Peel the potatoes using a peeler. After peeling, cut away any 'eyes' and brown spots with a knife. Then cut the potatoes into even pieces about 3-4 cm on each side (cubes) — this will ensure they cook evenly. Time: 8-10 minutes.
Description
Delicate mashed potatoes with a subtle hint of garlic — a classic side that fits perfectly with a romantic Valentine's dinner. Made with starchy potatoes, creamy butter, and warm milk, with garlic gently sautéed in butter, it offers a velvety texture and aroma. The puree has a smooth, light structure and creamy flavor that beautifully balances the bold tastes of meats and sauces; served on a plate, it looks elegant and cozy. It can be garnished with green chives or a touch of freshly grated nutmeg for added depth of flavor. Perfect for Valentine's Day as a delicate side to steak, baked salmon, or a vegetable main dish.
Ingredients (8)
- Potatoes (starchy) 800 g
- Butter 50 g
- Milk 3.2% 200 ml
- Garlic 3 ząbki
- 🌿 Przyprawy
- Salt 0.1 szczypt
- Black pepper 4 szczypty
- ✨ Opcjonalne
- Chives (optional) 0.5 pęczek
- Nutmeg (optional) 1 szczypta
💡 Kliknij na składnik aby oznaczyć jako użyty
Preparation steps
Preparing the potatoes
Rinsing
Place the chopped potatoes in a large bowl and cover with cold water. Change the water several times and rinse until the water becomes relatively clear (this will remove excess starch). Let them sit for 2-3 minutes, then drain.
Cooking
Transfer the drained potatoes to a large pot (minimum 3 l). Cover with cold water so that the water level is about 2 cm above the potatoes. Add 4 g of salt (to the water). Place the pot over high heat and bring to a boil, then reduce the heat to medium-low and cook for 15-20 minutes from the moment of boiling, until the potatoes are soft — check with a fork: the fork should slide in easily and the potato should break apart with light pressure.
Preparation of butter and garlic
While the potatoes are cooking, melt 50 g of butter in a small saucepan over low heat. Add the chopped garlic (15 g — 3 cloves), and sauté gently for 1-2 minutes until the garlic softens and becomes aromatic, but does not brown (brown garlic tastes bitter). Then pour in 200 ml of warm milk (first heat the milk to a temperature of about 50-60°C — it should be warm, not boiling) and heat together for 30-60 seconds to combine the flavors.
Draining and Reducing
When the potatoes are soft, quickly drain them in a colander. Transfer the drained potatoes back to the warm pot and place it over very low heat without a lid for 1-2 minutes, gently stirring with a wooden spoon — the goal is to evaporate excess moisture, not to fry.
Pureeing and seasoning
Transfer the hot potatoes to a potato masher, ricer, or use a hand masher. If you have a potato ricer, press the potatoes directly back into the pot. Gradually add the mixture of butter, garlic, and warm milk: start with 1/3 of the mixture, mix vigorously with a wooden spoon or silicone spatula until you achieve a creamy consistency, then add another portion of the mixture as needed. The consistency should be smooth, fluffy, and slightly moist — it should not be watery or gummy. The entire mashing and mixing process will take 2-4 minutes.
Final seasoning
Taste the puree and season to your liking: add extra salt if needed (small amounts at a time), black pepper — about 2 'pinches' (2 g), and if using, freshly grated nutmeg (1 g). If the puree is too thick, add a little warm milk (10-20 ml at a time); if too thin — simmer briefly on low heat to evaporate excess moisture.
Finishing and serving
Transfer the puree to a warmed dish or onto plates. Create a gentle swirl or use a spoon to make elegant waves. Top with a few flakes of butter (or a small slice of butter that will melt) and sprinkle with finely chopped chives (15 g) — if you are using the Valentine's version, shape a small heart out of butter in the center of the puree.
Fun Fact
Mashed potatoes have a long history — potatoes arrived in Europe in the 16th century, and the velvety puree in its current form became popular in French and Anglo-Saxon cuisine. As a romantic side dish for Valentine's Day, the puree can be easily decorated, creating impressive butter hearts or green accents with chives.
Best for
Tips
Serve very hot as a side dish to steak, baked salmon, roasted chicken, or braised vegetables. For a Valentine's effect, shape the butter into a heart and sprinkle with chives. Red wine (e.g., pinot noir) pairs well with red meat, or a fuller-bodied white wine goes well with fish.
Store in the refrigerator in an airtight container for 2-3 days. To reheat, transfer the puree to a saucepan, add 1-2 tablespoons (15-30 ml) of milk or cream, and heat over low heat, stirring; you can also reheat in the oven in a baking dish covered at 160°C for 10-15 minutes. The microwave may dry out the puree — add a little milk and cover the dish.
📸 Ugotowane przez społeczność
Zaloguj się, aby dodać zdjęcieDodaj zdjęcie gotowej potrawy
Po zatwierdzeniu przez moderatora otrzymasz 10 punktów doświadczenia.
Nikt jeszcze nie dodał zdjęcia. Bądź pierwszy!
Comments (0)
Be the first to comment on this recipe!
Add a comment