Garlic Parmesan Mashed Potatoes

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Try to think of the most comforting food or dish you’ve had, whether it be from childhood or otherwise. For me, what comes to mind are mashed potatoes. What is more comforting than creamy, starchy potatoes mashed with cream and butter? Not to mention, they’re usually slathered in gravy, which is a pretty great thing, if you ask me.

Needless to say, mashed potatoes are a dish that loves unconditionally, and comforts us endlessly. It’s not a food that ever needs portion control; mashed potatoes are meant to be eaten with gluttony, a sinful mixture of naughty ingredients that are no good for the figure we dream about, yet one that we entirely crave. Mashed potatoes are usually paired with equally naughty and comforting dishes, which make the experience that much better! For example, I’ll take a second to describe the mouth-watering meal I created with these potatoes as a side dish: chunky, tangy mashed potatoes, slathered in rich homemade beef gravy, moist and flavorful meatballs, and creamy, homemade creamed corn complete with salty, crunchy bacon. Sounds good, doesn’t it? It was!

These mashed potatoes, in particular, are wonderful and saliva-inducing for several reasons. First, they’re made with Yukon Gold potatoes, which is an essential factor if you’re looking for that perfect starchy, balanced taste. I like to use a little trick to give them an extra flavor boost: I put a couple of crushed garlic cloves in the water while the potatoes are boiling. This method causes the potatoes to become infused with the fresh garlic’s flavor, but it remains mild and never overpowering. It is also crucial, for the best results, to use cold water when cooking the potatoes; the cold water draws out the raw starchiness from the potatoes and yields a much better taste when the dish is finished. The dish’s saliva-inducing characteristics come from my usage of salty parmesan, a fresh, mild bite of green onion, a touch of garlic salt, and the combination of tangy sour cream and smooth, thick whipping cream.

I’d urge those of you who make mashed potatoes from a box to rethink your ways, and give this recipe a try. The ingredients are not expensive by any means, and the result isn’t even a legitimate comparison to the boxed variety. Trust me, you won’t be sorry!

Ingredients:

2-2 1/2 lbs Yukon Gold potatoes

2 garlic cloves, smashed

1/2 cup heavy cream

2 tbsp sour cream

3 tbsp butter, softened at room temperature

1/2-3/4 cup parmesan cheese, grated (depending on how strong you want the flavor to be)

3 green onions, chopped

Garlic salt, to taste

Salt & pepper, to taste

What to do:

Chop the potatoes into smaller pieces.  I usually cut them into fourths, but in the end all of the pieces should be relatively the same size, so that the cooking time is the same.  Place the potatoes in a large pot, and add the 2 smashed garlic cloves.  Fill the pot with cold water, so that the water is about 1/2-1 inch over the potatoes.  Bring to a boil.

 

 

Cook potatoes until fork-softened, about 20 minutes, depending on how quickly the water starts to boil.  I usually don’t bother to time the cooking, I’ll just check the potatoes with a fork every 5 minutes or so, until they’re done.  Once they’re done, drain the water from the pot.  Mash the potatoes with a potato masher or a fork, then add all of the remaining ingredients and mix well.  I’d suggest serving with homemade gravy and a large glass of cold milk, enjoy!

Finished product:

1) According to some folklore, a peeled potato in the pocket was assumed to cure a toothache and a dried potato worn around the neck would help rheumatism.

2) Vincent Van Gogh painted four still-life canvases devoted entirely to the potato.

3) People in Shakespeare’s time viewed the potato as an aphrodisiac and labeled them “Apples of Love.”

4) Various folk remedies using potatoes:

• Treat facial blemishes by washing you face daily with cool potato juice.
• Treat frostbite or sunburn by applying raw grated potato or potato juice to the affected area.
• Help a toothache by carrying a potato in your pocket.
• Ease a sore throat by putting a slice of baked potato in a stocking and tying it around your throat.
• Ease aches and pains by rubbing the affected area with the water potatoes have been boiled in.