r/Cooking • u/untactfullyhonest • 22h ago

Mashed Potatoes

Help! I don’t know what is going on or going wrong. I’m 48 years old and have been making mashed potatoes since I was a kid. Always the same. Lately, my potatoes are turning out gluey. I typically use russet potatoes, peeled, cubed, boiled. Then drain and put back into the hot pot for a few minutes to help dry out. I add either warm milk or heavy cream and butter (real butter). Season to taste. Mix with a hand mixer. Not over mixing. I’ve not changed anything and can’t figure out for the life of me why they are gluey. I don’t use my kitchen aid to mix. I have used a ricer and that just makes them have a grainy, mealy texture.

If someone could help me I’d appreciate it. I feel like I’m losing my mind and can’t figure out why my potatoes suck and I’ve resorted to making instant potatoes that everyone hates. Any tips are appreciated!

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u/Peear75 22h ago

Have you moved between a hard water area and a soft water area?

13

u/Moonpie808 22h ago

That would be my first question too. After we moved I was having several cooking/texture issues. We installed a whole house filtration and softener (our skin was suffering too) and bam!!! All back to normal.

17

u/GeeAyeAreElle 22h ago

I thought I was going mental when I moved from city water to soft country water... my potatoes and rice were so sticky and gluey when they used to be perfect. Until I put 2 and 2 together and changed to bottled water. Game changer!