Simply Mashed Potatoes Recipe: Irresistible Version
This delicious homemade mashed potatoes recipe is incredibly tasty and has a great texture. Give it a try!
Simply Mashed Potatoes Recipe
Ingredients
Potatoes: 2-3 medium-sized
Milk: 50-100 milliliters (adjust based on the amount of potatoes)
Butter: 10-20 grams (for a richer taste)
Salt: to taste
Black pepper: a pinch (optional)
Garnish: Chopped green onions, shredded pork floss
Instructions
Prepare the Potatoes
Wash the potatoes, peel them, and cut them into small chunks. Place them in a pot and cover with water.
Bring to a boil over high heat, then reduce to low heat and cook for 15-20 minutes, or until tender.
Mash the Potatoes
Once cooked, place the potatoes in a large bowl and mash them using a potato masher or fork.
If the mashed potatoes are too dry, add a little milk and stir well.
Season
Add butter to the mashed potatoes and mix well.
Then, season with salt and black pepper to taste, and stir until evenly combined.
Serve
Transfer the mashed potatoes to a serving dish, shape them as you like, and garnish with chopped green onions and shredded pork floss for added flavor and nutrition.
Tips
Milk: Adjust the amount of milk to achieve your preferred consistency for the mashed potatoes.
Creative Pairings: Mashed potatoes can be served as a main dish or paired with roasted chicken or steak!
What Are the Ingredients in Simply Mashed Potatoes?
Core Ingredients
Potatoes: The main ingredient.
Milk: The key ingredient that makes the mashed potatoes creamy and smooth.
Butter: Adds richness and enhances the flavor.
Salt: A basic seasoning to enhance the overall taste of the mashed potatoes.
Optional Ingredients
Black pepper: A pinch to add a bit of spice and depth to the flavor.
Minced garlic: A small spoonful to add extra fragrance.
Chopped green onions: For a fresh, oniony kick.
Pork floss: Adds texture and nutrition, especially for kids.
Fried egg: Pairing with a fried egg makes the dish more nutritious and filling.
Creative Pairings
Yogurt: If you're out of milk, yogurt can be a refreshing substitute for a tangy twist.
Cheese powder: Adds a cheesy flavor, especially great for baked mashed potatoes.
Diced ham: Adds saltiness and texture to the dish.
Sugar: For those who prefer a sweeter mashed potato, add a touch of sugar.
What Is the Trick to Good Mashed Potatoes?
Choose the Right Potatoes
To get the smoothest mashed potatoes, choose the right type of potato. Yellow-skinned potatoes are ideal because they are high in starch, which makes them soft and creamy when cooked, giving you smooth and velvety mashed potatoes.
Potato Cooking Tips
When cutting the potatoes, make sure to start with cold water.
This ensures even cooking, resulting in soft and tender potatoes.
Once the water boils, lower the heat to simmer for about 15-20 minutes or until easily pierced with a fork. Avoid overcooking.
Mashing Tips
When mashing the potatoes, it's best to use a potato masher. If you don’t have one, a fork works just fine.
Make sure to mash the potatoes while they’re still hot to get the smoothest texture.
If the potatoes cool down, they will become more difficult to mash.
For extra smooth mashed potatoes, you can pass them through a sieve!
Milk and Butter Proportions
The key to creamy mashed potatoes is the combination of milk and butter!
For every 2 potatoes, use 50-100 milliliters of milk and a small chunk of butter (about 10-20 grams).
If the mashed potatoes are too dry, add a little more milk, but don’t overdo it, or the texture will be too runny.
Seasoning Tips
Don’t just add salt—consider adding black pepper or minced garlic to elevate the flavor.
For a sweeter touch, add just a tiny bit of sugar, but be careful not to overdo it.
Creative Garnishes
For extra appeal, garnish the mashed potatoes with chopped green onions, pork floss, or pair them with a fried egg or diced ham for added flavor and nutrition.
What Is the Healthiest Substitute for Mashed Potatoes?
Cauliflower Mash
I recommend cauliflower mash as a great alternative. Here's how to make it:
Cut the cauliflower into florets and steam or boil them until tender.
Mash them using a blender or food processor, adding a little milk or yogurt for creaminess.
Season with salt, black pepper, or herbs for flavor. It’s super healthy and delicious!
Other great options include mashed pumpkin or yam. Pumpkin is rich in beta-carotene and fiber, while yam is packed with vitamins and minerals and has a smooth texture.
Are There Any Dairy - Free Instant Mashed Potatoes?
Yes, there are instant mashed potatoes without dairy. Here are some options:
Coconut Milk Mashed Potatoes
You can replace milk with coconut milk for a rich and slightly coconut-flavored mash.
Steam the potatoes until tender, then mash them.
Add a suitable amount of coconut milk (about 60-100 milliliters for every 500 grams of potatoes).
Season with a little salt and black pepper and mix well.
Soy Milk Mashed Potatoes
Soy milk is another great dairy alternative and will give you a healthy option for mashed potatoes.
After boiling the potatoes, mash them and add soy milk (50-80 milliliters for every 500 grams of potatoes).
You can also add a little olive oil or non-hydrogenated margarine (like Earth Balance) for a smoother texture.
Season and mix well, and your dairy-free mashed potatoes are ready!
Why Do People Put an Egg in Their Mashed Potatoes?
Increase Protein Content: Potatoes are high in carbohydrates but low in protein. Adding an egg increases the protein content, making the mashed potatoes more balanced in terms of nutrition.
Better Texture: Eggs help create a softer, smoother texture. They also add a natural creaminess and make the mash more cohesive.
Binding Agent: Eggs act as a binding agent, making it easier to form mashed potatoes into a solid shape, preventing them from falling apart when fried or served.
Rich in Nutrients: Eggs are rich in nutrients, and adding them to mashed potatoes enhances both the nutritional value and the depth of flavor.
