THE DEFINITIVE MASHED POTATO

The Definitive Mashed Potato image

Provided by Michael Chiarello : Food Network

Time 42m

Yield 6 to 8 servings

Number Of Ingredients 7

2 pounds yellow Finnish potatoes
1/2 cup unsalted butter, at room temperature
1 tablespoon minced garlic
1 1/2 cups heavy cream, or more to taste
Sea salt, preferably gray sea salt
Freshly ground black pepper
1/2 to 2/3 cup extra-virgin olive oil

Steps:

Preheat oven to 325 degrees F.
Put the potatoes in a large saucepan with salted cold water to cover and bring to a boil over high heat. Cook until tender, about 10 minutes. Drain well, scatter onto a baking sheet and let cool for several minutes. Place in the oven to dry out, about 5 minutes. Smash the potatoes with a large fork or potato masher.
Heat 1 tablespoon of the butter in a large saucepan over medium heat until the butter stops foaming and turns a light brown. Add the garlic and cook quickly until pale gold. Add the cream, season, to taste, with salt and pepper, and bring to a boil. Reduce the heat to low and fold in potatoes with a wooden spoon or large whisk. Add the remaining butter by tablespoons, stirring after each addition. Stir in the extra-virgin olive oil. Season with salt and pepper, to taste.