A common side dish, common during Thanksgiving is mashed potatoes, which is a wonderful source of several important nutrients. It is important to recognize that the nutritional value of potatoes might vary based on factors such as cooking methods and other ingredients.

Ingredients:

Potatoes (about 2 pounds, preferably russet potatoes)

Salt (for boiling water)

Butter (about 1/2 cup)

Milk (about 1/2 cup)

Salt and pepper (to taste)

Equipment:

Potato peeler

Large pot

Potato masher or a hand mixer

Saucepan

Colander

Instructions:

Peel and Cut Potatoes

Peel the potatoes using a potato peeler

Cut the potatoes into evenly sized chunks. This helps them cook more evenly.

Boil the Potatoes

Place the potato cut in squares or cubes in a pot, add some cold water to cover them up to boil.

Fill the water with a healthy dose of salt.

Bring the water to a boil and let the potatoes cook until they are fork-tender (usually 15-20 minutes).

Drain the Potatoes:

After cooking, place the potatoes in a colander to drain.

Mash the Potatoes:

Return the drained potatoes to the pot.

Add butter to the potatoes while they are still hot. The butter will melt easier with the heat.

Use a potato masher to mash the potatoes. For smoother potatoes, you can use a hand mixer, but be careful not to overmix, as it can make the potatoes gluey.

Add Milk:

Gradually add milk to the mashed potatoes. Add it in small increments, mashing or mixing well after each addition.

Continue adding milk until you reach your desired creamy consistency.

Season:

Add salt and pepper to taste when preparing the mashed potatoes. You can also add other seasonings like garlic powder, chives, or grated cheese for extra flavor.

Serve:

Once the mashed potatoes are smooth and creamy, they are ready to be served.

Serve them whatever you like, as an accompaniment to roasted meats or as a side dish with sauce.

Tips:

When boiling potatoes, cold water used at the start helps to achieve equal cooking.

Don’t overmix the potatoes; it can make them gummy. Mix until just combined.

Try experimenting with various potato varieties to achieve varied textures.

You can reheat the mashed potatoes in the microwave or on the stovetop if you wish to prepare them in advance. Use some amount of milk if required.

Enjoy your homemade mashed potatoes!