Wondering how to make mashed potatoes from scratch? Super easy and quick and can be done in as little as 30 minutes from start to finish. And without butter or oil it can be enjoyed guilt-free.
Homemade mashed potatoes are creamy, rich, buttery and one of the classic dishes served with some meat or vegetables. This creamy mash with just 4 ingredients is perfect for your holidays!
If you are running short of time and want to add another dish to your party, then this is the best recipe to cook. It uses just 4 basic ingredients and as said can be done in just 30 minutes or less from start to finish. If you have boiled potatoes in hand, it would just take 10 minutes of your time to assemble them.
What are Mash Potatoes?
Mash Potatoes or mash potatoes or simply called a mash is a dish made using boiling or steaming potatoes. They are then added with milk, butter, salt, and pepper. Different herbs or seasonings can be used to elevate the taste of mashed potatoes. One can add chives, parsley, cheese, onion, garlic, sour cream, bacon, mustard, etc for something different.
Aloo Bharta the Indian Mash Potatoes
Aloo bharta is the Indian version of mashed potatoes. Variants exist to this as well. Some add onion and garlic and some go without it. Spices like chili powder and mustard are added and a generous garnish with coriander takes the aloo bharta to a whole new level. One of the easy recipes for this and one variant, which I make is this Farali Kali Mirch Aloo.
Tips for making the best Mashed potatoes
Type of Potatoes to use – Use floury, starchy, or buttery varieties of potatoes for mash. They tend to have more taste and tend to mash more easily.
Boil the potatoes evenly
If you are like me and boil the whole potatoes in a pressure cooker or an Instant Pot, boil small potatoes, or if you have a big size cut them into half or quarters before cooking. At times larger potatoes do not cook evenly in a pressure cooker. If you are using a stovetop open pot, the best is to cut the potatoes into uniform sizes and boil them.
Remove the excess water or pat them dry before making the mash
If there is too much water in the potatoes, you would end up with some tasteless mash. We want the flavors from the milk and herbs to go in the potatoes.
Do not over-mix the potatoes
Mixing the potatoes with the remaining ingredients may make them too dry or remove the starchy content from them. They would not be any good.
Use freshly boiled potatoes
Yes, we tend to use a day-old potato for such recipes, but it is best to use freshly boiled potatoes or potatoes which are cooked just 2-3 hours before. Potatoes from the fridge or old cooked potatoes a day or two earlier will not taste that good.
Ingredients used in Mashed Potatoes
Potatoes – I am using organic white potatoes available here which have a good starch content. As said earlier, it is best to use any floury and starchy variety of potatoes. However one can use any kind of potato, it will taste good, just some kinds of potatoes have a preference in some recipes.
Milk – I am using whole milk as I always use the same. It naturally adds creaminess to the mash. One can however use low-fat or even vegan milk.
Salt and pepper – salt and freshly ground black pepper are used as a seasoning. Pepper is optional here and one can skip it if required.
Variations to Mashed Potatoes
To make it more creamy and rich one can add cheese too. Different herbs like parsley, coriander, and chives are to their potatoes. Even onion, or for meat eaters bacon would go well.
Can this be stored?
The mashed potatoes stay good in the fridge for 3-4 days. When required just reheat in the microwave or stove top and add some milk if the consistency goes thick.
Is this Vegan?
I have used cow milk here and hence it is not vegan. Vegans can use any vegan milk and use it.
Can I add Butter?
Off course you can and it would be more rich and creamy with butter. But honestly we did not miss the butter. I made this as a part of making my Vegan Shepherdless pie and we thouroughly enjoyed it. My daughter loved this mashed and always want the same.
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How to make Mashed Potatoes (Without Butter or oil)
Equipment
Ingredients
- 6-7 1kg medium size potatoes
- 1.5 Cups Milk
- Salt to taste
- Pepper to taste
- Water for boiling the potatoes
Instructions
Cooking potatoes in Instant Pot or Pressure cooker
- Scrub and rinse the potatoes to remove any excess dirt.6-7 1kg medium size potatoes
- If cooking potatoes in an instant pot or pressure cooker, add 2 cups of water to the inner vessel.Water for boiling the potatoes
- Place a trivet down.
- Keep a steel plate at the bottom, this helps the potatoes not soaking in water.
- Add in the potatoes and pressure cook it for 10-12 minutes on high.
- If using a stovetop pressure cooker, pressure cook to 3-4 whistles depending on your pressure cooker settings.
- Once the pressure has been released, remove the potatoes and let them cool down a bit.
- Peel and mash them roughly.
Cooking potatoes in an open pot.
- Scrub and rinse the potatoes to remove any excess dirt.6-7 1kg medium size potatoes
- Peel the potatoes.
- Cut them into cubes.
- Add sufficient water to an open pot.Water for boiling the potatoes
- Add in the potatoes and some salt and bring the water to a boil.
- Let them cook for 10-15 minutes.
- They are done when you insert a knife or a fork and it pierces inside without any resistance.
- Switch off and drain all the excess water using a colander.
- Mash the potatoes using a potato masher or using the back of a spoon.
Making of the Mash
- In a heavy bottom, add the milk.1.5 Cups Milk
- Once the milk is slightly warm, add the mashed potatoes, salt, and pepper.Salt to taste, Pepper to taste
- Gently mix everything and let the mixture come to a boil.
- Keep on stirring the mixture until all is well combined and the milk is all absorbed by the potatoes.
- Switch off and garnish with pepper or herbs.
Notes
- Standard US Size cups and spoons are used. 1 cup = 237 ml, 1 teaspoon = 5 ml
- Some potatoes may absorb more liquid, in that case, feel free to increase the milk quantity.
- One can add butter and cheese to make it more rich. (Vegans can use vegan butter)
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