Potatoes are one of the most versatile foods within a variety of cuisines, combining well with many other products. Thus, they are used as the main ingredient or as a garnish in many everyday recipes and can be prepared in countless ways. A good example is mashed potatoes, usually loved by both adults and children. Although it is healthier if we prepared it ourselves sometimes we do not have time and therefore resort to buying instant versions. That is why in OneHowTo we explain step by step how to make instant mashed potatoes better so you can give this instant recipe a perfect twist.
- Pan
- Spoon
First, obviously, you need the instant mash which you will find in any grocers or supermarket. It is colloquially known as 'instant mash' and can be branded or from a grocers own brand.
We should note that each packet usually contains around 230-250 g. (8.1 - 8.8 oz) of mash flakes, equivalent to 4 servings of mashed potatoes. You should vary the amounts according to the amount you want to prepare. Additionally, consider that some brands may offer different portion sizes, so reading the label is always a good idea.
The first step in preparing the mash will be to heat the water together with the milk and a pinch of salt in a saucepan. If you prefer a thicker mash you can choose to only use milk or cream, though you should keep in mind that this will also have more calories. If you buy flakes that already contain milk you should only add water. To add a richer flavor, consider using chicken or vegetable broth instead of water.
Before the water and milk start to boil you must remove the pan from the heat and pour in the contents of the sachet, sinking the flakes to the bottom of the liquid and stirring vigorously so they become absorbed. It's important to stir continuously to avoid lumps and ensure a smooth texture.
Next add some butter to make instant mashed potatoes better and stir again so that this is integrated into the mashed potatoes. Also, you can give it a personal touch and add even more flavor with the following ideas:
Herb or spiced oil
If you have herbed oils such as Thyme oil, this is a delicious way to give your mashed potatoes a twist without adding too many calories to your meal. You can also use cut up fresh cilantro for some freshness too. Once the instant mash is ready, just drizzle the oil or sprinkle the finely chopped cilantro or parsley on it. You'll notice the difference. Adding a bit of garlic-infused oil can also enhance the taste remarkably.
Cheese
If you're a cheese lover, then there are several ways of adding cheese to your instant mashed potatoes that will boost its taste. Use two teaspoonfuls of Roquefort cheese at the same time you add the butter (if you do) and stir around until it has blended in. You can also use grated cheddar or mozzarella cheese on top once it's made. For a gourmet twist, try incorporating a bit of truffle oil or cheese.
Tomato sauce
Once you have made your instant mash, pour some freshly made tomato sauce with fresh basil to give it an Italian twist. Roasted garlic or sun-dried tomatoes can also add an interesting depth of flavor to your mashed potatoes.
Gravy
A classic that never fails is to pour some gravy on your mash. You can purchase it from the supermarket or make homemade gravy from scratch. Experiment with different types of gravy like mushroom or onion for a unique twist.
If you want to read similar articles to How to Make Instant Mashed Potatoes Better, we recommend you visit our Recipes category.
- Add some seasoning to the mash potato to give it a personal touch. Consider using smoked paprika, garlic powder, or even a pinch of nutmeg for a unique flavor profile.