Herb and Garlic Mashed Potatoes recipe

Herb and Garlic Mashed Potatoes are the perfect comfort food, combining the creamy richness of mashed potatoes with the aromatic flavors of garlic and fresh herbs. This recipe is simple to make yet elevates any meal with its delightful taste and texture.

Ingredients

To make these delicious mashed potatoes, you’ll need:

• Potatoes:
  • 2 pounds Yukon Gold potatoes, peeled and cut into chunks
  • 1 teaspoon salt (for boiling water)
• Seasonings and Herbs:
  • 4 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1/2 cup whole milk
  • 1/4 cup unsalted butter
  • 1/4 cup chopped fresh herbs (such as parsley, chives, or thyme)
  • Salt and pepper to taste

Preparation

Prepping the Potatoes:

1. Peel and cut the potatoes into evenly sized chunks to ensure they cook uniformly.
2. Mince the garlic and chop the fresh herbs.

Gathering the Ingredients:

1. Measure out the milk and butter.
2. Have the salt and pepper ready for seasoning.

Cooking the Potatoes:

1. Boiling the Potatoes:
   • Place the potato chunks in a large pot and cover with cold water.
   • Add 1 teaspoon of salt to the water.
   • Bring to a boil over medium-high heat and cook until the potatoes are tender, about 15-20 minutes.
2. Testing for Doneness:
   • Check the potatoes by piercing them with a fork; they should be soft and easily break apart.

Infusing the Milk and Butter:

1. Adding Garlic and Herbs:
   • In a small saucepan, combine the milk, butter, and minced garlic.
   • Heat over low heat until the butter is melted and the garlic is fragrant, about 5 minutes.
2. Simmering for Flavor:
   • Add the chopped fresh herbs to the milk mixture and let it simmer for another 2 minutes.

Mashing the Potatoes:

1. Tools and Techniques:
   • Drain the potatoes and return them to the pot.
   • Use a potato masher, ricer, or hand mixer to mash the potatoes to your desired consistency.
2. Achieving the Perfect Texture:
   • For smooth and creamy potatoes, avoid over-mixing, which can make them gluey.

Combining Everything:

1. Mixing in the Infused Milk and Butter:
   • Gradually add the warm milk mixture to the mashed potatoes, stirring gently to combine.
2. Seasoning to Taste:
   • Season with salt and pepper to taste, adjusting as needed.

Serving Suggestions

Serve the Herb and Garlic Mashed Potatoes hot, garnished with a sprinkle of fresh herbs. They make a perfect side dish for roast chicken, beef, or pork.

Storage Tips

• Keeping Leftovers Fresh:
  • Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
• Reheating Instructions:
  • Reheat in the microwave or on the stovetop, adding a splash of milk if needed to restore creaminess.

Variations

• Adding Cheese: Stir in 1/2 cup of grated Parmesan or cheddar cheese for an extra layer of flavor.
• Using Different Herbs: Experiment with different fresh herbs like rosemary, basil, or dill for a unique twist.

Tips for Success

• Avoiding Gluey Potatoes: Use a gentle hand when mashing to prevent the potatoes from becoming gluey.
• Achieving the Right Consistency: Adjust the amount of milk and butter to achieve your preferred level of creaminess.

FAQs

1. Can I make these potatoes ahead of time?
   • Yes, you can prepare them a day in advance and reheat before serving.
2. How do I store leftovers?
   • Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
3. Can I use a different type of potato?
   • Yes, russet potatoes or red potatoes can also be used, but they may yield a slightly different texture.
4. What if I don’t have fresh herbs?
   • You can use dried herbs, but reduce the amount by half as dried herbs are more potent.
5. How long do these mashed potatoes last?
   • They last up to 3 days in the refrigerator.

Conclusion

Herb and Garlic Mashed Potatoes are a delightful and comforting side dish that pairs well with a variety of main courses. Their creamy texture and rich flavor make them a favorite at any meal. Try this recipe for a delicious addition to your dinner table!

Yield: 6

Herb and Garlic Mashed Potatoes recipe

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Herb and Garlic Mashed Potatoes are the perfect comfort food, combining the creamy richness of mashed potatoes with the aromatic flavors of garlic and fresh herbs. This recipe is simple to make yet elevates any meal with its delightful taste and texture.

Prep Time 20 minutes

Cook Time 15 minutes

Total Time 35 minutes

Ingredients

• 1 head garlic, small
• 6 potatoes, medium
• salt to taste
• 50ml/1/4 cup whole milk, hot
• 100g/1/2 cup unsalted butter
• 1-2 tbsp parsley
• 1-2 tbsp dill

Instructions

• Preheat the oven to 200C/400F. Cut the top off the head of garlic to expose the cloves, wrap in aluminium foil and bake for 45-50 minutes until the cloves are very soft. Cool.

• Boil the peeled and quartered potatoes in salted water until very tender. While the potatoes are cooking, squeeze the garlic cloves out of their peels, they should pop out easily and mash them with a fork in a small bowl. Set aside.

• Drain the potatoes and steam dry them to get rid of the excess of water. Return them to the pot and add hot milk, start mashing with a potato masher until mostly smooth, then add butter and keep mashing. Start by stirring in ½ of the mashed roasted garlic, slowly increase the garlic quantity according to taste, then mash until smooth and most lumps are broken, season with salt to taste. Add the fresh herbs and fold in with a spatula. Serve piping hot with a bit more butter if desired.