This step-by-step guide on How to Make Mashed Potatoes Without Butter will show you a butter-free mashed potato recipe that brings out the natural flavors using inventive substitutes and smart seasonings for a delicious dish.
½ cupmilkI used 2% whole milk, but you can also use almond/cashew milk, oat milk or other non-dairy milk.
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Instructions
Peel the potatoes, rinse them under cool running water (in a colander), and cut them into even-sized chunks (about 1-2 inches).
Place the potatoes in a large pot and fully cover them with cold water. Add ½ of the salt to the water and bring it to a boil over medium-high heat. Lower heat to medium-low and simmer until the potatoes are very tender and easily pierced with a fork, about 15-20 minutes.
While the potatoes are cooking, heat the olive oil in a small saucepan over medium-low heat. Add the minced garlic cloves to the oil and cook gently until the garlic is fragrant -about 5 minutes. Be careful not to burn the garlic. Stir in the ground black pepper and the remaining salt, and set aside.
About 1 or 2 minutes before the potatoes are ready, pour the milk into a small saucepan and heat it on the stove over medium-low heat. Stir the milk occasionally to prevent a skin forming on top. Heat it until it is warm and steaming, but not boiling. This usually takes a few minutes. Once the milk is warmed, remove it from the heat.
Drain the cooked potatoes and return them to the pot. Use a potato masher, ricer, or food mill to begin mashing the potatoes.
Gradually add the warm garlic-infused olive oil to the potatoes, continuing to mash until well incorporated. Then slowly add the warm milk, mashing until the potatoes reach your desired consistency.
Notes
The provided recipe for butter-free mashed potatoes is designed to serve approximately 4 to 6 people as a side dish. If you're serving it as a main course or if you have larger portions, you might want to adjust the quantities accordingly.
Choose starchy potatoes like Russets or Yukon Golds for a fluffy texture. These varieties break down easily and absorb flavors well.
Be sure to dice the potatoes evenly for consistent cooking.
Cook potatoes just until fork-tender. Overcooking can make them waterlogged and lead to a gummy texture.
For an extra smooth texture, use a potato ricer or food mill. These tools eliminate lumps and create a velvety consistency.
Mashed potatoes are best when served immediately. If you need to keep them warm, place them in a heatproof dish, cover, and keep in a low-temperature oven.