My grandma was known for her dialed-in versions of classic comfort foods: made-from-scratch mac and cheese, satiny chocolate pudding, and the silkiest mashed potatoes. Over the years, I had the pleasure of cooking with her in her kitchen, paying close attention to the details she thought were important.
And when it came to her mashed potatoes, it was all about the equipment. One tool—a potato ricer—ensured that each and every batch was creamy and smooth. I was lucky enough to inherit her potato ricer and wouldn’t think of making mashed potatoes any other way. If you’re still struggling with a potato masher or lumpy mashed potatoes, this one simple equipment swap will change your mashed potato life for good.
What’s a Potato Ricer?
If you’re not familiar with this gadget, it looks like a giant garlic press. Some models have a perforated basket, while others come with a few different disks with various-sized holes in them. You load the cooked potatoes into the basket and squeeze the two handles together to push the spuds through the basket or disk.
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How To Make Mashed Potatoes Using a Potato Ricer
Start by choosing your potatoes. I often use Yukon Golds, but Russet potatoes will work, too. Peel the potatoes and cut them into large pieces, around two inches or so wide. Add enough water to a pot to cover the potatoes by about an inch and generously salt the water. Bring the water to a boil and cook until the potatoes are tender when pierced with a fork.
Drain the potatoes, let them cool slightly, then, working in batches, press the warm potatoes through the potato ricer back into the pot. Add melted butter and warm cream or milk, stirring the mixture until just smooth and creamy. Season with salt and pepper. That’s it!
How To Make Mashed Potatoes Using a Potato Ricer
Overmixing is the enemy of great mashed potatoes. If you use an electric mixer, a food processor, or a blender, you run the risk of a dense or gluey mash. Using a potato masher gives you more control, but you’ll often end up with at least some lumps.
Using a potato ricer guarantees smooth, silky, lump-free potatoes. Pushing the potatoes through the gadget breaks the spuds into small, light pieces. (Bonus points: The process is super satisfying, too.) Once you add the butter and cream, everything comes together with just a few stirs. Easy, satisfying, picture-perfect mashed potatoes. What’s not to love?
Other Uses for a Potato Ricer
Creamy, smooth mashed potatoes are the main selling point for a potato ricer, but you can also use the gadget for other kitchen tasks. Rice potatoes for making light, fluffy gnocchi or use the tool as a way to create spaetzle or other homemade dumpling-like noodles. It can also come in handy for squeezing the water out of cooked spinach before adding it to recipes.
Read the original article on Simply Recipes