Are you looking for a new and exciting way to enjoy potatoes? Look no further than smashed potatoes! This popular cooking trend offers a fun and easy way to add some pizzazz to your dinner table. However, if you’re new to the art of cooking smashed potatoes, it can be tricky to know where to start. Fortunately, with these tips, you’ll be cooking up a storm in no time!
What are Smashed Potatoes?
If you are a fan of potatoes, then you must have heard about smashed potatoes. They are a popular side dish that is served in many restaurants and homes. Smashed potatoes are potatoes that are boiled and then smashed until they are flattened. They can be fried or roasted until they are crispy on the outside and tender on the inside.
Origin of Smashed Potatoes
The origin of smashed potatoes is not clear. Some people believe that they originated in Ireland, while others claim that they were first made in the United States. What is certain, however, is that smashed potatoes have become a favorite among food lovers.
- Smashed Potatoes vs. Mashed Potatoes
Smashed potatoes and mashed potatoes may look similar, but they are not the same dish. Mashed potatoes are made by boiling potatoes until they are soft and then mashing them until they are creamy. Smashed potatoes, on the other hand, are boiled and smashed until they are flattened. Mashed potatoes are smoother and creamier, while smashed potatoes are crispy on the outside and soft on the inside.
What Makes Smashed Potatoes Different from Mashed Potatoes?
When it comes to mashed and smashed potatoes, most people assume that they’re quite similar. However, there are some differences between these two potato dishes that are worth exploring. Below, we dive into the key variations between smashed and mashed potatoes, covering texture, flavor, and preparation method.
Texture
The main difference between smashed and mashed potatoes is their texture. While mashed potatoes are creamy and smooth, smashed potatoes have a chunkier, more rustic texture. They’re typically made using a potato masher or fork instead of a blender or food processor, resulting in a more textured dish. Some people even like to leave the potato skins on when making smashed potatoes for an extra-textured dish.
Flavor
In terms of flavor, smashed and mashed potatoes are relatively similar. However, because of the chunkier texture of smashed potatoes, they tend to have a more satisfying mouthfeel. Additionally, because they don’t require as much time or equipment to make, some people find that homemade smashed potatoes are fresher and more flavorful than pre-made mashed potatoes.
Preparation Method
The preparation methods for smashed and mashed potatoes are also different. Mash potatoes are typically boiled in salted water until they’re very soft, then mashed with butter, milk, and other ingredients. Smashed potatoes, on the other hand, are boiled until tender, then drained and smashed with a potato masher or fork. They’re often finished with a sprinkling of salt and pepper, as well as herbs like rosemary or chives.
What Type of Potatoes are Best for Smashing?
When it comes to making delicious smashed potatoes, not all spuds are created equal. There are several types of potatoes you can choose from to create the perfect smashed potato dish. Here are some of the potato types that work well:
1. Yukon Gold Potatoes
These are one of the best potatoes for making smashed potatoes. Yukon Gold potatoes are a type of yellow potato with a creamy, buttery flavor. They have a thin skin, yellow flesh, and hold up well when boiled. Since they are naturally creamy, you won’t need to add a lot of butter or cream to them.
2. Red Potatoes
If you prefer a slightly sweet and earthy taste, try using red potatoes for your smashed potatoes. They have a tender and smooth texture, making them perfect for smashing. Red potatoes also have a lower starch content, which makes them less likely to fall apart or get mushy when cooked.
3. Russet Potatoes
Russet potatoes are a classic choice for mashed and smashed potatoes. They are starchy and fluffy, making them perfect for making light and airy smashed potatoes. Russet potatoes have a rough skin and white flesh. They are also very absorbent, which means they can soak up flavor from any herbs or spices you add to the dish.
4. Fingerling Potatoes
If you want to add some color and texture to your smashed potatoes, try using fingerling potatoes. These small, thin potatoes come in a variety of colors, including yellow, purple, and red. They have a nutty flavor and a firm, waxy texture. Fingerling potatoes don’t fall apart when boiled, making them ideal for adding to smashed potatoes.
When choosing potatoes for your smashed potato dish, be sure to choose ones that are firm and free of sprouts or soft spots.
How to Prepare Potatoes for Smashing?
Smashed potatoes are a great comfort food and a delicious side dish that accompany many main courses. Preparing them requires a few steps that we will detail below:
Choose the Right Potatoes
The first step in preparing smashed potatoes is picking the right type of potatoes. Ideally, you want to choose potatoes that are starchy and have a low moisture content, such as the Russet potatoes. The low moisture content ensures that your potatoes do not get too mushy when boiled and smashed.
Cut and Boil the Potatoes
Once you have your potatoes, wash them thoroughly and peel them (optional). Cut them into quarters or halves, depending on their size. Place them in a pot and cover them with cold water. Add salt to taste and bring the water to a boil. Cook them for about 15-20 minutes or until they are tender.
Drain and Cool Down the Potatoes
Once the potatoes are tender, drain the water and let them cool down for a few minutes. You can leave them in the colander or spread them out on a sheet pan. It’s important to let them cool down so they are easier to handle when it’s time to smash them.
Smash the Potatoes
When the potatoes have cooled down to a comfortable temperature, take a large fork or potato masher and gently press down on each potato. You want to gently smash them and not completely pulverize them. Leave them a bit chunky for a better texture.
Select Your Method and Seasoning
Now that your potatoes are smashed, you can season them with your choice of toppings or flavors. You can choose to add butter, olive oil, herbs, garlic, cheese or any other seasoning of your choice. You can also choose to bake them in the oven or fry them on a pan for added texture.
How to Cook Smashed Potatoes?
