Creamy Mashed Potatoes with Garlic and Chives Recipe
This creamy mashed potatoes recipe delivers perfectly smooth and flavorful mashed potatoes made with simple ingredients like potatoes, butter, milk, and garlic. The potatoes are boiled and mashed to creamy perfection, enhanced by a rich butter-milk mixture infused with garlic for comforting homestyle goodness. Ready in just 30 minutes, this classic side dish pairs wonderfully with a variety of main courses.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
Potatoes and Garlic
- 1/2 kg potatoes, cut into cubes
- 2 cloves garlic
- Salt, to taste
Butter-Milk Mixture
- 1/2 cup full cream milk
- 2 tablespoons butter
Seasoning
- 1 teaspoon crushed pepper
- Additional butter, for serving
- Chives, for garnish (optional)
Instructions
- Prepare butter-milk mixture: In a small saucepan, combine 1/2 cup full cream milk and 2 tablespoons butter. Stir to mix well and bring the mixture to a gentle boil. Once boiling, switch off the heat and set aside.
- Boil potatoes and garlic: In a pot, add the cubed potatoes, 2 garlic cloves, and salt to taste. Pour enough water to immerse the potatoes and cook over medium heat for about 15-20 minutes until the potatoes are soft and mashable.
- Drain and evaporate excess water: Strain the cooked potatoes and garlic, then return them to the pot on low heat to evaporate any remaining water. This ensures the mashed potatoes won’t be watery.
- Mash the potatoes: Using a potato masher (wooden masher preferred to protect cookware), mash the potatoes and garlic until smooth and lump-free.
- Add butter-milk mixture: Remove the pot from heat and gradually add the warm butter-milk mixture in two batches. If the mixture has cooled down, heat it slightly before adding. This enriches the mash with creaminess and flavor.
- Season and mix: Add salt to taste and 1 teaspoon of crushed pepper. Mash and mix thoroughly to blend all flavors evenly.
- Serve: Your creamy, smooth mashed potatoes are ready. Optionally, add a pat of butter and garnish with chopped chives before serving for extra richness and color.
Notes
- Use full cream milk and real butter for the best creamy texture and rich flavor.
- Make sure to drain water well and evaporate excess moisture to avoid watery mashed potatoes.
- For additional flavor, you can roast the garlic before boiling or add herbs like rosemary or thyme.
- Adjust seasoning to your taste preference, especially salt and pepper.
- Use a wooden masher to protect your pot and get a smoother mash.
