How To Make Mashed Potatoes

One of the most versatile of foods is the simple potato. Can be cooked in many different ways - baked, fried, grilled or boiled.

However, none of the ways is so attractive as mashed potatoes. A dish of mashed potatoes is the ultimate in comfort food, bringing back memories of childhood and Sunday dinner with his family. Mashed potatoes go with most main dishes without overpowering them.

Russet and Yukon Gold are the best potatoes for mashing because they have more than other starch potatoes, which make your fluffier mashed potatoes and creamy. You can make the potatoes as fancy or simple as desired, according to your taste and the dish they are serving with. How many potatoes are used depends on how many people you want to serve. I think a potato per person is usually sufficient.

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how to make mashed potatoes

1. Wash the potatoes thoroughly.
2. Peel potatoes and cut into quarters.
3. Place potatoes in a medium sized pot and add enough cold water to cover potatoes. Place the pot on the stove and turn burner on high.
4. Add 1 teaspoon of salt to water.
5. Put a lid on the pot but do not cover completely - leaving room for steam to escape.
6. Bring potatoes to boil. Lower the heat to medium and cook until potatoes are tender, usually about 20 to 30 minutes.
7. Drain water from pot, leaving the potatoes in the pot.
8. Stir in a tablespoon of butter or margarine. You can also use the cream.
9. Stir in one fourth cup of cream or milk. You can use chicken broth instead, to give more flavor to the potatoes.
10. Mix the potatoes until no lumps remaining, using a handheld Potato Masher or an electric hand mixer. Some people prefer hand-mashed potatoes, the search for those who are hit with a mixer to be too sticky and therefore not as attractive.
11. Garnish mashed potatoes with your favorite dressing, and bacon bits, garlic, or cheese.
12. Their service, while still hot.

You can buy packets of instant mashed potatoes that only require you to add water and stick in the microwave for a couple of minutes. They are actually quite good. Instant mashed potatoes have come a long way since I remember how in the seventies. Then came evidence that at scales as good as the box it came in. However, there is nothing as good as homemade mashed potatoes.