This recipe is based on a classic Irish dish called champ. It is typically made with onions or scallions, but we've used chives—and parsley as well. You can create simple variations with parsley or chives alone, or go all out with a combination of sautéed leeks, caramelized onions, and fresh peas.
Recipe information
Yield
Makes 8 servings
Ingredients
Preparation
Step 1
Bring milk with parsley and chives to a simmer in a saucepan, then remove from heat. Let stand, covered, 20 minutes.
Step 2
While milk is standing, cover potatoes with salted cold water by 2 inches in a large pot and simmer, uncovered, until very tender, 20 to 30 minutes. Drain in a colander and, when just cool enough to handle, peel.
Step 3
Preheat oven to 350°F.
Step 4
Mash warm potatoes with a potato masher, gradually adding 1 1/2 cups herbed milk. Add remaining milk 1/4 cup at a time, mashing, until potatoes reach desired consistency. Season with sea salt and pepper, then transfer to an ovenproof serving dish.
Step 5
Heat potatoes, covered, in middle of oven 15 minutes. (If making potatoes to go with lamb, you can heat potatoes while lamb stands.)
Step 6
Serve potatoes hot, topped with pats of butter.
