Mashed Potatoes – USA

Recipe for creamy and delicious mashed potatoes, a beloved side dish in the USA:

Ingredients:

• 4 large russet potatoes
• 1/2 cup (1 stick) unsalted butter
• 1/2 cup whole milk or heavy cream
• Salt, to taste
• Black pepper, to taste
• Optional toppings: chopped chives, grated cheese, or crispy bacon bits

Instructions:

1. Prepare the Potatoes:

• Peel the potatoes and cut them into even-sized chunks. This helps them cook more evenly.
• Rinse the potato chunks in cold water to remove excess starch.

1. Boil the Potatoes:

• Place the potato chunks in a large pot and cover them with cold, salted water.
• Bring the water to a boil over high heat, then reduce the heat to medium and simmer for about 15-20 minutes, or until the potatoes are fork-tender.

1. Drain and Dry:

• Drain the cooked potatoes in a colander.
• Return the drained potatoes to the hot pot and let them sit for a minute or two to evaporate any remaining moisture. This will make your mashed potatoes fluffier.

1. Mash the Potatoes:

• Add the butter to the potatoes while they’re still hot. The residual heat will help melt the butter.
• Use a potato masher or a potato ricer to mash the potatoes and butter together until smooth and creamy.
• Gradually add the milk or cream while continuing to mash until the desired consistency is reached. You can adjust the amount of milk or cream to your liking.
• Season with salt and black pepper to taste. Be sure to taste and adjust the seasoning as needed.

1. Serve:

• Transfer the mashed potatoes to a serving bowl.
• If desired, garnish with chopped chives, grated cheese, or crispy bacon bits for extra flavor and texture.

1. Enjoy:

• Serve your homemade mashed potatoes hot as a side dish with your favorite main courses, such as roast turkey, fried chicken, or meatloaf. They are also great with gravy!

Now you have a classic American mashed potatoes recipe that’s sure to be a hit at your dinner table.