Creamy Mashed Potatoes
Category: Side Dishes
Serves: 4
Preparation Time: 15 minutes
Cooking Time: 40 minutes
Creamy mashed potatoes are a timeless comfort food that brings warmth and richness to any meal. Perfectly smooth and velvety, this version is enhanced with a subtle touch of nutmeg, the tang of sour cream, and a luscious finish of reduced cream. The following recipe will guide you through the steps to make mashed potatoes so creamy and indulgent, your guests will be asking for seconds.
Ingredients
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Potatoes (peeled and cubed) | 550g |
| Fresh cream | 200g |
| Sour cream | 1 tablespoon |
| Nutmeg | To taste |
| Fine salt | To taste |
| Extra virgin olive oil | To taste |
Nutritional Information (per serving)
| Nutrient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Calories | ~250 kcal |
| Fat | ~18g |
| Saturated Fat | ~8g |
| Carbohydrates | ~26g |
| Protein | ~3g |
| Fiber | ~3g |
| Sodium | ~300mg |
Instructions
-
Cook the Potatoes:
Begin by placing the peeled and cubed potatoes in a large saucepan. Fill the saucepan with enough water to cover the potatoes completely. Bring to a boil over medium-high heat, then reduce to a simmer and cook for about 40 minutes, or until the potatoes are tender and easily pierced with a fork. -
Drain and Set Aside:
Once the potatoes are cooked, drain them well and set them aside to cool slightly. This step ensures that the potatoes are not too wet when you start mashing them, which helps achieve a creamy texture. -
Prepare the Cream Reduction:
While the potatoes are cooking, pour the fresh cream into a small saucepan. Place the pan over low heat and allow the cream to simmer gently. Reduce the cream by half, which will take about 10 minutes. This process thickens the cream, adding richness to the final dish. -
Peel and Mash the Potatoes:
After the potatoes have cooled slightly, peel them (keeping them as warm as possible) and then mash them using a potato masher or ricer. If you have a ricer, use it for an ultra-smooth texture. -
Evaporate Excess Moisture:
Transfer the mashed potatoes to a non-stick skillet or pan and place over low heat. Stir constantly to allow any remaining moisture to evaporate. This step is crucial to avoid a watery mashed potato dish. Keep the heat moderate to prevent the potatoes from sticking or forming a crust. -
Sift the Potatoes:
Once the moisture has evaporated, pass the mashed potatoes through a fine sieve or colander into a large bowl. Use a spatula to gently press them through. This step is what makes the potatoes exceptionally smooth and velvety. -
Incorporate the Seasonings:
Add a pinch of fine salt and mix the potatoes by hand to form a smooth, soft, and pliable dough-like consistency. The warmth of the potatoes will allow them to absorb the salt evenly. -
Whisk in the Reduced Cream:
In a separate large pan, pour in the reduced cream. Tear the mashed potatoes into pieces and add them to the cream. Use a whisk to incorporate the two, ensuring that the air is mixed in thoroughly to create a fluffy and light mashed potato mixture. -
Finish with Sour Cream:
Add the tablespoon of sour cream to the mashed potatoes. Stir to combine, which will add a pleasant tang and further enhance the creamy texture. -
Serve:
Taste and adjust the salt to your liking. When ready to serve, transfer the mashed potatoes to a serving dish and drizzle with a little extra virgin olive oil. This final step adds a rich, flavorful finish to the dish.
Tips for the Perfect Creamy Mashed Potatoes
- Choose the right potatoes: For the creamiest mashed potatoes, use starchy varieties like Russet or Yukon Gold. These potatoes break down easily and create a smooth, fluffy texture when mashed.
- Don’t skip the reduction step: Reducing the cream thickens it, concentrating its flavor and ensuring the mashed potatoes are rich and not too runny.
- Warm potatoes are key: Mashing potatoes while theyβre still warm ensures the best consistency. Cold potatoes will result in lumpy, less creamy mashed potatoes.
- Adjust the consistency: If your mashed potatoes seem too thick after mixing, feel free to add a bit more cream or milk to achieve the desired texture.
These creamy mashed potatoes are perfect for pairing with roasted meats, stews, or as part of a festive holiday meal. Whether you’re serving them for a special occasion or as a comforting weeknight side dish, this recipe will make mashed potatoes the star of the meal.
Enjoy the smooth and velvety texture, the rich taste, and the simple pleasure of a classic side dish taken to the next level!
