No need to panicand no need to rush out to the shop.
you’ve got the option to make mashed potatoes without a masher to help you.
Robby Lozano, Food Stylist: Emily Nabors Hall
Picture this: You have meticulously planned your holiday celebrations.
Credit:Robby Lozano, Food Stylist: Emily Nabors Hall
The timer goes off, and your potatoes are ready to mash.
No need to panicand no need to rush out to the shop.
What Is A Potato Masher?
Credit:Caitlin Bensel; Food Stylist: Torie Cox
Potato mashers are specifically designed to break up cooked potatoes without overworking them.
When used correctly, they essentially solve the gummy mashed potato problem.
Heres the science: Potato starch is made up of long strands of carbohydrates, called polysaccharides.
Credit:Caitlin Bensel; Food Stylist: Torie Cox
The trick to avoiding gluey mashed potatoes is to minimize and mitigate this release.
This can be confusing, because starchy potatoes are the best for mashing.
We want the starch; we just dont want to aggravate it.
Below is a list of our favorite tools that emulate the action of a potato masher.
Afterward, use a spatula to gently fold in additional ingredients.
Use the largest fork you have and take care not to get impatient or aggressive.
As long as you remember that you are mashing, not whisking, you should be just fine.
Once potatoes are broken up, stir in remaining ingredients with a spatula or wooden spoon.
Tools To Avoid
I recommend against using any tool with a motor to mash your potatoes.
This includes blenders, mixers, and food processors.
The potential for overworking and thereby releasing excess starch is simply too high with a motorized tool.
