When it comes to comfort foods, few things can top some simple mashed potatoes. You don’t even need a real kitchen to make them—pantry ingredients and a microwave will do just fine. Here’s how to make the most comforting, delicious mashed potatoes you’ve ever had, and some suggestions for toppings.
Ingredients:
- 1 large or 2 medium potatoes (or as many as you’d like to make)
- Garlic to taste
- Butter to taste
- Milk to taste
- Salt to taste
- Optional toppings: pepper, cheese, sour cream, green onions
Instructions:
- Start by washing your potatoes thoroughly. It’s up to you if you’d like to peel them or not. Leaving the skin will give you some pockets of extra-chewy potato, and the skin has a lot of nutrients. But, this is up to personal preference. Either way, be sure to use a fork to poke lots of holes all over the potato.
- Put the potato in the microwave on high for around 3 minutes, then turn it over and cook for another 3.
- Use the fork to check how cooked the potato is, and continue microwaving until soft.
- Take out the potato and mash it up. Mash in as much butter and garlic as you’d like as well.
- Finish by adding a splash of milk or cream, salt, and any other mix-ins.
- Mix until just combined, keeping in mind that as you mix the mash will become more elastic. So, for creamier potatoes, don’t overmix. If you do accidentally, simply add more milk and salt and mix until you have the right consistency.
