All most every one has had a story about there mothers Mashed Potatoes mostly good but not always.
There is no one be all end all recipe for mashed potatoes just like there is no one best recipe for any thing.
When you talk about comfort food right on top of the list is going to be Mashed potatoes.
So what is it that makes a good recipe for Mashed Potatoes
I typically like my mashed potatoes without lumps with a buttery taste and sour cream.
SO WHAT EFFECTS THE WAY YOUR MASHED POTATOES COME OUT.
• Moisture content based on the way you cook them boiled vs baked.
• The type of potato makes a difference as some are more dense and has more starch.
• Finally what do you put into them
• Do you hand mash or machine mash
HOW YOU COOK THE POTATOES
Moisture content of the cooked potato will determine how dense your final dish is. More moisture means denser mashed potato. So if you want a fluffier dish then you need to remove as much water content as you can. So you have two options boil or bake.
If you boil your potatoes then when they are done, you must drain them immediately! Put them back into the hot pot on the stove with the heat on low. This will remove any excess water that is left and increase your flavor.
If you bake your potatoes then you are ahead of the game.
NOT ALL POTATOES ARE CREATED EQUAL
Potatoes consist of two basic elements, Starch and Water. It is typically accepted that lower starch potatoes are better for mashed potatoes. This is because they don’t hold as much water and have more flavor.
If you like a creamer mashed potato then use a high starch potatoes like Yukon Gold or russet because the more starch results in a fluffier texture and they tend to be creamier.
SO HOW DO YOU MASH?
How you mash your potatoes will greatly effect the texture and style. There are several tools and methods all having different results. For example, the most common masher in America is the Wire Masher. With it you can create either a smooth or textured mashed potato depending on how much you work.
If you are looking for really smooth mashed potatoes (the way I like them) you can try a Potato Ricer. Looks just like a giant garlic press and “rices” the potatoes that you then combine with your other ingredients for extremely smooth potatoes.
If you are looking for fluffy, airy potatoes, try an electric mixer. Often used in restaurants to stretch how far a potato can go, the mixer whips air into the potato giving them more volume and staying power.
WHAT DO YOU ADD TO YOUR POTATOES?
Just as important as the potato you use is what you put in them Makes sense if you add cream over milk the end result should be creamier flavor. Then there are the fun extras given to me by visitors to my web site with some mentioned below. I’m talking about cream cheese, Worcestershire sauce, hot English mustard, turnips, parsnips and whatever else you may find in your family’s secret mashed potato recipe.