The mashed potatoes It is one of those dishes that takes us back to our childhood, to the warmth of home and the flavors that we never forget.

It’s a simple, comforting treat, and the good news is that, with a little dedication, you can easily make it at home. In this article we will teach you how to make mashed potato.

What is needed to make mashed potatoes

Ingredients

To make a succulent mashed potato you need the following: ingredients:

• 1 kg of potatoes
• Salt to taste
• 100g butter
• 200 ml of milk
• Nutmeg

Utensils

In addition to the ingredients, you also need some basic utensils in your kitchen:

• Big pot
• Strainer
• Potato masher or fork
• small saucepan
• hand whisk

How to make mashed potatoes in 7 steps

Step 1: Preparation of the potatoes

To begin making the mashed potatoes, You must peel the potatoes and cut them into medium pieces. It is essential that the pieces are the same size to ensure uniform cooking.

Step 2: Cooking the potatoes

Next, place the potatoes in a large pot and add enough water to cover them. Add salt to taste and cook the potatoes over medium heat until soft. Cooking time can vary between 15 and 20 minutes, depending on the size of the pieces.

Step 3: Drain the potatoes

Once the potatoes are cooked, Draining them properly is a crucial step. Let the potatoes dry completely in a colander to ensure there is no residual water.

Step 4: Heat the milk and butter

While the potatoes are drying, Heat the milk and butter in a small saucepan over low heat. It is important to prevent them from boiling; you simply need the butter to melt and the milk to be hot.

Step 5: Mash the potatoes

Put the potatoes back into the hot pot. and mash them with a potato masher or a fork until you reach the desired consistency. Mash the potatoes until you obtain a smooth puree without lumps.

Step 6: Add the milk and butter

Add the milk and butter mixture little by little to the mashed potatoes, whisking constantly to achieve the desired creaminess. If the puree is too thick, you can add a little more milk until you get the right texture.

Step 7: Season

Finally, season the puree with salt and nutmeg to taste. Stir well to ensure the flavors blend evenly.

Tips and Variations for Mashed Potatoes

Homemade mashed potatoes are delicious in their simplest form, but you can also add a personal touch with some variations. Here are some ideas:

Garlic: If you want mashed potatoes with a more intense flavor, add minced garlic to the butter and milk during heating.

Cheese: To give the mash a richer, creamier finish, add grated cheese during the mashing step.

Herbs: Fresh herbs, such as parsley or chives, can add a touch of color and flavor to mashed potatoes. Add the chopped herbs to the puree at the end and mix well.

Healthy alternatives

If you are looking for healthier alternatives or have dietary restrictions, here you go Some options to adapt mashed potatoes:

Plant milk

Instead of using cow’s milk, you can opt for vegetable milk, such as almond milk, soy milk, or oat milk. Be sure to choose an unsweetened variety to avoid altering the flavor of the puree.

vegan butter

For vegans or those who avoid dairy products, You can replace the butter with vegan margarine or olive oil. These ingredients will still add flavor and creaminess to the puree.

Vegetables soup

Instead of cooking potatoes in water, you can use vegetable broth to add more flavor to the puree. Make sure you choose a variety without artificial flavors or excess sodium.

Mashed potatoes with cauliflower

If you want to reduce calories and increase vegetable content, you can combine the potatoes with cooked cauliflower. Simply cook the cauliflower along with the potatoes and then mash them together for a lighter, healthier mash.

Spices and condiments

In addition to salt and nutmeg, you can experiment with other spices and seasonings to add more flavor to the puree. For example, you can try with black pepper, smoked paprika, cumin or even a touch of curry powder.

Prepare the perfect mashed potatoes

Mashed potatoes are a classic that never goes out of style. Whether as a side dish or as a main dish, this puree is the perfect option for a comforting and delicious dish.

And the best of all is that, now that you know how to make mashed potato, you can experiment with your own versions, adding the ingredients you like the most to make it yours. So, let’s get to work and enjoy this homemade and tasty dish!