In French recipes, this style of mashed potatoes is called pommes de terres à la fourchette, which sounds glamorous for a dish of humble home-style potatoes mashed with a fork. You can make them as smooth as you like, or keep them rough and chunky.–David Tanis
LC Maverick Mashed Potatoes Note
There’s a sort of honesty, a frankness, about these fork-mashed potatoes that we respect. We also appreciate how these puds are indulgence defined with their easy execution, deceptively rich taste, and lack of bowls and beaters to clean. Yet as much as we swoon for a simple mash, there are times when plain mashed potatoes just aren’t quite…enough. When it’s one of those times, turn to the variations galore that follow the recipe.
Fork-Mashed Potatoes
Ingredients
- 2 1/2 pounds yellow-fleshed potatoes, such as Yukon Gold
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper
- 1/2 cup milk or cream
- 1/4 cup olive oil
- 2 tablespoons (1 oz) butter
Instructions
- Peel and cube the potatoes. Boil them in salted water for 12 to 15 minutes, until fork-tender. Drain the potatoes and return them to the pot. Season with salt and pepper.
- Heat the milk or cream in a small saucepan over mediumish heat until just under a boil.
- Pour the hot milk or cream over the potatoes and add the olive oil and butter. Use a large fork to mash the potatoes to whatever consistency you like, then transfer to a warm serving bowl. (When making mashed spuds for the multitudes and desperately want to save some last-minute fuss, we rely on the Julia Child trick to making them ahead of time and keeping them warm. You should, too. Just place your pot or pan of just-mashed potatoes in a slightly larger pot of hot, but not simmering, water. Balance the lid on top, making sure it’s left slightly ajar—the handle of a wooden spoon that’s been stuck in the mash works quite swell—and then forget about them while greeting guests, taking coats, shaking cocktails, and tending to the foods that do require last-minute fuss. Just before serving, stir the potatoes ever so slightly. If the mash appears slightly dry, stir in a smidgen more milk or butter or, if you’re feeling flush, both.)
Notes
Mashed Potato Stir-Ins, Add-Ons, And Cook-Alongs Note
Next time you feel like fancying up a pot of potatoes, turn to these inspirations from the intrepid team of Leite’s Culinaria recipe testers, who divulged their tried and true tactics. You can reveal your own favorites in a comment below…Stir-Ins
Just stir any of these right into the mash… Cheese, glorious cheese, whether Cheddar, Parmesan, Asiago, the blues (we could go on….) Roasted garlic Minced chives Chipotles en adobo Bacon and scallions Chives PeasAdd-ons
These indulgences can be added on in addition to or in place of the milk. Crême fraiche, cream cheese, sour cream, or cream Milk or cream that’s been infused with the essence of fresh herbs (simply warm the moo juice, toss in a few sprigs, and set aside to steep)Cook-Alongs
Slip a few of these roots into the pot along with the spuds. Celery root Turnips Rutabagas and carrots (known as rotmos in Sweden) Sweet potatoes
Nutrition
Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.
Recipe Testers’ Reviews
This fork mashed potatoes recipe is simple and easy, and makes me ask, “Why didn’t I think of this?” As I was mashing the potatoes with my fork, it reminded me of growing up with my godmother, who would often serve boiled potatoes that I’d smash on my plate before adding big hunks of butter to them. This recipes goes just one step further, adding warmed milk to make them smooth and creamy. One thing that I really like is the ease of making this recipe for just the two of us, knowing that I can easily multiply it for a crowd.
If you like mashed potatoes at all, you’ll really like this recipe. It’s nothing fancy or outrageous—just good mashed potatoes. I usually use a potato masher for this kind of thing, but a fork yields a different, rustic texture. One note: At first, I thought that there was too much liquid, but it works its way into the potatoes without having to “whip” them into submission. I’d make this again, but with my masher, as it’s just easier that way.
I love mashed potatoes. I REALLY LOVE these mashed potatoes. They take me back to my boyhood. Simple, perfect. A pat of butter, a bit of sea salt and some coarse black pepper are all you need for a wonderful treat!
This recipe + Joan Nathan’s recipe for gribenes + slivers of white, red or green onion…
Ain’t nothing better, Ling!
Made them last night as suggested by Dan and I must say… YUMMMM we added the garlic, actually LOTS of garlic and was an amazing side dish to the pork loin. One to be repeated. Creamy, smooth, intense taste of garlic (which is always a good thing).
Sometimes it’s the simplest pleasures…thanks for letting us know, Sofia.
David, These potatoes sent me into ecstasy. They are beyond heavenly. I tested them for Thanksgiving and they will be a staple not only for special occasions, but for dinners galore. Your imagination knows no bounds. I am now a devoted fan and am on my way to becoming a Leite’s addict.
Karen, thanks. But the David in question is David Tanis. we will, however, take credit for choosing and testing the recipe! Glad you like Leite’s. We don’t mind being a, um, pusher for the food addict.