping the Potatoes
- Wash and Peel: For a silky-smooth texture, I peel my potatoes before boiling.
- Cut uniformly: chop into even pieces to ensure even cooking.
2. Cooking to Perfection
- Steam potatoes: Add about one-inch of water to the bottom of a large pot and bring it to a boil. Place potatoes in a large steamer basket. Cover with a well-fitted lid and steam for 15–20 minutes until they crumble when you jab them with a fork. I prefer to steam mine, but alternatively you can do the following:
- Boil in Salted Water: Place potatoes in a pot, cover with cold water, and add salt. Bring to a boil, then simmer until fork-tender (10–15 minutes).
- Drain thoroughly. Allowing the potatoes to dry prevents a watery mash.
3. Mash your Potatoes
- On low heat, melt half the butter and garlic in a pot till fragrant. Save a tablespoon or so for drizzling to make the perfect finishing touches.
- Return your potatoes to the melted butter and mash them over low heat to evaporate excess moisture.
- Add the remainder of the butter and mash.
- Add cream and sour cream and mash to mix it well.
- Mash until creamy and fluffy.
- Gradually add warm milk until the desired consistency is reached.
- Season with salt and pepper.
- Transfer to serving bowl and make swirls across the top for presentation. Drizzle the garlic-infused butter and garnish with chopped fresh parsley or chives.
Recipe Tips & Tricks
- Pro Tip: Pass mashed potatoes through a fine sieve for an ultra-silky consistency.
- Choose Your Tool: Use a potato ricer or a masher with round holes for the smoothest results. I avoid blenders or food processors to prevent gluey textures.
Serving Suggestions
Mashed potatoes are a versatile side dish, ideal with hearty mains that you finish off with your favorite iced coffee such as:
- Grilled Steak: Serve with a drizzle of garlic herb butter and au jus.
- Roast Turkey or Chicken: A classic pairing for holiday feasts.
- Beef Stew , Osso Buco, beef stir-fry, or Lamb Shanks: The creamy mash complements rich, savory sauces
Storage and Reheating Tips
Storage: Use an airtight container to keep leftovers fresh for up to 3 days. Yes, you can freeze potatoes, and here is a detailed article to follow.
Reheat with Care: Add a splash of milk and warm gently over low heat or in a microwave, stirring frequently.
Creamy Mashed Potatoes
Ingredients
- 1 kg / 2.2 lb potatoes - peeled and cut into cubes.
- 100 g unsalted butter
- 50 g sour cream
- 100 ml heavy/thickened cream
- 2 tbsp milk - preferably warmed (optional if you want a thinner consistency)
- 4 cloves garlic
- salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
Prepping the Potatoes
- Wash and Peel: For a silky-smooth texture, I peel my potatoes before boiling.
- Cut uniformly; chop into even pieces to ensure even cooking.
Steam potatoes
- Add about one-inch of water to the bottom of a large pot and bring it to a boil.
- Place potatoes in a large steamer basket.
- Cover with a well-fitted lid and steam for 15–20 minutes until they crumble when you jab them with a fork.
Mash your Potatoes
- Melt half the butter and garlic on low heat in a pot till fragrant.
- Save a tablespoon or so for drizzling to make the perfect finishing touches.
- Return your potatoes to the melted butter and mash them over low heat to evaporate excess moisture.
- Add the remainder of the butter and mash.
- Add cream and sour cream and mash to mix it well.
- Mash until creamy and fluffy.
- Gradually add warm milk until the desired consistency is reached.
- Season with salt and pepper.
- Transfer to serving bowl and make swirls across the top for presentation. Drizzle the garlic-infused butter and garnish with chopped fresh parsley or chives.
Notes
- The foundation of perfect mashed potatoes starts with the choice of potato. Starchy varieties like Sebago (Australia), Yukon Gold (Canada), or Russet (USA) yield a smooth and fluffy mash.
- Pro Tip: Pass mashed potatoes through a fine sieve for an ultra-silky consistency.
Nutrition
Nutritional info is an estimate and provided as courtesy. Values may vary according to the ingredients used. Please use your preferred nutritional calculator for more detailed and personalised calculations.
