The technique: The perfect mashed potatoes aren't actually mashed. The key is using a potato ricer (which looks like a giant garlic press). This gadget gently breaks the potatoes into tiny, flaky pieces (rather than smashing them into a gluey mass), creating just the right texture.
The payoff: Light, fluffy, perfect potatoes.
For horseradish mashed potatoes, replace the butter with five tablespoons olive oil (do not use extra-virgin), and mix in two tablespoons cream-style horseradish before seasoning the potatoes with salt and pepper.
Recipe information
Total Time
50 minutes
Yield
Makes 8 servings
Ingredients
Special Equipment
Preparation
Bring large pot of salted water to boil. Add potatoes and garlic; reduce heat to medium and simmer with lid slightly ajar until tender, 20 to 25 minutes. Drain potatoes; return to pot. Toss potatoes and garlic over high heat until moisture evaporates, about 2 minutes. Heat milk with butter in small saucepan over medium heat until butter is melted; set aside. Using potato ricer, press potatoes and garlic into large bowl. Add milk mixture; stir to blend. Season to taste with salt and pepper. DO AHEAD: Can be made 2 hours ahead. Transfer to microwave-safe bowl; let stand at room temperature. Reheat in microwave in 1-minute intervals until heated through, stirring occasionally, about 4 minutes.
