If you thought you had mastered making the perfect mashed potatoes, you may be in for a surprise. Acclaimed American chef Tyler Florence has taken this simple side dish to a new level with an innovative preparation technique. His gimmick? Potatoes are cooked in cream and milk, not in water! This achieves an incredibly creamy texture and rich flavor that would simply be lost in water.
Discover all the secrets of Florence's method and become a master the best mashed potatoes, which will enchant every family dinner or festive feast.
Tyler Florence, known for transforming everyday dishes into gourmet delights, says that making the perfect mashed potatoes isn't just about the ingredients, it's about the method. In traditional recipes, potatoes are cooked in water, which means that most of the flavor disappears when the water is drained. Florence, on the other hand, decided on a richer method – he cooks the potatoes directly in a milk base, specifically in a combination of heavy cream and whole milk, which creates a creamy and luxurious structure.
Steps to perfect mashed potatoes
Preparation of the milk base:
Florence uses 2 cups of heavy cream and 2 cups of whole milk for the base. He adds garlic, bay leaves and a few sprigs of thyme to this liquid, creating a rich aroma. Heat the liquid, but be careful not to boil it too hard, as you want to preserve the tenderness of the milk ingredients.
Cooking potatoes:
Cook the potatoes, cut into even pieces, gently in a milk base until soft. Cooking in cream and milk allows the potato starch to retain its flavors and creamy texture while absorbing the rich milk notes.
Crushing and Enrichment:
Once the potatoes are cooked, carefully drain them, reserving some of the milky liquid for later. Then mash the potatoes using a ricer, which gives a smooth, velvety texture without lumps. Then stir in the butter to taste – Florence recommends larger amounts to make the puree really luxurious. If necessary, add some milk liquid to achieve the desired consistency.
Accessories and decoration:
At the end, if desired, you can enrich the puree with a drop of olive oil or freshly chopped herbs such as chives or parsley, which add freshness and a nice color note. This step makes the mashed potatoes shine on the plate like a real gourmet treat.
What makes Florence's method so special?
Florence's approach is more than just a culinary trick – it's a complete transformation of mashed potatoes into a dish that can even outshine the main course on the table. Cooking in cream and milk ensures that the potatoes retain all their starch and absorbed flavors that would simply be lost in water. You also avoid the unpleasant texture that can be caused by over-mixing the potatoes with a blender. With this method, you get a smooth, heavenly creamy puree that will impress your guests.
If you haven't tried Florence's method, now is the time to turn mashed potatoes into a real culinary experience. With rich cream, fresh herbs and butter, you will get a side dish that can also be the main star of the meal. Enjoy the sumptuous texture and flavor that this special technique offers – and prepare to outshine everything else on the table with your mashed potatoes.
