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Cozy Small-Batch Mashed Potatoes for Two: Easy & Perfect

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This recipe delivers creamy, dreamy mashed potatoes scaled down for two people. It’s quick, easy, and uses simple ingredients for a comforting side dish that tastes like you spent hours on it.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 pound (450g) Yukon Gold potatoes
  • 4 cups (960ml) cold water
  • 1 tablespoon (15g) kosher salt, plus 1/2 teaspoon (2g) more for final seasoning
  • 4 tablespoons (56g) unsalted butter, cut into small cubes
  • 1/4 cup (60ml) whole milk or heavy cream
  • 1/4 teaspoon (1g) freshly ground black pepper
  • Optional: 2 tablespoons (30ml) reserved cooking water

Instructions

  1. Prep the potatoes: Peel the Yukon Gold potatoes and cut them into 1-inch chunks.
  2. Start the boil: Place the potato chunks in a medium saucepan, cover with cold water, and add 1 tablespoon of kosher salt. Bring to a boil over high heat, then reduce to a gentle simmer. Cook for 15-18 minutes until a fork slides in easily.
  3. Warm the dairy: While the potatoes boil, combine the butter and milk or cream in a small saucepan. Warm over low heat until the butter is melted and the mixture is steaming. Do not let it boil.
  4. Drain and dry: Drain the potatoes in a colander. Return the empty saucepan to low heat for 30 seconds to evaporate any water. Add the drained potatoes back to the dry pot and let them sit for 1 minute to release excess steam.
  5. Mash: Rice the potatoes into the warm pot using a ricer, or mash with a potato masher until broken down but still slightly lumpy. Do not over-mash.
  6. Add the warm dairy: Pour the warm milk and butter mixture over the mashed potatoes. Fold gently with a rubber spatula until just combined.
  7. Season and adjust: Add 1/2 teaspoon of salt and 1/4 teaspoon of pepper. Taste and adjust seasoning. If too thick, add a splash of reserved cooking water and fold in.
  8. Serve immediately: Spoon into a warm bowl, top with a pat of butter if desired, and serve right away.

Notes

Warming the dairy before adding it to the potatoes is key for a silky texture. Don’t over-mash to avoid gluey potatoes. For a dairy-free version, use vegan butter and unsweetened oat milk. Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

Nutrition

Keywords: mashed potatoes, small batch, for two, easy, creamy, comfort food, side dish

Find it online: https://siennaspoon.com/cozy-small-batch-mashed-potatoes-for-two-easy-and-perfect/