Do This After Boiling Potatoes for the Fluffiest Mashed Potatoes Ever
Mashed potatoes are deceptively simple. The name basically tells you what you need to do — mash potatoes. But like many things in life, it’s never as easy as it sounds. Ask anyone if they’ve ever screwed up a batch of this beloved side dish, and you’ll likely walk away with a cooking horror story or two.
I’m not immune to mashed potato mess-ups; I’ve pretty much done it all at this point. I’ve made gummy potatoes, runny potatoes, and once I even undercooked the potatoes, mashed them, and served them up with tiny, hard lumps (that happened while I was working at a restaurant, I didn’t last long there). For some time after, I avoided making them, instead deferring to my husband, who is very good at making this seemingly simple dish.
That all changed when I picked up this easy technique for making mashed potatoes during my time at Serious Eats. Simply rinse your potatoes before and after cooking. Removing as much excess starch as possible is key to ensuring the lightest and fluffiest mashed potatoes. Nowadays, I lean into every mashed potato opportunity that comes my way — which is often because my 3-year old is a big fan. Give it a try the next time you whip up this 3-ingredient side dish.
How It Works
Prep potatoes. Peel and cut russet potatoes into 1- to 2-inch cubes. Fill a pot with cold water, add your potatoes, swish them around until the water is cloudy, then drain. Repeat this process until the water runs clear, about 2 times. Cover with cold water once more and season with salt.
Cook. Bring the water to a boil and simmer until potatoes are completely tender and can be easily pierced with a knife.
Drain and rinse. Drain potatoes in a colander and rinse under hot running water to wash away excess starch, then allow them to steam in the colander to remove excess moisture.
Mash and season potatoes. Mash, then add butter followed by milk, salt, and pepper. Serve to hungry diners and get ready to receive compliments.
Further Reading
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The One Cookware Brand That Gordon Ramsay Can’t Stop Talking About
Tuscan Chicken Is the "Most Delicious" Dinner of All Time, Says Everyone Who's Tried It
