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Earthy Mashed Potatoes

This recipe for earthy mashed potatoes offers a refined take on a classic vegetarian side dish. By baking the potatoes in their skins rather than boiling them, you preserve their natural starch and develop a deeper, more concentrated flavour. The result is a beautifully fluffy texture that provides the perfect base for your favourite Sunday roast or a hearty vegetarian stew.

Using a potato ricer is the secret to achieving a professional, lump-free finish without the gluey consistency that often comes from over-mashing. Prepared with creamy whole milk and unsalted butter, this mash is both comforting and sophisticated. It is an excellent source of vitamin C and potassium, making it a wholesome addition to any family meal or festive dinner party.

Continue reading below

Ingredients for Earthy Mashed Potatoes

  • 900g large potatoes (any kind)

  • 240ml whole milk

  • 1/2 stick (60ml ) unsalted butter

  • 1 teaspoon salt

  • 1/4 teaspoons white pepper

  • a potato ricer

How to make Earthy Mashed Potatoes

Put oven rack in middle position and preheat oven to 218°C.

Wrap each potato in foil, then prick potatoes through foil several times with a fork. Bake potatoes until tender, 1 to 1 1/4 hours.

Heat milk, butter, salt, and white pepper in a 3-quart heavy saucepan over moderate heat until butter is melted.

While milk mixture heats, unwrap baked potatoes and, while still hot (use a kitchen towel to protect your hands or hold potatoes with tongs), pull off skin with a paring knife or halve unpeeled potatoes and scoop out flesh with a spoon, transferring it to a bowl. Discard skin.

Force hot potatoes through ricer into hot milk mixture in pan and gently stir with a large heatproof rubber spatula just until combined.

Disclaimer

While every effort has been made to ensure the information is accurate and up to date, individual needs may vary and dietary requirements can differ based on personal health conditions. Always check food labels and allergen information before preparing or consuming any recipe. If you have specific health concerns, allergies, intolerances, or are following a medically prescribed diet, seek advice from your GP, pharmacist, or a registered dietitian before making significant changes to your diet or lifestyle.

Article history

The information on this page is peer reviewed by qualified clinicians.

  • 17 Jan 2026 | Originally published

    Authored by:

    UK recipe editors

    Peer reviewed by

    UK recipe editors
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