Herb and Garlic Mashed Potatoes recipe

Herb and Garlic Mashed Potatoes are a delightful twist on the classic comfort food. This dish is infused with the rich flavors of garlic and fresh herbs, making it a perfect side for any meal. Let’s dive into how to make these delicious mashed potatoes that are sure to become a family favorite.

Ingredients

To make Herb and Garlic Mashed Potatoes, you’ll need:

• Essential Ingredients:
  • 2 lbs potatoes (Yukon Gold or Russet)
  • 4 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1/2 cup heavy cream
  • 1/4 cup unsalted butter
  • 1/4 cup chopped fresh herbs (parsley, chives, thyme)
  • Salt and pepper to taste
• Optional Additions for Extra Flavor:
  • 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • 2 tablespoons sour cream
  • 1 tablespoon lemon zest

Preparation

Prepping the Potatoes:

1. Peel the potatoes and cut them into equal-sized chunks for even cooking.
2. Rinse the potato chunks under cold water to remove excess starch.

Preparing the Herbs and Garlic:

1. Mince the garlic cloves finely.
2. Chop the fresh herbs and set aside.

Cooking the Potatoes

Boiling the Potatoes:

1. Place the potato chunks in a large pot and cover with cold water.
2. Add a pinch of salt to the water and bring to a boil.
3. Reduce heat and simmer for 15-20 minutes, or until the potatoes are fork-tender.

Testing for Doneness:

1. Use a fork to check if the potatoes are tender all the way through.
2. Drain the potatoes and return them to the pot.

Making the Herb and Garlic Mixture

Sautéing the Garlic:

1. In a small saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat.
2. Add the minced garlic and sauté until fragrant, about 1-2 minutes.

Infusing the Cream with Herbs:

1. Add the heavy cream to the saucepan with the garlic.
2. Stir in the chopped herbs and simmer for 2-3 minutes to infuse the flavors.

Mashing the Potatoes

Choosing the Right Tool:

1. Use a potato masher or a ricer for the smoothest texture.

Achieving the Perfect Texture:

1. Mash the potatoes until smooth and free of lumps.
2. Gradually add the herb and garlic cream mixture, stirring until well combined.

Combining Everything

Adding the Herb and Garlic Mixture:

1. Pour the herb and garlic cream mixture into the mashed potatoes.
2. Stir thoroughly to ensure even distribution of flavors.

Seasoning to Taste:

1. Add salt and pepper to taste.
2. Optionally, stir in grated Parmesan cheese and sour cream for extra richness.

Serving Suggestions

Ideal Main Dishes:

1. Serve alongside roasted chicken, grilled steak, or baked fish.

Presentation Tips:

1. Garnish with additional fresh herbs and a pat of butter for a beautiful presentation.

Storage Tips

Keeping Leftovers Fresh:

1. Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

Reheating Instructions:

1. Reheat in the microwave or on the stovetop over low heat, adding a splash of milk or cream if needed.

Variations

Using Different Herbs:

1. Experiment with rosemary, basil, or dill for different flavor profiles.

Making it Vegan:

1. Substitute the butter with vegan margarine and the heavy cream with a plant-based alternative.

Tips for Success

Ensuring Smooth, Creamy Potatoes:

1. Ensure the potatoes are fully cooked and drained well before mashing.

Balancing the Flavors:

1. Taste and adjust the seasoning, adding more salt, pepper, or herbs as needed.

FAQs

1. Can I Use Different Types of Potatoes?
   • Yes, Yukon Gold or Russet potatoes work best, but you can use red potatoes or even sweet potatoes for a unique twist.
2. How Do I Store Leftovers?
   • Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
3. Can I Make This Dish Ahead of Time?
   • Yes, you can prepare the mashed potatoes ahead of time and reheat them just before serving.
4. What Can I Add for Extra Flavor?
   • Add grated Parmesan cheese, sour cream, or lemon zest for an extra burst of flavor.
5. Can I Freeze Mashed Potatoes?
   • Yes, you can freeze mashed potatoes. Let them cool completely before transferring to a freezer-safe container.

Conclusion

Herb and Garlic Mashed Potatoes are a delicious and versatile side dish that complements a wide range of meals. With their creamy texture and flavorful infusion of garlic and herbs, they are sure to be a hit at your table. Give this recipe a try and enjoy the comforting taste of homemade mashed potatoes!

Yield: 6

Herb and Garlic Mashed Potatoes recipes

Print

Herb and Garlic Mashed Potatoes are a delicious and versatile side dish that complements a wide range of meals. With their creamy texture and flavorful infusion of garlic and herbs, they are sure to be a hit at your table. Give this recipe a try and enjoy the comforting taste of homemade mashed potatoes!

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.