Mashed potatoes

[CarrotPuff]

How do I make a mash that is not lumpy? Is there a secret... I don't particularly like it myself, but make it now and again for kids, and it always comes out with lumps. What am I doing wrong?

I stick mine in the kitchen aid with lots of butter and a little milk

When you drain the spuds leave them for a minute to fully drain off, potato masher til all big lumps are gone, add in butter/drop of milk and some seasoning if you want and then I whisk them so they are fluffy and it gets rid of any other little lumps. There is a gadget though, potato ricer that pushes a cooked potato through fine holes but it's one of those gadgets I say I need whenever I make mash bit never actually get 😁

I use a potato ricer and then whisk in butter and a splash of milk. My kids will not touch it of it has lumps in it 🙄

I use a hand held electric mixer.
Because my DM did.
My potatoes are heavenly and not a lump to by found by even most discerning DC

I never would have thought of using a whisk on potatoes! Thanks, I'll try next time!

Do you have to warm the milk up before adding to potatoes?

I use a potato ricer or the Kitchenaid. I found an electric hand whisk made them like glue! Using the Kitchenaid puts air into them which makes them fluffy. No need to warm the milk, but you could. If mine go a bit cools while mixing I just bung them in the microwave to warm them up again..

A whisk is ok but don't use a blender. It makes the mash a big glutenous mess!

As PP, mash, milk (or cream) and butter.

I also add maybe some cheese, or seedy mustard, or fried onions

Hand held mixer too. . Spoonful of cream, black pepper, pinch of salt.

The best mash is made with potatoes cooked in the pressure cooker, they're never lumpy. But with boiled potatoes, always mash first before adding milk and butter to reduce lumps.

NoPhelange, you probably won't use it if you do get one 😬😬 Sorry, not much help OP as the others have given good advice but I now only get frozen mash. It comes in little blocks. Get out amount you want, I do half pack (I try to rem to post size of pack) for 2 adults, 6 min in microwave, mash with fork, add a little milk and butter. 2 more min. Both full power. Sometimes add grated cheese last 2 mins. Don't have it often so not expensive.

What potatoes are you using? I love a Desiree potato, think they are great for mashing or chipping.

Also a good idea to make a massive load and freeze in chunks. Then you’ve always got some ready in minutes

Do you have to warm the milk up before adding to potatoes

Yes. It makes all the difference.

I use a basic masher and don't get lumps. The main reason for lumps is the spuds not being completely cooked through. Cut them into small chunks for cooking.

Make sure the potatoes are nice and soft. Basically cooked long enough. Butter, milk and give them a good old mash. I don't use a whisk, potato masher is fine.

Oxo good grips potato ricer. Big bulk pan of spuds in pressure cooker.
Half a tub of cream, tbs salt tbs pepper.
I make enough for three meals and freeze in portions in sandwich bags.
You can always add bacon and cheese or veg bubbles.

Also try idahoan packet mash.

I use russets.

Unless the kids are toddlers, buy frozen. It'll change your life.

Are we the only weirdos that actually like a few lumps in our mash?

I hated frozen mash when I tried it. Has it improved?

True about warm milk, keeps it hotter for longer, if you're catering for a fussy git! I used to first cut potato into even chunks and not too big. Some varieties cook quick so keep an eye on or they boil away. Once soft, drain into colander or to save washing up hold lid on and drain. Put back into pan if using colander and onto medium heat allow to dry potatoes off a bit. Then add a little milk and (real) butter. Put lid almost on, so no steam build up and turn heat off and allow to rest. This is heating milk, so no extra cups or jugs. Should be soft enough to mash with fork. Less washing up! (Note a theme here?) Then I mix up with spoon. Tip. Don't add too much milk to start with, you can always add more after mashing.

Yes and yes to last pp's ☺️

That's great, thanks for the tips!

I use a potato ricer and haven't had a single lump since I bought it! Then mix in butter, salt & pepper. No need for milk as i find it makes it too runny.

After using the masher and adding a shit load of butter, get a fork and whisk the fuck out of it for about two minutes

Always turns out good