buttermilk mashed potatoes
by Brittany on September 1, 2009
For me the ultimate comfort food is mashed potatoes and gravy. I’m definitely my mother’s daughter since that is her favorite food…in fact we were all raised on potatoes and gravy! However I’m not talking about any potatoes and gravy, in fact most are not that great. My mom’s are incredibly smooth and the gravy is so good. Even though I had lots of one on one training directly with the expert, I have learned to my dismay that I just don’t have the knack to make them like her. It is so frustrating! So I have resorted to a using a recipe (how embarrassing for something as basic as mashed potatoes) but it is a fabulous recipe. Barefoot Contessa’s buttermilk mashed potatoes = yum! Unless I’m making these for a special occasion, I use less butter to make them healthier but here is the original recipe. It’s not the same as the home cookin’ I’m used to but it’s dang good anyway! (You’re on your own for the gravy though!)
Buttermilk Mashed Potatoes
from Barefoot Contessa at Home
submitted by Brittany
kosher salt
3 pounds boiling potatoes (Yukon Gold is definitely the best)
1/2 cup whole milk
1/4 pound (1 stick) unsalted butter
3/4 to 1 cup buttermilk, shaken
1/2 tsp freshly ground black pepper
The original instructions are extremely detailed. I like to make things a bit simpler on myself, so here are my own instructions:
Peel potatoes and cut in half lengthwise. Place in large pot full of salted water, bring to boil. Lower heat and simmer uncovered for 15-20 minutes or until potatoes fall apart easily when pierced with a fork. Meanwhile, heat butter and milk in saucepan or in microwave. Make sure the mixture does not boil! Set aside. When potatoes are done, drain from water. Mash potatoes until smooth, adding the warm milk mixture half way through. Add enough buttermilk to make the potatoes creamy. Add 2 teaspoons of salt and the pepper, or more to taste, and serve hot.
{ 9 comments… read them below or add one }
Buttermilk and butter make everything better
i use a Barefoot Contessa recipe too–but not with Buttermilk. It is from the family style cookbook. I am going to try this recipe out. I am thinking the buttermilk will add a nice tang. yum. Thanks Britt!
Oh man, every Barefoot Contessa recipe I've ever tried is perfect. In fact, I literally have the Barefoot Contessa's turkey meatloaf in my oven right NOW! That mash looks gorgeous… YUM!
Can we have your mom's recipe too, I would love to try them..they sound superb!!!
Hi Hilary and Evan, My mom doesn't use a recipe…that is the problem for me! She just adds a little of this and that but it always turns out awesome. The best part is her gravy though. But no recipes!! Grrrr! :)
HANDS DOWN – mashed potatos is the BEST comfort food.
That's ok Brittany…Thanks though!!! I love your blog. I went to dinner and had the best Salmon ever!! I asked for the recipe, and my friend said she got it off of here, so thanks for the many yummy dishes I try now…I love all you guys for all these wonderful recipes, you guys have a cool family! I love tried and true recipes, makes life easier:)
CHEERS!
Hilary
Yummm! I would have never thought to add buttermilk into mashed potatoes. I can see Ina did though :) I am going to have to try this.
Ok, too funny, this is the exact recipe I used for Thanksgiving this year! Did they taste familiar at all? :) I didn't have enough buttermilk though, so I used more milk. But I'll definitely make these again!