Chef Tales-Mashed Potatoes

Blessed are those who eat well. And further blessed are those who love food and want to make others eat well. 


A family that loves cooking , I guess my love for this hobby runs in my genes. Or blood.


The myriad of cuisines available to experiment with, a little twist here,a dash here, some color around...Cooking is wonderfully rewarding..for the heart, senses, for the taste and for the joy.


I recently was trying to perfect the "Perfect Mashed Potatoes"..  during this, I have come up with a basic recipe. Should be enough for a breakfast side, but may not be as perfect for the connoisseur.


Here we go..

Required:

1. 6.5 inch baking dish / glass dish with a lid.
2.  3 medium sized firm potatoes.
3. Good quality olive oil
4. Garlic powder
5. Chilli Flakes
6. Thyme
7. Crushed Black Pepper
8. Bits of Smoked Cheddar Cheese

You could use prepackaged spices, I chose the brand McCormick . 


Method:

1.  Cut the potatoes into quarters. First lengthwise, then across the width.
2. Place the quarters in the baking dish, fill half the dish with water.
3. Cover and cook the potatoes on high heat in a microwave oven for about 5-6 minutes.
4. Allow them to cool for about 2-3 minutes.
5. Once cool enough to handle, peel the potatoes.
6. Do not drain the liquid in which the potatoes were cooked. Instead, after peeling the potatoes, run the liquid through them, swirl the potatoes for a while and then drain the liquid.
7. In a separate bowl, add a bit of olive oil. Dip your fingers in the olive oil and start mashing the potatoes in your palm. I understand that it is messy, I understand that you may have a hundred equipment to mash potatoes, but the love and affection is translated to taste through the hand.
8. Grease the baking dish with olive oil. Transfer the mashed potatoes. Further mash until the texture resembles a pie. The potatoes should have formed a white color by now.
9. Add the spices with a tiny bit of olive oil, mix well and add.
10. Add small bits of the cheese, and pop it back into the microwave for about 3-4 minutes.
11. You will know you are done when you get a lovely aroma. :)

Have it single, or as a side to a good omelet or scrambled eggs. 


Some methods add milk, about half a cup while mashing the eggs. That is a delicious variation too.


Enjoy :)