For another, simpler, version of Garlic Mashed Potatoes, check out Mike's Kitchen Blog by clicking on this image. His post from 2007 has a fabulous step-by-step guide with images.
I will generally eat any and all mashed potatoes–as long as they are homemade. I hate the stuff that comes out of a box; I hate the stuff at resturaunts. So basically if the potato is mashed and has some margerine or butter, I will eat it gone…I’m so not picky.
But there are obviously some mashed potatoes that are better than others, and below is the recipe that I think may be the very best of the bunch. It doesn’t bring in any unexpected flavors like rosemary or cheese; it just enhances the traditional mashed potatoes with some garlic….ok, A LOT of garlic.
This recipe comes from Cooks Illustraited–so you know it has been tested, tested, and then retested some more. Yes, it is a little finicky–but the results are worth it.
Garlic Mashed Potatoes from Cook’s Illustrated
Serves 4
*Avoid using unusually large garlic cloves, which will not soften adequately during toasting. Yukon Gold, red, russet, or white potatoes can be used — each turns out a different texture. For smooth mashed potatoes, a food mill or potato ricer fitted with the finest disk is the best choice. For chunky mashed potatoes, use a potato masher, decrease the half-and-half to 3/4 cup, and mash the garlic to a paste with a fork before you add it to the potatoes.
Ingredients
22 cloves garlic (small to medium-large, about 3 ounces, or 2/3 cup), from 2 medium heads garlic, skins left on
2 pounds potatoes, unpeeled and scrubbed
8 tablespoons unsalted butter (1 stick), melted
1 cup half-and-half, (warm)
1 1/2 teaspoons table salt
Ground black pepper
Instructions
1. Toast garlic, covered, in small skillet over lowest possible heat, shaking pan frequently, until cloves are dark spotty brown and slightly softened, about 22 minutes. Off heat, let stand, covered, until fully softened, 15 to 20 minutes. Peel cloves and, with paring knife, cut off woody root end. Set aside.
2. While garlic is toasting, place potatoes in large saucepan and cover with 1 inch water. Bring to boil over high heat; reduce heat to medium-low and simmer until potatoes are tender (a paring knife can be slipped into and out of center of potatoes with very little resistance), 20 to 30 minutes. Drain.
3. Set food mill or ricer over now empty but still warm saucepan. Spear potato with dinner fork, and then peel back skin with paring knife. Working in batches, cut peeled potatoes into rough chunks and drop into hopper of food mill or potato ricer along with peeled garlic. Process or rice potatoes into saucepan.
4. Stir in butter with wooden spoon until incorporated; gently whisk in half-and-half, salt, and pepper to taste. Serve immediately.
