Short answer how to make really good mashed potatoes:
Boil peeled & chopped potatoes until tender. Add milk, butter, salt and pepper before mashing thoroughly. For extra creaminess, use a ricer or food mill.
Tips and Tricks for Creating the Perfect Batch of Mashed Potatoes
As Thanksgiving and Christmas are approaching fast, we all know that one dish that never fails to impress is mashed potatoes. They’re a classic side-dish that complements any main course and can bring people together over a warm bowl of buttery goodness.
While the process of making mashed potatoes may seem simple enough- boil some potatoes till they’re soft, mash them up, add in some butter and milk; There are still certain tips and tricks you should keep in mind while creating this indulgent comfort food for your loved ones.
1. The Potatoes:
First things first: Picking out the right type of potato matters. To get a creamy texture with fluffy results without too much starchiness or gumminess, it is always best to use starchy potatoes such as Russet or Yukon Golds. These varieties absorb liquid well which means they soak up most flavors added into them like herbs, garlic or cheese.
2. Boiling Technique
Proper boiling technique plays an important role when it comes to the perfect batch of mashed potatoes – Cooked improperly, boiled vegetables will have less flavor extraction ability due to lack of water exposure resulting in bland tasteless mash. Always cut your spuds evenly so cooking times don’t vary causing uneven dice sizes then gently simmer (not rapidly) until tender but not mushy – usually around 18 minutes after bringing water containing salt-to-taste to full boil before lowering heat on medium high flame.
3. Adding Flavors
Now let’s talk about the fun part: incorporating flavors! While traditional recipes often call for just butter and milk/cream component providing richness alone there are endless possibilities where seasoning options go from roasted garlic cloves mixed directly into the surface layer inside mixing bowl along with sautĂ©ing farm-fresh chives/onions combo beforehand Then why not try more exciting flavours like bacon bits/sour cream/fried leeks? Adding these ingredients during mashing process will certainly put a flavorful spin on the dish and make it even more indulgent.
4. Creamy texture
If you want an ultra-smooth and creamy texture, using a ricer is one of your best options. Ricing potatoes may take longer but assure fluffier-mash quality due to less breakage in starches which leads to smoother results possible mash casserole feast day classic providing desired comfort signature feel. Consider also opting for some sour cream once stirring butter with milk or adding a touch of mayo/sour cream/pureed cottage cheese instead while whisking until very light/fluffy prior mashing process commences – doing both at once won’t hurt!
5. Temperature control
Lastly, bearing temperature in mind for maximum enjoyment over dinner service hot from salt being used before boiling water as well refreshing cold slightly sweeter version ideal summer barbeque events Perfect side pairs easily meat proteins cooked way prefer beside veggies add fiber diversity enhancing experience all-around increasing nutritional value in any plate -see? mashed spuds just that versatile when properly tended too.
In conclusion,
Frequently Asked Questions About Making Delicious Mashed Potatoes
Mashed potatoes are a comfort food staple – they’re buttery, creamy and can instantly bring back fond memories from childhood. Since everyone has their own way of making mashed potatoes, it’s not unusual to have some questions about the process. To help you create the perfect batch of mashed potatoes for your next gathering or simply for yourself, we’ve compiled a list of frequently asked questions.
1) What type of potato is best for mashing?
The best types of potatoes to use when making mashed potatoes are those that are starchy such as russet or Yukon Gold varieties. Using waxy types like red or new potatoes might result in a gluey texture because they don’t soften easily during cooking.
2) Should I leave the skins on my potatoes when mashing them?
It’s really up to personal preference – leaving the skins on adds a nice rustic touch and also provides extra nutrients, but if you prefer smooth and velvety mashed potatoes without any texture then peel your spuds before boiling them.
3) How long should I boil my potatoes for?
Boil your cubed and peeled (if desired) potato pieces in salted water until tender which takes usually 12-15 minutes depending upon how small cut into cubes. Test by piercing with fork – if it slides off effortlessly then they’re done!
4) Which liquids should be used to make mashed-potatoes creamier?
Adding milk, heavy cream, sour cream, Greek yogurt or melted butter are all ways to take plain boiled potateos into the dreamiest bowl of goodness possible! For vegan option mix olive oil /coconut oil with unsweetened nut/dairy-free milks
5) Can I overmix my mashed-potatoes?
Yes definitely! You’ll end up with something unappetizingly gummy so mash just enough till its combined perfectly well.
6 ) Do I really need an electric mixer/ hand blender to make mashed potatoes?
No, not at all! If you don’t own an electric mixer or hand blender just use a potato masher. It’s vital however to mash before adding any liquids so they get completely smoothened into the mix.
7) Are there any exciting variations I can add to traditional mashed-potatoes?
Certainly! You could add your choice of herbs (thyme/rosemary/sage etc.), garlic cloves sourced from your local spice store added while boiling potatoes, cheese varieties for creaminess and pairings like smoked paprika for flavour boost!
So that sums up our FAQs about making those buttery smooth and creamy dreamy bowls of deliciousness called mashed- potatoes which are loved by almost everyone in every season around the world. Try these tips and tricks next time you’re craving some comforting goodness – we promise people will be asking seconds even with leftovers 
Elevate Your Side Dish: How to Make Really Good Mashed Potatoes
Mashed potatoes may seem like a straightforward side dish that requires little thought or effort, and while it’s true that they are easy to make, there is an art to producing truly delicious, creamy mashed potatoes. If you’re looking to bring your side dishes up a notch and impress your guests with restaurant-quality mashed potatoes, then read on for tips on how to elevate this classic comfort food.
Choose the Right Potato
The type of potato you choose can make a huge difference in the texture and flavor of your mashed potatoes. Look for high-starch potatoes such as russets or Yukon golds. These varieties have less water content than waxy potatoes like red or fingerling; hence they contain more starch which lends towards better absorbency when mixed with liquids (like butter and milk) resulting in fluffy mashers rather than gluey ones.
Use Warming Ingredients
To ensure your mash remains warm even after finishing cooking them transfer them in preheated dishware placed half-filled hot water. Once transferred cover tightly with foil until ready serve.
Add Flavorful Liquids
Butter alone is not enough liquid for truly standout-mashed-potatoes. Add heavy cream or half-and-half along with salt & pepper early instantaneously into the process right after draining/agitating should be first steps toward incorporating wet ingredients followed by adding extra seasonings from dried Italian herbs mixtures directly into mixture – gives great panache! It locks-in moisture so you don’t end up needing too much dairy fluid but instead balances bulking-solidity out perfectly achieving perfect mashing consistency!
Don’t Overdo It with Salt & Pepper
Avoid creating cakes tasting seasoned over-adherence by mixing in just sufficient amounts of salt & black/white ground pepper at earlier stages before heating further–By doing so , you allow flavors settle appropriately leaving other additions such as any fresh herbs left till closing stages where possible .
Be Careful Not to Overmix
Once starting to beat the potatoes, do so gently! Overworking them will result in gummy rather than perfect-velvety mash. In all honesty an electric mixer can cause problems in this regard especially if you’re not cautious.
These tips may take a little extra effort, but trust us when we say that it’s worth it. With just a few tweaks, your mashed potatoes can go from uninspiring to absolutely heavenly and steal the show at your next dinner party or family gathering – elevate your side dish game today with our creamy mashed potato recipe plan!
