Introduction
Mashed potatoes are one of the most versatile and plain dishes all over the world that serve as a companion for any type of meal. Mashed potatoes are common side dish that people adore eating it whether with a holiday roast, a simple chicken on a working week or as an entree. Boiled vegetables can be creamy buttery smooth or chunky depending on the user’s preference. In this article we will briefly discuss the history of mashed potato, the various types of potatoes that can be used for this kind of preparation and ways you can prepare fluffy mashed potato at home. We will also talk about variations and other ways you can use mashed potatoes that will leave your guests or family drooling over your mashed potatoes.
History of Mashed Potatoes
The origin of mashed potatoes in however interlinked with the story of the potato on the table. The history of the potato goes back to 7100 BC and was developed from South American native plant called potato by the Inca people in the Andean region. Potatoes were introduced into Europe via Spanish explorers in the 16th century and due to the stiff qualities the plant was turned into a staple food crop.
So it might be possible to approximate when mashed potatoes appeared – and that would be somewhere around the 17 th century. The first documented recipe for this dish did not arrive until 1747 in Hannah Glasse’s “The Art of Cookery Made Plain and Easy.” And ever since then mashed potatoes have been adopted all over the world and each part of the world has a different way of preparing mashed potatoes.
Choosing the Right Potatoes
There is much discrepancy in the kind of potatoes that should be used in the preparation of mashed potatoes with regard to the texture and taste of the final product. Here’s a breakdown of the most common types of potatoes and how they affect the final dish:Here’s a breakdown of the most common types of potatoes and how they affect the final dish:
Russet Potatoes: These are the varieties most used for mashing, that is making mashed potatoes. They contain high amounts of starch and low moisture levels and are basically light and smooth in texture. Russets quickly soak butter and cream well, meaning that these potatoes are perfect for creamy mashed potatoes.
Yukon Gold Potatoes: These potatoes have also got a medium type of starch as well as a slightly waxy type of potato. Some of them are recognisable for their extra rich buttery taste and the rather creamy, milky structure. If you wish to make mashed potatoes which have slightly more texture and these as well possess the yellow colour of gold, go for Yukon Golds.
Red Potatoes: While red potatoes are the least starchy and have a waxy skin texture. They maintain their form thus perfect for chunkier mashed sides which are rustic in nature. They are normally incorporated in recipes where the skin of the potatoes is left intact in order to provide texture and taste.
Fingerling Potatoes: These potatoes are small in size but are narrow longer potatoes with a tight and waxy flesh ideally suited for gourmet mashed potatoes. They taste a little bit nutty and the mash formed by them is much more interesting in terms of its texture.
Mixing Potatoes: In order to have it with the right composition that can make it moist and less powdery, there are those who prefer using a blend of different potato varieties. For instance, you can decide to use both the russet potatoes and Yukon Golds in the same preparation because while the former gives you a fluffier texture, the latter will give a dish a rich buttery taste.
Perfect Mashed Potatoes: Step-by-Step Guide
n my opinion, one of the most delicious and tasty meals that can be prepared in a kitchen is a perfect mashed potatoes, but this gains perfect only when the cook pays enough attention to details and know the proper techniques. Here are the best tips so that you can prepare mouthwatering mashed potatoes which are creamy, fine and flavorful.
Peel and Cut the Potatoes: Begin with washing and also peeling your potatoes. If one wants to have that raw feeling on the texture of the pasta, one can retain some skin on them. It is better to chop the potatoes such that they are all of the same size so that they do not take different times to cook. Should the pieces be smaller then it will be easier to cook them; nonetheless, avoid cutting them too finely as it may swell up.
Boil the Potatoes: Peel the potatoes and cut them into largish pieces and put them in a large saucepan and pour in some cold water. Cold water is used to help the potatoes to be cooked through softly. Stir in a large pinch of the salt into the water to help flavour the potatoes as they boil. Boil the water and add the potatoes and cook until they become tender it normally takes 15- 20 minutes. The potatoes should be soft enough such that they can be easily penetrated with a fork.
Drain and Dry the Potatoes: When ready to serve remove the potatoes from heat, drain them on a colander thoroughly. To prevent mashing the potatoes to become soft or watery or lumpy, let the drained potatoes return to the pot and set on stove for some minutes and turn on the heat to simmer. Do not let the potatoes stick to the bottom of the pot; thereby you should stir them occasionally.
Mash the Potatoes: As soon as their done start mashing them so that they stay hot. This is where you can use potato masher or ricer depending on the desires texture feel on your tongue. Using a potato masher will result to the potatoes being more lumpy while the ricers or food mill will give you a smooth mashed potato. Do not use a food processor or blender since this would result to over processing of the potatoes and attain a gluey texture.
Add Butter and Cream: It cannot be emphasized how important it is to use fatty contents like butter and cream, especially in case one aims to make the ultimate recipe of creamy mashed potatoes. First the melted butter is incorporated and this adheres on the potato starch which makes the churros soft. One should then slowly blend in warm cream or milk and mashing until more mash is attained to the softness of the dishes. Despite this, you also have the opportunities to get more richness by adding a bit of sour cream or cream cheese and, if you prefer, some chopped fresh parsley for garnishing.
