Roasted Garlic Mashed Potatoes

In this recipe, we embark on a culinary journey to create mashed potatoes that are nothing short of heavenly. You might be initially startled by the amount of garlic used, but rest assured, its flavors mellow and sweeten as it roasts, resulting in a fragrant and rich addition to your mashed potatoes. The end result? Creamy, velvety, light potatoes that your guests will declare are “to die for.” This recipe s will be a delightful addition to any dinner table.

SERVES 6

INGREDIENTS:

• 3 heads garlic
• 2 pounds potatoes (preferably thin-skinned creamers, red bliss, or round white Eastern potatoes), peeled
• 8 tablespoons butter
• 1/2 cup milk or cream
• 1 1/2 teaspoons salt
• White pepper (optional)

INSTRUCTIONS:

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F.
2. Take the three garlic heads and wrap them into a pouch using aluminum foil. Place this pouch in the center of the oven.
3. Roast the garlic for approximately 1 hour and 15 minutes or until the cloves are very soft and yield to gentle finger pressure.
4. While the garlic is roasting, roughly cut the peeled potatoes into large chunks. Boil them in enough lightly salted water to cover until they become very tender, which should take about 25–30 minutes, depending on the type and size of potato pieces.
5. Once the roasted garlic is ready, cut the bulbs in half laterally and use your hands to squeeze out the roasted garlic. Push it through a sieve to create a smooth garlic purée.
6. Heat the butter and milk or cream together in a small pan until the butter melts.
7. Drain the boiled potatoes thoroughly, then return them to the pot. Place the pot on the stove and cook over moderate heat for 30 seconds to 1 minute to steam off any excess moisture.
8. For the smoothest mashed potatoes, force the potatoes through a ricer. Alternatively, mash them with a potato masher or a stiff wire whisk.
9. Add the roasted garlic purée, salt, and optional white pepper to the potatoes.
10. Pour in the cream mixture as well.
11. Mix just enough to incorporate all the ingredients and achieve a creamy consistency.
12. Your Roasted Garlic Mashed Potatoes are now ready to serve.
13. You can serve them immediately while they are hot, or keep them warm for later service in a double boiler to preserve their delightful creaminess.

These mashed potatoes are a true delight, with the roasted garlic infusing them with a depth of flavor that elevates this classic side dish to a whole new level. Enjoy the heavenly, heady experience of these creamy, garlicky potatoes at your next meal!