Perfect Mashed Potatoes

By amaliana

Plan on 1/3 to 1/2 pound potatoes per person for your feast.

Ingredients

• 2 pounds medium russet potatoes
• Kosher salt
• 1/2 to 1 stick unsalted butter, at room temperature
• 1 cup whole milk, warmed
• Freshly ground pepper
• Go Light: use buttermilk or nonfat Greek yogurt instead of milk. Skip the butter and add a big splash of the potato cooking water instead.
• Go Decadent: Use light cream instead of milk and add a full stick of butter.

Preparation

Step 1

1. Put the potatoes in a large saucepan and add enough cold water to cover. Season with salt and bring to a simmer; cook, uncovered, until the potatoes are fork-tender, about 45 minutes.
2. Drain the potatoes. Hold with an oven mitt or kitchen towel and peel off the skins, then transfer the potatoes to a bowl.
3. Add the butter and warm milk to the bowl and mash with a potato masher or fork(or pass the potatoes through a ricer or food mill for a smoother mash). Season with salt and pepper.