The interesting history behind potatoes is that they were considered as pig food until the 18th century. It was Antoine-Augustin Parmentier (August 12, 1737 – December 13, 1813) who elevating the lowly potato from the hog trough to the dining table in France and around Europe. Outside of Ireland potatoes were primarily fed to animals and were actually thought to cause leprosy and other ailments.
There are now many ways to prepare potatoes, but there is nothing that says comfort food like mashed potatoes.
Best Healthy Mashed Potatoes
Servings 3 cups
Equipment
Ingredients
- 4 pounds potatoes Yukon Gold are best
- 1 clove garlic peeled
- ¼ cup chicken stock warmed
- 1 cup milk or cream, heated
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter
Instructions
- Scrub, peel potatoes and quarter the potatoes, trying to keep all the same size so they all cook at the same time. Place in a pot of cold water, then remove the water and refill the pot to remove extra starch, filling the pot until the potatoes are just covered.
- Set the pot on medium-high heat and cook uncovered until you can easily pierce with a fork, about 20 minutes. Strain the water from the potatoes, retaining the water if you have a need for potato water. Leave the potatoes in the pot.
- If mashing by hand, add the butter and start mashing then slowly add the warmed stock and milk until you get the right consistency for you.If you use a potato ricer, rice the potatoes first and then add the wet ingredients.
- Season with salt and pepper, and serve.