Mashed potatoes have graced Thanksgiving tables for generations, sparking lively debates on the optimal way to prepare them. Discussions range from the best potato variety for mashing to the choice between milk, cream, or both.
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The inclusion of sour cream also enters the fray, along with the perennial question of whether the final product should be smooth or adorned with delightful lumps. Within my workplace, a majority of us champion Team Smooth, and on our quest for velvety perfection, there’s only one tool we trust— and surprisingly, it’s not the conventional potato masher.
Mashed potatoes
When it comes to mashing potatoes, various tools are at your disposal. The familiar potato masher, characterized by a flat extruder-style surface with large holes or a more rustic metal zig-zag, may be the first that springs to mind. Additionally, there’s the potato ricer and the food mill, often grouped together but distinct in their operations. A potato ricer functions similarly to a garlic press or handheld citrus juicer, extruding angel-hair-like strands of cooked potato with a gentle squeeze of the handles. On the other hand, a food mill employs a hand crank to distribute potatoes evenly over a perforated plate, creating shaggy strands. Finally, the humble dinner fork is an option, although it falls short of the finesse your Thanksgiving table truly deserves.
Surprisingly, the best tool for achieving the most luscious mashed potatoes is not the traditional masher but the potato ricer. The key to understanding this lies in preventing potatoes from becoming gummy, a result of overworking the starches. Unlike a potato masher, which necessitates multiple passes and often leaves stubborn lumps, a ricer requires just one pass to achieve a uniquely silky texture, entirely free of lumps. Jesse Szewczyk, Epicurious food editor, ardently advocates for the ricer, praising its ability to produce smooth mashed potatoes with unparalleled finesse.
For those seeking a recommended ricer, the Oxo Good Grips 3-in-1 Potato Ricer emerges as the champion according to tests conducted by Epicurious. Praised for its ergonomic design, comfort during use, and a versatile adjustable extruder with three settings, this ricer allows users to control the coarseness or fineness of their mashed potatoes. So, when aiming for mashed potato perfection on your Thanksgiving table, consider the Oxo Good Grips 3-in-1 Potato Ricer for a smooth and lump-free culinary delight.
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