Mashed potatoes

Creamy Mashed Potatoes

Preparation time: 10 minutes
Cooking time: 20 minutes
Total time: 30 minutes
Servings: 4

Mashed potatoes are a classic and versatile side dish, perfect for complementing a wide range of main courses, from juicy steaks to grilled vegetables. In this recipe, I will show you how to prepare creamy mashed potatoes, and the result will be a velvety dish full of flavor that you will want to repeat again and again. Follow the steps below to achieve perfect mashed potatoes!

Ingredients:
- 1 kg of potatoes (choose new potatoes or potatoes for mashing, which are creamier)
- 100 ml of milk (for extra creaminess, you can use whole milk)
- 50 g of butter (unsalted butter is ideal for a purer taste)
- Salt (to taste)
- White pepper (optional, for a milder flavor)
- A pinch of nutmeg (optional, for a special aroma)

Instructions:

1. Preparing the potatoes: Start by peeling the potatoes using a sharp knife or a peeler. Cut them into equal pieces (about 3-4 cm) to ensure even boiling. This step is essential for achieving a smooth mash without coarse bits.

2. Boiling: Place the cut potatoes in a large pot and cover them with cold water. Add salt to the water (about a tablespoon) to flavor the potatoes while boiling. Bring the water to a boil over medium heat. It is important to avoid adding the potatoes to boiling water, as this can lead to uneven cooking.

3. Cooking the potatoes: Once the water is boiling, reduce the heat to low and let the potatoes simmer for 15-20 minutes until they become very soft. You can check if they are ready by inserting a knife or fork into the potatoes; if it goes in easily, they are done.

4. Draining: Once the potatoes are cooked, drain them well using a colander. It is important to remove all the water to achieve a smoother mash. You can leave them in the colander for a few minutes to let the excess moisture evaporate.

5. The mash: In a large bowl, add the drained potatoes, cubed butter, and warm milk. Use a potato masher or an immersion blender to turn the potatoes into a mash. Mix until you achieve a smooth and creamy texture. Adjust the consistency by adding more milk if necessary.

6. Seasoning: Add salt and white pepper to taste. If you want to give it a more complex flavor, add a little grated nutmeg. This will add a warm and aromatic note to the mash.

Serving suggestion: Serve the mashed potatoes hot, garnished with a few cubes of butter and freshly chopped parsley. This mashed potato is perfect alongside steaks, fish, or grilled vegetables.

Possible variations: Experiment by adding grated cheddar cheese, roasted garlic, or sour cream for a richer flavor. You can also replace some of the milk with cream for an even creamier mash.

This simple mashed potato recipe is a true favorite among family and friends. With a few helpful tips and quality ingredients, you will achieve a perfect mash that will impress any guest. Bon appétit!