Helen's Rustic Mashed Potato Recipe

Ingredients and Preparation

Main Ingredients

• 6 large baking potatoes
• Butter (half a pack)
• 1/4 pint of milk
• Cracked sea salt
• Salt and pepper to taste

Optional Add-ins

• Black pitted olives (cut into quarters)
• Spring onions or leeks (gently heated in butter until soft)
• Grated cheese (Gruyère or Cheddar)

Step-by-Step Instructions

Preparing the Potatoes

1. Scrub and Wash: Thoroughly clean the 6 large baking potatoes to remove any dirt.
2. Preheat the Oven: Set your oven to 220°C (428°F).
3. Prepare the Baking Tray: Lightly grease a baking tray with butter and sprinkle a light dusting of cracked sea salt over the entire tray.
4. Bake the Potatoes: Roll the potatoes in the prepared tray to coat them with butter and salt. Place the tray in the preheated oven.
5. Cooking Time: Bake the potatoes for approximately 1 hour and 45 minutes. Halfway through, turn the potatoes to ensure even cooking. The potatoes are done when a knife can easily pierce through them.

Making the Mashed Potatoes

1. Cool the Potatoes: Once baked, remove the potatoes from the oven and let them cool for about 10 minutes.
2. Scoop the Potatoes: Cut the potatoes in half and scoop the flesh into a large mixing bowl.
3. Prepare the Butter and Milk Mixture: While the potatoes are cooling, melt half a pack of butter in a saucepan over medium heat. Add 1/4 pint of milk and stir until the butter is fully melted into the milk. Remove from heat.
4. Combine and Mash: Gradually add the butter and milk mixture to the potato flesh, mashing until smooth. Stop adding the mixture once the desired consistency is reached.
5. Season: Add salt and pepper to taste.

Optional Add-ins

• Olives: Add black pitted olives cut into quarters for a briny twist.
• Spring Onions or Leeks: Gently heat in butter until soft, then mix into the mashed potatoes for a subtle onion flavor.
• Grated Cheese: Stir in grated Gruyère or Cheddar cheese until it melts into the potatoes, adding a rich, creamy texture.

Interesting Facts and Stats

• Potato Consumption: The average American consumes about 124 pounds of potatoes per year, making it one of the most popular vegetables in the U.S. (Source).
• Nutritional Value: Potatoes are a great source of vitamins C and B6, potassium, and fiber. A single medium-sized potato contains about 110 calories and is naturally fat-free (Source).
• Global Production: China is the largest producer of potatoes, contributing to over 25% of the world's total potato production (Source).

Conclusion

Helen's Rustic Mashed Potato recipe is a versatile and hearty dish that can be customized with various add-ins to suit your taste. Whether you prefer the classic version or like to experiment with flavors, this recipe is sure to become a family favorite. Enjoy the rich, creamy texture and the comforting taste of homemade mashed potatoes.

For more delicious potato recipes and nutritional information, visit the Potato Goodness website.