Mashed potatoes with garlic and lemon
Ingredients: -1.5 kg potatoes, diced -4 tablespoons butter (margarine) -1/2 teaspoon salt -1 cup hot milk (approx. 250 ml) -5-8 cloves of garlic, crushed -1 teaspoon grated lemon zest -2 teaspoons fresh parsley, finely chopped (I used dill) Many people say that mashed potatoes are a common side dish! Taste this puree and you will see that it is not quite so!
To prepare a garlic mashed potato that delights the taste buds, we start by filling a pot with enough water, to which we add a pinch of salt, so that we completely cover the potatoes we will use. It is recommended to choose potatoes with a good texture, such as those for mashing, like the Russet or Yukon Gold varieties. So, after peeling the potatoes and cutting them into evenly sized cubes, we add them to the water. We simmer on low heat, being careful not to let them boil too hard, until they become soft enough to be mashed with a fork. This will take about 15-20 minutes, depending on the size of the cubes.
Once the potatoes are cooked, we drain them well and let them cool slightly. In the meantime, we prepare the garlic paste. We take a few cloves of garlic and crush them, preferably with a mortar or a broad knife, until we obtain a fine paste. This will add an intense flavor to our mash. In a separate pot, we put the garlic paste together with the butter and ½ teaspoon of salt and heat them on low. We stir constantly to ensure the garlic doesn’t burn, until the butter melts and absorbs the garlic flavor, a process that will take about 2-3 minutes.
After the potatoes have cooled slightly, we mash them using a whisk or an immersion blender. We gradually add the hot milk, stirring continuously, until we achieve a smooth and creamy texture without lumps. The consistency is very important, so adjust the amount of milk according to personal preferences. Once the mash is ready, we add the garlic paste with melted butter and mix well, ensuring that the flavors blend perfectly.
Finally, we add the freshly chopped parsley and the grated lemon zest, which will bring a touch of freshness and a pleasant contrast to the rich taste of the mash. We gently mix to avoid ruining the fluffy texture of the mash. It is served warm, alongside roasts or vegetables, and promises to be a savory accompaniment, full of delicious flavors that will satisfy even the most discerning tastes. This garlic mashed potato will surely become a favorite at any meal!
