Zesty Mashed Potatoes

Mature potatoes large russets or Idahos, mealy and dry-fleshed, are ideal for mashing. Bake or boil them, mash them while hot, and season, allowing a little “heat” from the green chilies. I sometimes imitate ash-baked flavor by adding a sprinkle of smoked salt rather than using all sea salt. This is a good place to introduce Ginger Ghee or flavored butters.

 

Preparation time: (after assembling ingredients): a few minutes
 

Ingredients

• Mature baking potatoes (about 2 pounds/1 kg) Freshly ash-or oven-baked, or freshly boiled or steamed potatoes – 5-6 

• Seasoned or plain butter or ghee – 3-4 table spoons (45-60 ml) 

• Salt – 1 teaspoon (5 ml) 

• Freshly ground pepper – 1/8 teaspoon (0.5 ml) 

• Seeded and minced hot green chilies – 1-2 

• Scalded cream or milk – 3 table spoons (45 ml) 

• Fresh parsley or coriander sprigs for garnishing
 

Preparation

1. Cut the warm baked potatoes and scoop out the pulp, or peel the skins from boiled or steamed potatoes. Mash with a potato masher or force through a food mill or potato ricer. Add the remaining ingredients and whisk with a fork until creamy and blended. Serve immediately or keep warm in a double boiler.

 

Serves
4
 

By Yamuna Devi Dasi