Garlic cloves steeped in milk and butter lend a light garlicky flavor to this easy to prepare side dish.
Perfect with grilled seafood and superb when served with au jus or gravy beside roasted meat.
Petite gold potatoes work best for boiling and smashing. If you can’t find them, use the smallest Yukon Gold or Fingerlings’ available, and quarter them before cooking.
Leaving the thin potato skins on lends texture and earthiness when combined with a touch of nutmeg and fresh grated Parmigiano-Reggiano cheese.
Smashing everything together creates irresistible, creamy and hearty mashed taters.
To prepare the Smashed Garlic Taters you will need:
- 2 lbs petite gold potatoes, scrubbed and rinsed well
- Pinch of salt
- 2 cups skim milk
- 6 peeled garlic cloves
- 1 stick unsalted butter
- 1/2 cup fresh grated Parmigiano-Reggiano Cheese
- Pinch of fresh grated nutmeg
- Salt and pepper to taste
Place the potatoes and salt in a medium saucepan. Add enough water to cover the potatoes, place a lid on the saucepan, and heat over medium heat to a light boil for 15-20 minutes.
Place the milk, garlic cloves, and butter in a small saucepan and heat over medium low heat, stirring occasionally while the potatoes cook. Do not allow the mixture to boil, reducing the heat as necessary to hold a light simmer.
When the potatoes are tender and easy to pierce with a fork, strain out the water and place the cooked potatoes back into the saucepan. Cook on low heat for a minute to steam off excess water.
Remove the garlic cloves from the milk mixture and discard. Pour half of the milk mixture over the potatoes and smash with a potato masher or heavy slotted spoon.
Add the grated cheese and remaining milk mixture a little at a time while mashing until desired creaminess is achieved (do not use all of the milk mixture for a thicker consistency).
Stir in a pinch of fresh grated nutmeg and taste. Reseason with salt and pepper.
(Servings= 6-8, Prep Time= 5 mins, Cook Time= 25 mins)
My thanks to Kay (and her mom) at Kayotic Kitchen, for the idea to add nutmeg to my smashed potatoes. Mom’s Mashed Cheesy Potatoes is just one of the incredible Dutch inspired recipes on her tantalizing food blog.
Something about that touch of nutmeg that just brings it all together…
Thank you for reading my blog!
Brad
