Hello, culinary enthusiasts! I'm excited to share with you a delightful recipe curated for comfort food lovers. Rooted in simplicity and flavor, this Perfect Mashed Potatoes recipe comes straight from the expertise of Rick Stein Restaurants. Perfect as a standalone dish or as an accompaniment to your favorite meals, this mashed potatoes recipe is a testament to the beauty of basic cooking techniques yielding extraordinary results.
Ingredients:
- 1.2 kg of potatoes, peeled and boiled until soft
- 50 grams of butter
- Milk, as needed for desired consistency
- Salt, to taste
- Black pepper, to taste
- 1 egg yolk (optional, for a richer finish when used in a fish pie topping)
Equipment:
- Large pot for boiling potatoes
- Colander for draining potatoes
- Electric hand mixer or potato masher
- Mixing bowl
Instructions:
1. Begin by boiling your peeled potatoes in a large pot of water until they are soft and fully cooked. Do not add seasoning to the water; the flavor will be built directly into the mashed potatoes later on.
2. Once the potatoes are cooked through, drain them well and return them to the pot or transfer to a large mixing bowl.
3. Add 50 grams of butter to the hot potatoes. The heat will help the butter melt and distribute evenly as you start to mash.
4. Using your electric hand mixer (or a potato masher if you prefer a more workout), start combining the butter and potatoes. Gradually add milk in small increments, continuing to mix. The goal is to achieve a smooth, soft mashed potato consistency that's still structured, not runny.
5. Now it's time for seasoning. Add salt, starting with a teaspoon. You can adjust more or less depending on your taste preference. Incorporate a generous amount of freshly ground black pepper. If you are particularly fond of the taste of pepper, don't hesitate to be liberal with your seasoning.
6. Continue mixing, adding more milk if necessary, until you reach the perfect light, airy, and fluffy consistency that only a proper mashing can produce.
7. If you are preparing these mashed potatoes as part of a fish pie, consider blending in an egg yolk for added richness and color. This step is optional, but highly recommended for a golden, gratinated finish when baked.
8. Give your mashed potatoes a final taste and adjust the seasoning if needed.
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Prep Time: 15 minutes (for peeling and boiling potatoes)
Cook Time: 20-25 minutes (including mashing and seasoning)
Total Time: 35-40 minutes
Servings: Serves 4-6 as a side dish.
Cooking Tips:
- Choose the right potatoes. Floury potatoes like Russets or Maris Piper work best for a fluffy and light consistency.
- Warm the milk before adding it to the potatoes. This will help achieve a creamy texture without cooling down the potatoes.
- Be careful not to overmix, or the potatoes can become gluey. Mix just until everything is combined and smooth.
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This recipe is proudly brought to you by Rick Stein Restaurants. Make sure to check out more culinary delights and tips on their YouTube channel: https://www.youtube.com/@RickSteinRestaurants
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