Indulge in the comforting embrace of garlic mashed potatoes, a timeless classic that pairs beautifully with any main course. This recipe combines creamy potatoes with the rich flavor of garlic, creating a side dish that is both simple and elegant. Whether you’re hosting a dinner party or enjoying a cozy family meal, these garlic mashed potatoes will surely steal the spotlight. Let’s dive into this delightful recipe that will leave your taste buds dancing!
Ingredients
– 2 pounds of potatoes (Yukon Gold or Russet)
– 4 cloves of garlic, minced
– 1/2 cup of butter
– 1 cup of heavy cream
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Fresh parsley for garnish
Servings and Cooking Time
This recipe serves 4-6 people. Preparation time is about 15 minutes, with an additional cooking time of 20-25 minutes.
Nutritional Value
Each serving (approx. 1 cup) contains:
– Calories: 320
– Total Fat: 20g
– Saturated Fat: 12g
– Cholesterol: 60mg
– Sodium: 450mg
– Carbohydrates: 30g
– Dietary Fiber: 3g
– Sugars: 2g
– Protein: 4g
This nutritional information is based on one serving for one person.
Step-by-Step Cooking Process
1. Peel and chop the potatoes into even chunks.
2. Place the potatoes in a large pot and cover with cold water.
3. Add a pinch of salt and bring to a boil over medium-high heat.
4. Cook the potatoes for 15-20 minutes, or until fork-tender.
5. While the potatoes cook, melt the butter in a small saucepan over low heat.
6. Add the minced garlic to the melted butter and sauté until fragrant (about 2 minutes).
7. Drain the cooked potatoes and return them to the pot.
8. Pour in the garlic butter and heavy cream.
9. Mash the potatoes using a potato masher or electric mixer until smooth.
10. Season with salt and pepper to taste, then garnish with fresh parsley.
Alternative Ingredients
For a lighter version, you can substitute heavy cream with milk or chicken broth. Vegan alternatives include using olive oil instead of butter and almond milk in place of cream.
Serving and Pairings
Garlic mashed potatoes pair wonderfully with roasted meats, grilled vegetables, or as a base for hearty stews. They are perfect alongside turkey, beef, or even a rich mushroom sauce.
Storage and Reheating
Store leftover garlic mashed potatoes in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. For reheating, warm them on the stovetop over low heat, adding a splash of milk or cream to restore creaminess. Garlic mashed potatoes can be frozen for up to 2 months; thaw before reheating.
Cooking Mistakes
- Using cold water to boil potatoes can result in uneven cooking.
- Over-mashing can lead to gummy potatoes.
- Not salting the water can make the potatoes bland.
- Skipping the garlic sauté step may result in a less flavorful dish.
- Forgetting to drain excess water after boiling can dilute the flavor.
- Not allowing the potatoes to sit briefly after cooking can lead to steam buildup.
Helpful Tips
- Choose waxy potatoes like Yukon Gold for a creamier texture.
- For extra flavor, add cream cheese or sour cream.
- Use a ricer for ultra-smooth mashed potatoes.
- Experiment with roasted garlic for a sweeter taste.
- Always taste and adjust seasoning before serving.
FAQs
Can I make garlic mashed potatoes ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare garlic mashed potatoes a day in advance. Store them in the refrigerator and reheat when ready to serve. Just add a bit of cream or milk to restore their creaminess.
How can I make them vegan?
To make garlic mashed potatoes vegan, substitute butter with olive oil or vegan butter and use plant-based milk instead of heavy cream.
What type of potatoes are best for mashing?
Yukon Gold and Russet potatoes are ideal for mashing due to their starch content, resulting in a creamy texture.
Can I add cheese to this recipe?
Absolutely! Adding shredded cheese, such as cheddar or Parmesan, can enhance the flavor and creaminess of your garlic mashed potatoes.
What can I do if my mashed potatoes are too runny?
If your mashed potatoes are too runny, you can try adding a bit more butter or cream and mashing them again, or return them to low heat to evaporate excess moisture.
Conclusion
Garlic mashed potatoes are the ultimate comfort food, combining creamy texture with the rich flavor of garlic. This recipe is easy to follow and can be adapted to suit your preferences. Elevate your next meal with this delightful side dish that is sure to impress everyone at the table. Enjoy!
Garlic Mashed Potatoes
Ingredients
- 2 pounds of potatoes Yukon Gold or Russet
- 4 cloves of garlic minced
- 1/2 cup of butter
- 1 cup of heavy cream
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh parsley for garnish
Instructions
- Peel and chop the potatoes into even chunks.
- Place the potatoes in a large pot and cover with cold water.
- Add a pinch of salt and bring to a boil over medium-high heat.
- Cook the potatoes for 15-20 minutes, or until fork-tender.
- While the potatoes cook, melt the butter in a small saucepan over low heat.
- Add the minced garlic to the melted butter and sauté until fragrant (about 2 minutes).
- Drain the cooked potatoes and return them to the pot.
- Pour in the garlic butter and heavy cream.
- Mash the potatoes using a potato masher or electric mixer until smooth.
- Season with salt and pepper to taste, then garnish with fresh parsley.
