Do you want creamy and tasty mashed potatoes but miss the potato masher? No problem. With a few simple precautions and the use of a fork, you can obtain a perfect puree. The key is processing the potatoes and choosing the right ingredients.
Which potatoes to choose for the perfect mashed potatoes?
To obtain a creamy puree, the choice of potatoes is essential, opt for white or yellow-fleshed potatoes, which lend themselves well to being mashed and blended. Wash them well and boil them in salted water until they are soft. A trick not to be underestimated is to let them rest in the cooking water for a few minutes after turning off the heat, this will help make the peel easier to remove and the potato creamier.
The secret ingredient? The butter
While the potatoes are cooling, focus on the butter, which plays a fundamental role in the consistency and flavor of the purée. Choose a high-quality butter and let it soften at room temperature, preferably cut into cubes. This will help to incorporate it better into the mixture once the potatoes are ready, the heat of the potatoes will do the rest, melting the butter and making the mash soft and velvety.
How to mash potatoes without tools?
Now that the potatoes are ready, let’s move on to the crushingplace the warm potatoes on a cutting board and, with the help of a fork, start mashing them. Don’t worry if they can’t be completely smooth; a slightly rustic puree, with a few whole pieces of potato, can add character to the dish.
Once the potatoes have been mashed, add the chunks of butter and mix with a fork. The heat from the potatoes will melt the butter, blending it perfectly. Don’t forget to add salt to taste, taking into account that additional ingredients such as cheese or ham may already be tasty.
If you want to give a touch of freshness to your puree, you can enrich it with aromatic herbs. For example, mint gives a delicate and fresh aroma. Chop it finely and mix it into the puree with a fork. Other herbs, such as chives or parsley, can also give the puree an inviting aroma and an even more delicious flavour. Your puree is ready to be served. simplicity of a traditional recipe, enriched with a personal touch.
Which aromatic herbs should you use to enrich mashed potatoes?
In addition to mint, other herbs can enhance the flavor of the puree. Rosemary, with its resinous scent, adds an intense aromatic touch, while chives, delicate and fresh, give lightness to the dish, even parsley, with its herbaceous taste, goes well, making the purée even more fragrant .
Are there alternatives to butter to obtain equally creamy vegan puree?
For a creamy vegan puree, you can replace the butter with extra virgin olive oil, which gives a Mediterranean flavor, or with vegetable milk (soy, almond, oat) for a velvety result. Tahini, with its creamy texture and light toasty flavor, is also a great option.
Besides the fork, what other “homemade” utensils can you use to mash potatoes?
If you don’t have a potato masher, the fork is a valid alternative for a rustic puree, you can also use a slotted spoon, which crushes roughly, a pestle for a fine result or a food mill for a smooth puree without lumps.
