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Tricks to take your mashed potatoes from ordinary to extraordinary
Mashed potatoes are a classic side dish that can be enjoyed in a variety of ways. While they are delicious on their own, there are some simple tricks you can use to take your mashed potatoes from ordinary to extraordinary. By incorporating these creative ideas and ingredients, you can elevate the flavors and textures of this beloved dish. Whether you’re looking to add creaminess, depth, or a hint of tang, these mashed potato upgrades are sure to impress your family and guests.
Add Cheese
Cheese is a fantastic addition to mashed potatoes because it pairs well with the carbohydrate goodness of the dish. You have a wide range of choices when it comes to cheese. Soft cheeses such as ricotta, cottage cheese, cream cheese, or mascarpone can add creaminess to your mashed potatoes. Just add about a cup of soft cheese to the usual butter and milk.
Grated cheese of any kind also works well as an add-in. You can add a half cup to a cup and a half of your favorite cheese such as Parmesan, Cheddar, Gruyere, Raclette, or even Smoked Gouda to your regular mashed potato recipe.
Consider adding richer dairy products than milk
While milk is a common ingredient for moistening mashed potatoes, there are richer dairy products that can enhance the flavor and creaminess of the dish. Heavy cream is a great choice to add depth to your potatoes. Simply substitute it in a 1:1 ratio for the amount of milk you would normally use.
For a touch of tang, you can add plain yogurt or sour cream. Adding about half a cup of either to your regular recipe can give your mashed potatoes an extra bite. Buttermilk is also a fantastic way to add tang. Use it to replace the regular amount of milk in your recipe.
Infuse with garlic
Garlic and potatoes are a match made in heaven. Adding garlic to your mashed potatoes can add incredible depth of flavor and a pleasing heat to the dish. You can experiment with the amount of garlic according to your personal preference. Start with three cloves for four large potatoes and adjust to taste.
There are several ways to incorporate garlic into your mashed potatoes. You can roast the garlic or boil it with the butter and milk for maximum flavor. If fresh garlic is not available, you can substitute garlic powder.
Make it oniony
In addition to garlic, there are other alliums you can use to add a stronger, more savory flavor to your mashed potatoes. Regular onions, green onions, chives, and leeks are all excellent choices for enhancing the flavor of your dish. Green onions or chives can be sprinkled raw at the last minute for a fresh punch of flavor.
If you’re using leeks or regular onions, it’s best to cook them separately before adding them to your mashed potatoes. This will help retain more of the flavor and prevent loss during the cooking process. Caramelized onions can also be added to make French onion mashed potatoes, which have an incredibly rich flavor.
Add other vegetables
If you’re a fan of vegetables, consider adding other vegetables to your mashed potatoes for added texture and flavor. Potatoes are often paired with other vegetables in dishes like chicken pot pie or vegetable soup, so it’s not a far-fetched idea. You can experiment with root vegetables or green vegetables to give your mashed potatoes a unique twist.
One popular option is colcannon, an Irish dish that combines mashed potatoes with cooked cabbage and green onions. You can also try mashed potatoes with parsnips, carrots, broccoli, or peas. The possibilities are endless, so feel free to get creative with your vegetable combinations.
Boil potatoes in something other than water
Instead of boiling your potatoes in plain water, consider using a flavorful broth or dairy product. Boiling potatoes in broth adds an extra layer of flavor and can complement the type of meat you plan to serve with the dish. It also makes the final product creamier than if it were cooked in water.
Alternatively, you can use cream and melted butter as the liquid for cooking the potatoes. This method eliminates the loss of flavor and saves you an extra step in the cooking process. It’s similar to the technique used to make creamy macaroni and cheese by cooking pasta in milk and butter.
Make it sous vide style
For a unique and flavorful twist, try making mashed potatoes sous vide style. In this cooking method, sliced potatoes, hot milk and cream, melted butter, and seasonings are combined in a bag and cooked together. The result is creamy and flavorful mashed potatoes.
For best results, make sure the milk is hot to prevent curdling during the cooking process. Maintain a precise temperature and cooking time to achieve the desired consistency. Once the ingredients are cooked, simply mash them together for velvety smooth mashed potatoes.
Experiment with spices and herbs
Don’t be afraid to get creative with spices and herbs to enhance the flavor of your mashed potatoes. Traditional seasonings like salt and pepper are essential, but you can also try adding other spices and herbs to up the flavor.
For a Mediterranean twist, try adding dried oregano, basil, and thyme. Fresh herbs, such as rosemary or chives, can add a burst of freshness to your dish. Other flavor-boosting options include smoked paprika, cayenne pepper, or even a pinch of nutmeg for a warm and comforting flavor profile.
Add a crunchy topping
To add texture and visual appeal to your mashed potatoes, consider adding a crunchy topping. This can be achieved by sprinkling breadcrumbs, crushed crackers or even crispy bacon bits over the mashed potatoes before baking or roasting. The contrast between the creamy mashed potatoes and the crunchy topping adds a delightful element to the dish.
You can also experiment with toasted nuts, such as chopped almonds or pecans, for a nutty crunch. Another option is to sprinkle grated cheese on top and bake until golden and bubbly. The possibilities are endless, so get creative with your choice of toppings.
Final Thoughts
With a little creativity and experimentation, you can transform your ordinary mashed potatoes into an extraordinary culinary experience. From adding cheese and richer dairy products to infusing with garlic and incorporating other flavorful ingredients, there are many ways to elevate the flavor and texture of this classic side dish.
Remember to adjust portions and flavors to your personal preferences. Don’t be afraid to try new combinations of ingredients and seasonings to discover your favorite mashed potato upgrades. Whether you’re preparing a meal for a special occasion or simply looking to improve your everyday meals, these tricks will help you create mashed potatoes that are truly exceptional.
FAQS
Can I use different types of cheese to upgrade my mashed potatoes?
Yes, you can! The possibilities are endless when it comes to cheese. You can experiment with soft cheeses like ricotta, cottage cheese, cream cheese, or mascarpone for added creaminess. Grated cheeses like Parmesan, Cheddar, Gruyère, Raclette or Smoked Gouda also work well to enhance the flavor of your mashed potatoes.
What dairy products can I use instead of milk to make my mashed potatoes creamier?
To make your mashed potatoes richer and creamier, you can substitute heavy cream for milk in a 1:1 ratio. Other options include plain yogurt, sour cream, or buttermilk. These dairy products add depth and a hint of tang to your mashed potatoes.
How do I add garlic to my mashed potatoes?
Garlic can add incredible depth of flavor to your mashed potatoes. You can roast the garlic or boil it with the butter and milk for maximum flavor. If fresh garlic is not available, you can substitute garlic powder.
What other vegetables can I add to my potatoes?
You can get creative and add different vegetables to your mashed potatoes. Some popular options include cabbage, scallions, chives, leeks, parsnips, carrots, broccoli, and peas. Experiment with different combinations to give your mashed potatoes a unique flavor.
Can I boil my potatoes in something other than water?
Yes! Instead of boiling your potatoes in plain water, you can use flavored broth or dairy. Boiling potatoes in broth adds an extra layer of flavor, while using cream and melted butter as the liquid creates a creamier end result.
Is there a unique way to cook mashed potatoes?
Absolutely! You can try making mashed potatoes sous vide style. This involves combining sliced potatoes, hot milk and cream, melted butter, and seasonings in a bag and cooking them together. Sous vide cooking results in creamy, flavorful mashed potatoes.