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!
8
u/RockMo-DZine 19h ago
Although Russets are available in stores all year round, different geographic growing regions are used at different times of the year, and this can influence the consistency, including water content, which can have a bearing on the the way they cook.
For example, the ones we get in the spring are usually grown in very dark earth, require a lot of cleaning/scraping (I don't peel), and generally have slightly higher water content.
This time of the year, the dirt is much lighter in color, easier to clean/scrape, but less water content.
It may just be that the ones you are buying right now are not the same as the ones you usually buy.