Are you ready to transform ordinary side dishes into a culinary masterpiece that will have your family begging for seconds? Our Mashed Potatoes and Carrots recipe is not just another boring vegetable side – it's a creamy, dreamy comfort food experience that combines the smooth, buttery goodness of potatoes with the sweet, vibrant crunch of carrots. Perfect for weeknight dinners or holiday gatherings, this recipe is about to become your new secret weapon in the kitchen!
Prep Time: 10 mins
Cook Time: 30 mins
Total Time: 40 mins
Cuisine: American
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 2 pounds potatoes
- 1 cup carrots, diced
- 1/2 cup milk
- 1/4 cup butter
- Salt to taste
- Pepper to taste
Instructions
- Begin by gathering all your ingredients: 2 pounds of potatoes, 1 cup of diced carrots, 1/2 cup of milk, 1/4 cup of butter, salt, and pepper.
- Peel the potatoes and cut them into evenly sized chunks, about 1 to 2 inches. This will help them cook evenly.
- Rinse the diced carrots under cold water to remove any dirt and set them aside.
- Place the potato chunks in a large pot and cover them with cold water. Add a pinch of salt to the water for seasoning.
- Bring the pot of water to a boil over medium-high heat. Once boiling, reduce the heat to medium and let it simmer for about 10 minutes.
- After 10 minutes, add the diced carrots to the pot with the potatoes. Continue to cook for an additional 15-20 minutes, or until both the potatoes and carrots are fork-tender.
- Once the potatoes and carrots are cooked, drain them in a colander and return them to the pot. Allow them to sit for a minute to let any excess moisture evaporate.
- Add the 1/4 cup of butter to the potatoes and carrots while they are still warm. This will help the butter melt more easily.
- Pour in the 1/2 cup of milk. Using a potato masher or a hand mixer, mash the potatoes and carrots together until you reach your desired consistency. For a creamier texture, you can add more milk as needed.
- Season the mashed potatoes and carrots with salt and pepper to taste, mixing well to combine all the flavors.
- Once everything is well mixed, taste and adjust the seasoning if necessary. Serve warm as a delicious side dish.
Tips
- Choose the right potatoes: Use starchy potatoes like Russet or Yukon Gold for the creamiest texture.
- Cut vegetables uniformly: Ensure even-sized chunks for consistent cooking.
- Start with cold water: This helps potatoes cook more evenly and prevents uneven texture.
- Don't overwork the potatoes: Mash just until combined to avoid a gluey consistency.
- Warm your milk and butter: This helps create a smoother, more integrated mash.
- Season gradually: Taste and adjust salt and pepper in stages for perfect flavor.
- For extra richness, consider adding a touch of sour cream or cream cheese.
- Keep the mash warm by covering with a lid or using a double boiler method.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 250kcal
Carbohydrates: 35g
Protein: 4g
Fat: 11g
Saturated Fat: 7g
Cholesterol: 30mg
