Prepare to transform your ordinary mashed potatoes into a culinary masterpiece that will have your dinner guests begging for seconds! These aren't just any mashed potatoes - they're a luxurious blend of creamy, buttery potatoes infused with the rich, sweet depth of caramelized onions and the aromatic warmth of fresh thyme. Imagine a side dish so irresistible that it could steal the spotlight from the main course, with layers of flavor that dance across your palate and comfort your soul.
Prep Time: 15 mins
Cook Time: 30 mins
Total Time: 45 mins
Cuisine: American
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 2 pounds potatoes, peeled and cubed
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 1 large onion, sliced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon fresh thyme, chopped
- 1/2 cup milk
- Salt to taste
- Pepper to taste
Instructions
- Place the peeled and cubed potatoes in a large pot of cold, salted water. Ensure the water covers the potatoes by about an inch.
- Bring the potatoes to a boil over high heat, then reduce to medium-high and cook for 15-20 minutes until potatoes are tender and can be easily pierced with a fork.
- While potatoes are cooking, heat a large skillet over medium-low heat. Add 1 tablespoon of butter and the sliced onions.
- Slowly caramelize the onions, stirring occasionally, for about 15-20 minutes until they turn a deep golden brown and become sweet and soft.
- Add minced garlic and chopped thyme to the caramelized onions during the last 2-3 minutes of cooking, stirring to prevent burning.
- Once potatoes are cooked, drain them thoroughly in a colander and return to the pot.
- Add the remaining butter, warm milk, caramelized onion-garlic-thyme mixture, salt, and pepper to the potatoes.
- Mash the potatoes using a potato masher or electric mixer until they reach your desired consistency, being careful not to overmix.
- Taste and adjust seasoning with additional salt and pepper as needed.
- Transfer to a serving dish, garnish with additional fresh thyme if desired, and serve hot.
Tips
- Choose the right potatoes: Russet or Yukon Gold potatoes work best for creamy, fluffy mashed potatoes.
- Start with cold, salted water to ensure even cooking and enhanced flavor.
- Be patient when caramelizing onions - low and slow is the key to developing those deep, sweet flavors.
- Warm your milk before adding to prevent cooling down the potatoes.
- Avoid overworking the potatoes to prevent a gluey texture - mash just until combined.
- For extra richness, you can substitute some milk with cream or add a dollop of sour cream.
- Always taste and adjust seasoning at the end to ensure perfect flavor balance.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 250kcal
Carbohydrates: 35g
Protein: 4g
Fat: 10g
Saturated Fat: 6g
Cholesterol: 25mg
