Mashed Potatoes
When I was a kid, we visited family friends who lived on a potato farm. I remember walking up and down the field and watching our friends unearth potatoes. It was magical. When I was in college, I realized how magical potatoes really are. They are affordable, available everywhere, and so versatile. My college roommate once asked what my one "desert island food" would be. It was an easy answer: potatoes. From the simple spud I could eat baked potatoes, mashed potatoes, potatoes au gratin, French fries, Potato Salad, hash browns, and more! These days, I'd want to take my Instant Pot with me, too, so that I could make this super easy and delicious mashed potato recipe.
Ingredients
| 3 lbs | 1.4 kg | russet potatoes, peeled and quartered |
| 3 | garlic cloves, peeled and smashed | |
| 1 cup | 240 ml | low-sodium chicken broth or water |
| 0.5 cup | 120 ml | half-and-half or whole milk |
| 3 tbsp | 45 ml | unsalted butter |
| 1 tsp | 5 ml | fine sea salt |
| — | ground black pepper |
Instructions
Course: Side Dish. Cuisine: Modern. Difficulty: Easy. Diet: Gluten Free, Vegetarian. Cooking Technique: Pressure Cook. Prep Time: 10 minutes. Cook Time: 18 minutes. Servings: 6 servings.
Pressure Cook.
- Combine the potatoes, garlic, and broth in the inner cooking pot. Lock the lid into place and turn the valve to "sealing." Select Manual or Pressure cook and adjust the pressure to High. Set the time for 8 minutes. When cooking ends, carefully turn the valve to "venting" to quick release the pressure.
Mash the Potatoes. 2. Drain the potatoes in a colander set over a large bowl, reserving most of the cooking liquid in the bowl. Transfer the potatoes to another large bowl and add the half-and-half and butter to them. Use a potato masher (or electric mixer) to mash the potatoes, adding the reserved cooking water a little at a time, until they are the texture you like. Season with the salt and pepper.
Recipe Notes — Variation tip: Garnish your mashed potatoes with bacon, chives, sour cream, or whatever toppings make your mashed potatoes special.