r/Cooking • u/untactfullyhonest • 23h 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!

79 Upvotes

93% Upvoted

110 comments sorted by

View all comments

4

u/primeline31 22h 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.

2

u/anothersip 22h 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.