Homestyle Mashed Potatoes and Gravy
Get ready to indulge in a classic comfort food favorite with a twist! These homestyle mashed potatoes and rich, savory gravy will take you straight to cozy, comforting culinary bliss.
Ingredients:
- 5 pounds of russet potatoes
- 1 cup of milk
- 1/2 cup of butter
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 2 cups of beef or chicken broth
- 1/4 cup of all-purpose flour
- Optional: chopped fresh parsley for garnish
Instructions:
- Peel and dice the potatoes, then boil them in a large pot of salted water until tender.
- Drain the potatoes and return them to the pot. Add in the milk and butter, then mash until smooth and creamy. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- In a separate saucepan, heat up the broth. In a small bowl, whisk together the flour with some water to create a smooth paste, then add it to the broth, stirring constantly until thickened into a smooth gravy.
- Serve the mashed potatoes topped with the rich gravy, and garnish with fresh parsley if desired.
Nutrition Information:
- Serving size: 1 cup
- Calories: 250
- Total Fat: 10g
- Cholesterol: 30mg
- Sodium: 400mg
- Total Carbohydrates: 35g
- Dietary Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 5g
Popular questions:
- Can I use a different type of potato for this recipe?
- Is it okay to use vegetable broth instead of beef or chicken broth?
- Can I use margarine instead of butter?
- How long can I store the leftover mashed potatoes?
- Can I make this recipe gluten-free?
While russet potatoes work best for a creamy texture, you can also try Yukon Gold or red potatoes for a slightly different flavor.
Yes, you can substitute vegetable broth if you prefer a vegetarian version of this dish.
Yes, you can use margarine as a substitute for butter, but keep in mind that it may alter the flavor slightly.
Leftover mashed potatoes can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Reheat them in the microwave or on the stovetop with a little extra milk to maintain their creamy texture.
Yes, you can use a gluten-free flour blend or cornstarch to thicken the gravy for a gluten-free version of this dish.
Helpful tips:
- For extra flavor, try adding roasted garlic or grated Parmesan cheese to the mashed potatoes.
- To make the gravy richer, you can add a splash of red wine or a teaspoon of Worcestershire sauce.
- For a smoother gravy, strain it through a fine-mesh sieve before serving.
- Top the mashed potatoes with crispy fried onions for an added crunch.
- Experiment with herbs like thyme or rosemary for a different flavor profile.
- To make the mashed potatoes extra creamy, use a potato ricer or food mill for mashing.
- Adjust the consistency of the gravy by adding more broth or flour as needed.
- Make the mashed potatoes ahead of time and reheat them in the oven for a quick and easy side dish.
- For a decadent touch, drizzle truffle oil over the mashed potatoes before serving.
- Don’t forget to season the gravy with additional salt and pepper to taste before serving.
Expert Secrets:
- To achieve perfectly creamy mashed potatoes, make sure to drain them well after boiling to remove excess moisture.
- For a velvety smooth texture, warm the milk and butter before mixing them into the potatoes.
- To prevent lumps in the gravy, make sure to whisk the flour paste until smooth before adding it to the broth.
- For a deeper flavor, you can sauté onions and garlic before adding the broth to the gravy.
- To add a hint of sweetness, you can stir in a spoonful of honey or maple syrup to the mashed potatoes.
- For a rustic touch, leave the skins on the potatoes for added texture and nutrition.
- For a lower-fat version, you can use low-fat milk and reduce the amount of butter in the mashed potatoes.
- To infuse the gravy with extra flavor, try adding a splash of soy sauce or balsamic vinegar.
- For a fancy presentation, pipe the mashed potatoes onto the plate using a pastry bag fitted with a star tip.
- Experiment with different herbs and spices to customize the flavor profile of the mashed potatoes and gravy to suit your preferences.