Creamy Mashed Potato

Creamy Mashed Potato

Creamy Mashed Potato Recipe for 4 People

Ingredients:

- 2 pounds (about 1 kg) russet potatoes (or other starchy potato), peeled and cut into chunks

- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter, softened

- 1/2 to 3/4 cup heavy cream

- Salt, to taste

- Freshly ground black pepper, to taste

Instructions:

1. In a large pot, add the potato chunks and cover them with cold water. Bring the water to a boil over medium-high heat, then reduce the heat to medium and let the potatoes simmer until they are fork-tender, about 15-20 minutes.

2. Drain the cooked potatoes in a colander and return them to the pot. Place the pot over low heat for about a minute to remove any excess moisture.

3. Using a potato masher or a ricer, mash the potatoes until they are smooth and free of lumps.

4. Add the softened butter to the mashed potatoes and mix well until the butter is fully incorporated.

5. Gradually add the whole milk or heavy cream, starting with 1/2 cup, and continue to mix until the desired creamy consistency is achieved. Add more milk or cream as needed.

6. Season the Creamy Mashed Potatoes with salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste, and mix until the flavors are well balanced.

7. Transfer the Creamy Mashed Potatoes to a serving bowl, garnish with a pat of butter if desired, and savor the heartwarming embrace of this timeless comfort food.

Equipment Needed:

- Large pot for boiling the potatoes

- Potato masher or ricer for mashing the potatoes

Commonly Made Mistakes and Points of Care:

1. Choosing the Right Potatoes: Opt for russet potatoes, as they have a higher starch content, resulting in creamier mashed potatoes.

2. Properly Boiling Potatoes: Ensure the potatoes are cut into evenly sized chunks to ensure they cook uniformly. Boil them until they are fork-tender but not overcooked.

3. Avoid Over-Mixing: Over-mixing the potatoes can lead to a gummy texture. Once the potatoes are mashed and the butter and cream are incorporated, avoid excessive stirring.

4. Consistency: Gradually add the cream to achieve the desired consistency. Start with less liquid and add more as needed, as you can always add more but cannot remove excess liquid.

5. Seasoning: Taste and adjust the seasoning of the mashed potatoes with salt and black pepper until the flavours are perfectly balanced.