Sep 06 2026
Restaurants›La Baracca›Mashed Potatoes Recipe

Mashed Potatoes Recipe

Inspired by La Baracca
Time40m
Serves4

Make Mashed Potatoes Recipe in just 40m. Get the full recipe with step-by-step instructions at pekinthechef.com.

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Ingredients

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Potatoes & Cooking Liquid

Milk & Butter

Optional Finishing

Method

Prep & Cook Potatoes

  1. 1

    Peel and cut

    Peel the potatoes (leave some skin on for texture if you prefer). Cut them into even 1- to 1 1/2-inch chunks so they cook uniformly.

  2. 2

    Rinse

    Place the cut potatoes in a large pot and cover with cold water, about 1 to 1 1/2 inches above the potatoes. Add 1 tablespoon kosher salt to the water.

  3. 3

    Boil gently

    Bring the pot to a boil over high heat. Once boiling, reduce to a simmer and cook the potatoes until very tender and a fork or knife slides through easily, about 12–18 minutes depending on chunk size and potato type.

  4. 4

    Drain and steam-dry

    Drain the potatoes in a colander. Return them to the still-warm pot off the heat, spread into an even layer and let steam-dry for 1–2 minutes to remove excess moisture (this helps keep mash fluffy).

Warm Dairy & Mash

  1. 5

    Warm milk and butter

    While potatoes cook, combine the milk and butter in a small saucepan and warm gently over low heat until butter is melted and mixture is hot but not boiling (or microwave in a microwave-safe bowl until hot). Warming prevents cooling the potatoes and helps achieve a creamy texture.

  2. 6

    Mash potatoes

    Using a potato ricer for the smoothest texture or a potato masher for a more rustic result, work the potatoes in the pot or a mixing bowl until mostly smooth with a few small lumps if desired.

  3. 7

    Add warm dairy

    Gradually add the warm milk-and-butter mixture to the mashed potatoes, stirring between additions, until you reach your desired creaminess. You may not need all the milk; add until texture is right.

  4. 8

    Season

    Taste and season with about 1 teaspoon salt and 1/2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper. Adjust to taste, adding more salt, pepper, or a splash of milk if needed.

Finish & Serve

  1. 9

    Optional enrich

    If using, fold in 1/4 cup sour cream or crème fraîche for extra tang and silkiness.

  2. 10

    Plate and garnish

    Spoon mashed potatoes into a serving bowl, make a shallow well in the center and place 1 tablespoon extra butter so it melts on top. Sprinkle with finely snipped chives.

  3. 11

    Keep warm

    To keep warm before serving, cover the bowl and place over a very low heat or keep in a warm oven (about 200°F / 95°C) for up to 30 minutes. Stir gently before serving.

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