Season to Taste: Next, using only a spoon, take a small bit of mashed potatoes and put them in your mouth to taste them and then season the potatoes with salt and pepper. Other spices that could be added consist of garlic powder, onion or even fresh herbs such as, chives or even parsley among others. Season to taste and don’t be scared to add some more butter, or cream if you so wish.
Keep Warm and Serve: If they are not to be served immediately keep them warm by placing the pot back on a low heat or placing the mashed potatoes back into a heatproof pot of hot water. One must also remember to stir it occasionally so that skin will not form on it and therefore spoil the mixture. You should make mashed potatoes to be hot as you serve them you should also accompany it with more of the meat dishes and other delicious side dishes.
Variations and Flavor Enhancements
Although, serving the conventional mashed potato is appetizing on its own, it is possible to have a variety of versions in the preparation of this delicious dish. Here are some variations to try:Here are some variations to try:
Garlic Mashed Potatoes: Mix mashed potatoes with roasted or fried garlic to enhance the delicious taste and aroma or add some salt. In fact, you don’t need to chop or even mince the garlic; you just gross it into the potatoes and mix with butter and cream.
Mix in another layer of flavor and texture with shredded cheese of any type from cheddar, parmesan or Gruyère. It will also incorporate cheese with the potatoes, giving the potatoes both the taste and the texture of cheese.
Cheesy Mashed Potatoes: Herb-Infused Mashed Potatoes: Other ingredients such as thyme, rosemary or bay leaves should be added to the cream or milk which you intend to put in the potatoes. This will add a mild fragrant taste preparation to the meal being prepared, Aroma is very important since is enhances the appearance and taste of the food.
Loaded Mashed Potatoes: Take your mashed potatoes and add bacon bits to it and sprinkle green onions on top and cheese. The top layer is a certain amount of sour cream for the ‘full Monte’ effect.
Buttermilk Mashed Potatoes: For a more acidity, beat in some buttermilk in place of the cream or milk. There is a small acid component in buttermilk that plays well against the fatty flavour of the potatoes.
Brown Butter Mashed Potatoes: It’s important to brown the butter and also fry the potatoes in it to give a nice brown color to the dish besides enhancing the taste and aroma of the butter. And for browning or clarification of butter, place it into a saucepan and melt the butter over medium heat, stir the pan constantly until the butter takes on a golden brown hue and emitting a nutty smell.
Truffle Mashed Potatoes: So your mashed potato recipe can be upscale, pour truffle oil over the mash, or spread truffle butter. The use of truffles offers an earthy umami taste which is associated with a certain level of elegance.
Vegan Mashed Potatoes: If using dairy, replace butter and milk with plant-derived butter and any non-dairy milk of one’s preference whether it is almond milk, oat milk, or coconut milk. For a more Mediterranean look, one can substitute olive oil in place of vegetable oil.
Serving Suggestions and Pairings
The mashed potatoes are favourite side order which can accomodate most kinds of entrees and other side dishes. Here are some ideas for serving and pairing mashed potatoes:Here are some ideas for serving and pairing mashed potatoes:
Classic Pairings: Mashed potatoes make a good side dish especially with roast beef, pork or even lamb meat. They also go well served alongside roasted chicken, turkey or ham and thus are perfect when served during festive seasons.
Gravy: The meat gravy is one of the most delicious toppings for mashed potatoes. Whatever the kind, beef gravy, the turkey gravy, or the mushroom gravy for the vegetarian, then one cannot resist the simple combination of creamy potatoes with tasty gravy.
Stews and Braised Dishes: This is especially the case with mashed potatoes which turn out to be very versatile at absorbing the thick, intense flavors of stews and braised foods. Its best when served with beef stew, coq au vin or short ribs, and it will make for a hearty meal.
Vegetarian Meals: For preparation, mashed potatoes are best served as a side dish for vegetarian meals such as lentil loaf, vegetable stir fry or stuffed peppers. Then accompany this dish, it is actually well off with some roasted vegetables or a fresh salad.
Seafood: Baked or boiled potatoes mainly complement fish well especially grilled scallop, salmon or prawn. Such potatoes give a creamy texture which enhances the taste of the seafood and provides a rich feel to the food.
Casseroles and Shepherd’s Pie: Mashed potatoes can also be used as a garnish for casseroles, and with shepherd’s pie. Pour a layer of mashed potatoes over the filling and bake for a delicious, one pot meal that is easy and delicious.
Conclusion
Potatoes mashed is a classic side dish which can never be out of fashion. However, you like your soups – thick and velvety, or chunky and coarse, they are good for any occasion. When selecting the potatoes, understanding the approaches to preparation, and trying out the variations of the flavors, you’ll be able to cook the perfect mashed potato dish.