Perfect mashed potatoes: A guide to culinary excellence

Although a simple dish, mashed potatoes frequently grace our tables as a universal side. In the culinary world, it's difficult to find a dish that combines versatility and ease of preparation with such excellent taste. How should you make mashed potatoes? The recipe is simple.

What do you need to make mashed potatoes? The key to preparing perfect mashed potatoes is choosing the right potatoes. Type B or C potatoes are high in starch, which gives the mash a velvety texture and makes it fluffy. Potatoes that are too moist can affect the quality of the dish, so it's worth performing a simple test - rub two potato halves together, and if they stick, it's a sign they're ideal for mashing.

Ingredients:

• 1 kilogram of type B or C potatoes
• 240 millilitres of milk
• 2 tablespoons of butter
• salt
• pepper
• a pinch of nutmeg (optional)

How to make mashed potatoes?

To prepare the perfect mashed potatoes, first peel the potatoes and cut them into even pieces to ensure uniform cooking. Boil the potatoes in salted water until they are soft - check with a fork to see if they are easily pierced. Once they reach the desired consistency, drain them and transfer to a large bowl. Mash the potatoes with a masher, adding butter for a velvety texture. Gradually pour in the milk, stirring until the mash becomes silky and smooth. Finally, season with salt, pepper, and nutmeg, if you like. Mix thoroughly to combine all the flavours.

What to add to mashed potatoes?

There are many ways to enhance the flavour of the mash. You can boost its aroma by adding the mentioned nutmeg, as well as garlic or a pinch of parmesan, which will give the dish a unique character.

Additions can also change the appearance of the mash — adding kale or chopped chives not only enriches the flavour but also adds colour. Furthermore, instead of milk, you can use sour cream or natural yoghurt, which will give the dish a creamy smoothness and a slight acidity.

Mashed potatoes are not only an excellent side dish for meats but also a great base for many other dishes. Thanks to their creamy texture, mashed potatoes work excellently as an ingredient in casseroles, giving them a light interior and creating the perfect base for a variety of toppings, such as cheese or vegetables.