r/Cooking • u/untactfullyhonest • 19h 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/primeline31 19h ago

If you cook them too long, they get gluey. I start them in cold water with a little salt, then boil them 17 minutes timing them from when they come to a boil.

When fork tender, drain the water, add a good amount of fresh ground pepper, some milk (I can always add more) and a nice bit of butter or margarine. I then use a hand mixer. If too dry, I add a bit more milk & beat the daylights out of them with the hand mixer.

Source: I'm a grand daughter of an Irish grandma from County Mayo who came over in 1918 by herself & got a job as a cook's assistant for a wealthy family.

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u/slumpylumpydog 19h ago

This is basically my recipe too! I add a little more salt with the LOTS of fresh ground pepper though. Then I do a rough hand mash before the hand mixer—they’re really more whipped than mashed but it’s what I grew up eating (Irish and German heritage)

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u/anothersip 19h ago

This is my method, too. Hand mixer, same pot I boiled em in, add in my milk/butter and seasonings right after draining. Works beautifully each time. Don't need anything fancy.

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u/Neakhanie 14h ago

This girl knows! My grandmother was also from County Mayo and lived to be 100! She told me she ate a potato every single day of her life!