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Mashed potatoes are a simple and beloved dish that seems easy to prepare. However, sometimes even experienced cooks are left with too thick, sticky, or plain dish. To avoid such problems, you need to know a few culinary tricks.

The FoodOboz editorial team will share the basic rules that will help make mashed potatoes perfect. The main secret is to choose the right potato variety, use the right cooking technique, and pick the right ingredients.

1. Choose the right potato variety

Not every potato variety is suitable for making mashed potatoes. For the perfect texture, it is better to use potatoes with a high starch content – they turn out soft after boiling and are mashed easily. If you choose hard, salad potatoes, the result will be completely different – the mashed potatoes will be lumpy and dense.

2. Boil them properly

For even cooking, cut the potatoes into equal pieces. Boil in salted water, covering the potatoes with cold water so that they warm up gradually. It is very important not to overcook them as too soft potatoes will absorb excess water and become watery. You can check them for doneness with a fork: if a piece breaks apart easily, you can remove the pan from the heat.

3. Do not use a blender

One of the most common mistakes is to mash potatoes with a blender. This technology destroys starch molecules, and the mashed potatoes become sticky and “rubbery”. It’s best to use a classic potato masher or grind the potatoes through a sieve to keep the texture tender and airy.

4. Butter is the key

To make mashed potatoes tender, you need to add good quality butter. There should be enough butter: 1 kg of potatoes needs about 100-150 g of butter. This will ensure a creamy texture and rich creamy flavor.

5. Use warm milk

Add milk only when it is warm or even hot. Cold milk slows down the mixing process, which can make the dish lumpy. It is best to add milk gradually, in small portions, and mix thoroughly.

6. Don’t forget the secret ingredient

To make mashed potatoes even more delicious, professional chefs recommend adding a little sour cream or cream. It will give the dish a slight sourness and make it even more tender.

7. Take your time when serving

Before serving, leave the mashed potatoes covered for a few minutes to allow the dish to “rest” and become even more tender. If it has cooled slightly, it is better to reheat it in a water bath rather than in the microwave.

By following these simple tips, you will get perfect mashed potatoes that will melt in your mouth! Enjoy the taste and delight your loved ones with delicious homemade dishes.