It turns out that most of us have been making mashed potatoes wrong, and there is a cooking technique to make them fluffier and tastier.
Becky Hardin, a cooking expert and founder of The Cookie Rookie has said the “secret” to making the perfect mashed potatoes is to boil your raw spuds in milk or cream rather than just water.
She said: “The secret to beautifully creamy easy mashed potatoes is to boil the potatoes in a cream (or whole milk) and water mixture.
“The potatoes suck up all the goodness from the cream and result in flavoursome potatoes that are beautifully smooth.”
Potatoes release starch as they boil and the starch is a natural way to make them creamy which is why you should always save the cooking liquid when making mashed potatoes.
Boiling the potatoes in milk or cream is not only more convenient but will result in mashed potatoes with a richer taste and a more velvety texture.
To make these “deliciously creamy and indulgent”, you will need to use potatoes which are high starch such as Yukon Gold or Russet potatoes.
Becky said: “Avoid waxy potatoes, like red or white varieties, as they require a lot of mashing and can become gloopy.”
Instructions
Place the potatoes in a large saucepan and season with salt and pepper. Then pour in the cream and water.
Bring the mixture to a boil on medium heat and simmer for 15 to 12 minutes or until the potatoes are fork-tender.
Drain the potatoes in a colander and place them in a bowl along with the water and milk mixture.
Place only the potatoes back into the pan and set on a medium-low heat. Stir gently until the excess moisture evaporates which should take roughly one minute.
Add the butter to the potatoes and season again with salt and pepper. Mash until the potatoes are smooth and creamy.
Be careful not to heavily mash the potatoes otherwise it could cause them to become gluey.
Becky said: “Make sure to use a light hand when mashing to avoid the gluey texture that comes from overworking the potatoes.”
Pour a small amount of the reserved milk water mixture on the potatoes which will help make them extra fluffy and buttery.
Transfer the potatoes into a serving bowl and garnish with chives, parsley, butter or whatever roping you prefer.
Your mouth-watering mashed potatoes will then be ready to serve.