Smashed potatoes are a great side dish that are loved by many. However, achieving the perfect crispy, golden exterior and fluffy interior can be a challenging task. Here are some cooking methods and tips to help you master the art of cooking smashed potatoes:
1. Boiling Method
The boiling method is the most common way to cook smashed potatoes. Start by washing the potatoes and then boiling them in salted water until they are tender. Drain the potatoes and spread them out on a baking sheet. Use a flat-bottomed object such as a measuring cup or a meat tenderizer to gently smash the potatoes until they are about 1/2 inch thick. Brush the potatoes with olive oil and bake in the oven at 400°F for about 25-30 minutes until they are crispy and golden. You can also sprinkle some herbs or Parmesan cheese before baking for some extra flavor.
2. Pan-Frying Method
The pan-frying method is another great way to cook smashed potatoes. Heat some oil in a skillet and add the boiled potatoes. Use a potato masher to gently press down on each potato until they are about 1/2 inch thick. Cook for about 3-4 minutes on each side until they are crispy and browned. Sprinkle some salt and pepper for seasoning and serve hot.
3. Grilling Method
The grilling method is perfect for those who want to add a smoky flavor to their smashed potatoes. Preheat your grill to medium-high heat and grease the grates with some oil. Brush the boiled potatoes with olive oil and sprinkle some salt and pepper for seasoning. Grill the potatoes for about 3-4 minutes on each side until they are crispy and browned. You can also add some chopped herbs or garlic for some extra flavor.
4. Air-Frying Method
The air-frying method is a healthier way to cook smashed potatoes. Preheat your air fryer to 400°F and brush the boiled potatoes with some olive oil. Place the potatoes in the air fryer basket and cook for about 10-12 minutes until they are crispy and golden. You can also sprinkle some herbs or spices for seasoning.
5. Tips for Perfect Smashed Potatoes
Here are some tips to help you achieve the perfect crispy, golden exterior and fluffy interior for your smashed potatoes:
- Don’t overcook the potatoes as they can become mushy and fall apart when smashed.
- Use a flat-bottomed object such as a measuring cup or a meat tenderizer to gently smash the potatoes.
- Brush the potatoes with olive oil or butter for extra flavor and crispiness.
- Bake or fry the potatoes until they are crispy and golden. Keep an eye on them to avoid burning.
- Experiment with different herbs and spices for seasoning. Some popular options include rosemary, thyme, garlic, and Parmesan cheese.
With these methods and tips, you can easily master the art of cooking smashed potatoes and impress your family and friends with this delicious side dish!
What are Some Delicious Smashed Potatoes Variations?
Smashed potatoes are a perfect side dish to complement your main course. The classic smashed potato recipe requires only a few simple ingredients like potatoes, olive oil, salt, and pepper. However, there are innumerable variations of these savoury spuds, depending on your taste preference. Here are some lip-smacking smashed potato variations that you can give a try:
1. Garlic and Herb Smashed Potatoes
Hungry for mashed potatoes with an extra flavourful punch? Add some garlic and herb seasoning to your smashed potatoes. You can choose fresh or dried herbs like basil, oregano, and rosemary to spruce up your dish. The combination of garlic and herb, when mixed with buttery mashed potatoes, creates a heavenly taste.
2. Bacon and Cheddar Smashed Potatoes
For meat lovers, bacon and cheddar smashed potatoes are a perfect way to jazz up a classic recipe. Cook some bacon until crispy, chop it finely, and add it to the smashed potatoes along with some cheddar cheese. Top your dish with some sour cream or chives for an additional burst of flavour.
3. Smashed Potatoes with Pesto Sauce
Pesto sauce adds a fresh and herby kick to your smashed potatoes. To prepare, mix a few tablespoons of pesto sauce (homemade or store-bought) with your smashed potatoes. Serve with a sprinkle of parmesan cheese and freshly chopped basil leaves.
4. Smashed Potatoes with Indian Flavours
If you’re a fan of Indian cuisine, then try incorporating Indian spices like garam masala, cumin, and turmeric to your smashed potatoes. Top with chopped coriander leaves and serve with mint-yogurt dip to experience a flavourful twist on this classic recipe.
5. Smashed Sweet Potatoes
If you like to experiment with different types of potatoes, then try using sweet potatoes instead of regular potatoes. The addition of sweet potatoes will make the smashed potatoes healthier and give you an added dose of fiber and vitamins. To make it more flavourful, you can add some cinnamon and maple syrup to your dish.
6. Smashed Potatoes with Truffle Oil
For a luxurious touch, add some truffle oil to your smashed potatoes. The addition of truffle oil elevates the dish to another level and makes it perfect for special occasions. To add crunch to your dish, add some fried onions or shallots on top.
Thanks for Reading, Come Back Soon!
We hope you found these tips helpful in achieving the perfect smashed potatoes every time. Remember to have fun in the kitchen and experiment with different flavors and toppings for your mashed potatoes. If you have any questions or comments, please leave them below and we’ll do our best to answer them. Thanks for reading and be sure to visit us again soon for more cooking tips and recipes!
Master the Art of Cooking Smashed Potatoes with These Tips
Ingredients
- 2 lbs. potatoes
- ¼ cup milk
- 2 tbsp. butter
- 1 tsp. salt
- ½ tsp. pepper
- ¼ cup chopped green onions
- ¼ cup grated parmesan cheese
Instructions
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the potatoes and cook for 15-20 minutes, or until they are tender and can be easily pierced with a fork.
- Drain the potatoes and let them cool for a few minutes. Then, using a potato masher or the bottom of a glass, gently press down on each potato until it is slightly flattened.
- In a small saucepan, heat the milk and butter until the butter is melted. Stir in the salt and pepper.
- Pour the milk mixture over the potatoes and sprinkle with green onions and parmesan cheese. Mix gently until the potatoes are coated. Serve hot and enjoy!
