Mashed Potato Virgin Recipes

THE BEST MASHED POTATOES

Steps:

• Put the potatoes in a large pot and cover with cold water. Generously salt the water and bring to a boil over high heat. Then lower the heat to medium and gently simmer until the potatoes are completely tender when pierced with the tip of a knife, about 30 minutes.
• Drain the potatoes well and return them to the pot. Place the pot over low heat and let any residual water steam off, about 2 minutes. Mash the potatoes well with a potato masher. Fold in the butter with a spatula until melted, and then fold in the cream. Season with salt and pepper.

MASHED POTATOES WITH EXTRA-VIRGIN OLIVE OIL

Steps:

• Place potatoes in heavy large pot. Cover with cold water. Boil over medium-high heat until potatoes are tender when pierced with fork, about 40 minutes. Drain, reserving 1 1/2 cups potato cooking liquid. Return potatoes to dry pot. Stir over medium heat until any excess liquid evaporates. Add 6 tablespoons olive oil and mash until almost smooth. Mix in enough potato cooking liquid as needed to moisten. Season to taste with salt and pepper. (Can be made 2 hours ahead. Let stand at room temperature. Rewarm over medium heat, adding more reserved cooking water as needed to moisten.)
• Transfer potatoes to large bowl. Drizzle with remaining tablespoon olive oil and serve.

BASIC MASHED POTATOES

Steps:

• Bring a pot of salted water to a boil. Add potatoes and cook until tender but still firm, about 15 minutes; drain.
• In a small saucepan heat butter and milk over low heat until butter is melted. Using a potato masher or electric beater, slowly blend milk mixture into potatoes until smooth and creamy. Season with salt and pepper to taste.