Mashed Potatoes

Mashed potatoes are a classic and comforting side dish, perfect to accompany many meals. Here is the recipe:

Ingredients

• 1 kg of floury potatoes
• 100 ml of whole milk
• 50 g of butter
• Salt, as needed
• Nutmeg (optional)

Preparation

1. Start by peeling the potatoes and cut them into equally sized pieces to ensure they cook evenly.
2. Put the potatoes in a pot with plenty of cold water and a pinch of salt, then bring to a boil. Cook until the potatoes are very soft and can be easily pierced with a fork.
3. Drain the potatoes and put them back into the empty pot, letting them dry for a minute over low heat to remove any excess water.
4. Mash the potatoes with a potato masher or a food mill until you get a smooth and lump-free texture.
5. In a small saucepan, heat the milk with the butter until the butter has melted. Do not let the milk boil.
6. Gradually add the hot milk and melted butter to the mashed potatoes, stirring with a wooden spoon or a whisk until the texture becomes creamy. If necessary, add more milk to make the mash softer.
7. Adjust the salt to taste and, if you like, add a pinch of grated nutmeg for extra flavor.
8. Serve hot as a side dish to meat or fish plates.

Curious Facts

Mashed potatoes are a preparation with very ancient origins; similar recipes are found in cookbooks from the 1700s. Its simplicity and creaminess have made it a classic in kitchens around the world, with regional variations that include the addition of cheese, aromatic herbs, or other seasonings.