Smooth, buttery mash for braises, chicken and steak.

New cookbook version · Serves 4

Written to complete the family collection. This is a new version, not a recovered record of the original cook.

Ingredients

  • 800 g floury potatoes, peeled
  • 60 g butter
  • 150–200 ml milk, warmed
  • 1 tsp salt for the cooking water, plus more to taste
  • White or black pepper

Method

  1. Cut potatoes into even chunks. Cover with cold salted water and bring to a gentle boil.
  2. Cook for 15–20 minutes until completely tender. Drain thoroughly and return to the warm pan for 1 minute to steam dry.
  3. Mash or pass through a ricer. Fold in butter, then enough warm milk for the texture you like.
  4. Season to taste and serve hot.

Kitchen notes

Avoid blending with a food processor, which can make potatoes gluey.