Homemade Mashed potatoes are a beloved staple in many households including mine! They hold a special place in Scottish cuisine. In Scotland, mashed potatoes—often referred to as “tatties”—are a key component of traditional dishes, with the most famous being haggis, neeps (turnips), and tatties. This comforting side dish is enjoyed with a variety of meals and has become synonymous with Scottish culinary heritage.

While instant mashed potatoes like Smash offer convenience, they often come with a list of processed ingredients. By making mashed potatoes from scratch they taste 100x better and make this a healthier however unfortunately calorie dense food so portion control is key here! Put the Smash In the Trash and try my recipe for Mashed Potatoes. Creamy, Fluffy and completely moreish.

Why not pair these Mashed Potatoes with my delicious vegetarian haggis which you can find the recipe by clicking here.

The History of Mashed Potatoes

The origins of mashed potatoes date back to the early 17th century. Native to the Andean region of South America, potatoes were cultivated by the Incas long before Europeans arrived in the New World. The potato was introduced to Europe in the late 16th century by Spanish explorers. Initially met with scepticism, potatoes gradually gained popularity across the continent.

By the 18th century, mashed potatoes became a common dish in British cuisine. The method of mashing boiled potatoes and mixing them with butter and milk is believed to have been popularized during this time. The dish quickly became a staple in many households due to its versatility and comforting qualities.

Why Choose Homemade Mashed Potatoes?

Not only do they taste great the ingredients in premix mash potatoes are not healthy and fall under the ultra processed category of foods. Doctors recommend that you get only 5-10% of your total calories from ultra processed foods to ensure that you do not damage your health.

Potato Flakes or Granules: Dehydrated potato products that are rehydrated with water.
Hydrogenated Vegetable Oil: Used to improve texture and shelf life.
Salt: Often in high quantities, contributing to excess sodium.
Flavourings and Additives: Various chemicals and artificial flavours to mimic the taste of fresh mashed potatoes.

In contrast, homemade mashed potatoes use fresh, whole ingredients that not only taste better but are also free from unnecessary additives. By preparing them yourself, you control the quality and quantity of the ingredients, resulting in a healthier and more flavourful side dish.

Health benefits of My Mashed Tatties

Homemade mashed potatoes offer several health benefits compared to their processed counterparts:

Nutrient-Rich: Fresh potatoes are a good source of vitamins, minerals, and fibre. They provide essential nutrients like Vitamin C, potassium, and B vitamins.
Control Over Ingredients: By making mashed potatoes from scratch, you avoid excessive sodium, artificial flavouring’s, and unhealthy fats. You can adjust the recipe to fit your dietary needs, whether you’re aiming to reduce sodium or use healthier fats.
Customizable: You can easily customize your mashed potatoes with additional ingredients like garlic, herbs, or spices to enhance flavour without relying on processed additives.

The Best Potato For The Job?

Choosing the right type of potato is crucial for achieving the perfect texture and flavour in your mashed potatoes. Here are the best varieties to use:

Russet Potatoes (UK: Maris Piper): These are the most popular choice for mashed potatoes due to their high starch content. Russet potatoes produce a light, fluffy texture and absorb butter and milk well. They break down easily when cooked, resulting in smooth, creamy mashed potatoes.
Yukon Gold Potatoes (UK: King Edward): These potatoes are known for their buttery flavour and creamy texture. Yukon Golds have a medium starch content and hold their shape better than Russets, which makes them ideal for a slightly denser mash with a rich flavour.
Red Potatoes: These potatoes are less starchy and more waxy, which can result in a creamier texture. They are less ideal for traditional mashed potatoes but work well if you prefer a chunkier or more textured mash.
Desiree Potatoes: Popular in the UK, Desiree potatoes have a creamy texture and a slightly nutty flavor. They are suitable for making smooth mashed potatoes with a rich taste.

Homemade Mashed Potatoes: Put The Smash In The Trash

Recipe by TheFeelGoodCookCourse: SidesDifficulty: Easy

Servings

servings

Prep time

minutes

Cooking time

minutes

Calories

406

kcal

This creamy, buttery mashed potato recipe is a comfort food classic that’s both simple and satisfying. With a generous amount of butter, these mashed potatoes offer a rich, smooth texture and a deliciously indulgent flavour. Perfectly seasoned with salt and pepper, they’re an easy and flavourful side dish that pairs beautifully with any main course. Enjoy a taste of home with every creamy bite!

Ingredients

Potatoes (1 kg or 2.2 lbs, peeled and cubed)
Milk (120 ml or 1/2 cup)
Butter (100 grams of butter) Feel free to reduce this if on a diet but mashed potatoes are not meant to be a staple think of them as a savoury treat,
Salt (to taste)
Black Pepper (to taste)

Directions

Prepare the Potatoes: Place the peeled and cubed potatoes in a large pot and cover with cold water. Add a pinch of salt.
Cook the Potatoes: Bring the pot to a boil over high heat. Once boiling, reduce the heat to medium and cook the potatoes until tender, about 15-20 minutes. You can check doneness by piercing a potato cube with a fork; it should easily slide through.
Drain and Mash: Drain the potatoes and return them to the pot. Mash the potatoes using a potato masher or a fork until smooth. For a creamier texture, use a potato ricer or food mill.
Add Dairy and Seasonings: Stir in the butter and milk until well combined. Season with salt and black pepper to taste.
Serve: Transfer the mashed potatoes to a serving dish and garnish with chopped chives if desired. Serve hot and enjoy!