Introduction: Mashed Potatoes Recipe

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This mashed potatoes recipe is simple to make, and very tasty to eat. With such basic essentials as russet and yukon potatoes, cloud-like texture forming additions of butter and cream, and adventurous ways to kick it up a notch or two like parsnips, roasted garlic and even wasabi powder, this mashed potatoes recipe has it all.

Make a quick batch of mashed potatoes at your next dinner party, at this years Thanksgiving and Christmas meals, or just as a side dish to you regular weeknight dinner.

Step 1: Ingredients

I suggest about 1 potato per serving, depending on size. I made 6 servings, therefore I used:

  • 6 potatoes of three different varieties - yukon, red, and russet.
For more texture, stick with russet or yukon potatoes.

  • 1 large parsnip (opt.)
  • 1 cup heavy cream.
Can substitute sour cream, lite sour cream, milk or lowfat milk

  • 1/2 cup salted butter (typically 1 whole stick)
Can use less butter

  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • Other seasonings could include finely chopped chives or scallions, roasted garlic, crumbled bacon (bacon is, after all, a seasoning), Italian parsley, Parmesan cheese, or my favorite, wasabi powder.

TOOLS

  • Large boiling pot
  • Small saucepan
  • Measuring cup
  • Colander
  • Potato masher

Step 2: Clean 'em and Chop E'm

  • Peel or thoroughly clean potatoes and parsnip
  • Cut pieces into similar size chunks so they will cook evenly. 1 1/2" - 2" is good.

Step 3: Cook 'em Up

  • Fill a large pot with enough water to cover the potatoes.
  • Add salt to water (opt)
  • Add potatoes and parsnip to water
  • Heat over high until boiling
  • Reduce to simmer
  • Cook, covered, for 15-20 minutes, until tender enough to easily stab with a fork
  • Remove from heat and drain in colander

Step 4: Warm Cream and Butter

Yeah, that pretty much says it. While potatoes are draining:

  • In a small saucepot, heat 1 cup cream (or sour cream, or milk) and 1/2 cup butter over low heat until melted

Step 5: Smash Potatoes

  • Mash up potatoes (and parsnip)
  • Add cream mixture and additional seasonings
  • Mash some more - but not too much! That part is up to you.
  • Season to taste.
Now is the time to add chives, bacon or whatever you love!

Step 6: Eat 'em Up!

Yum! Mashed potatoes!

So easy and sooooo goooood.