Ah, mashed potatoes—such an unassuming side dish yet so deeply comforting. I remember my grandmother’s kitchen, where the aroma of creamy, buttery potatoes would mingle with laughter and stories from a bygone era. With the magic of the Instant Pot, you can recreate that nostalgic warmth—only quicker, without sacrificing an ounce of flavor.
Steps
- Peel approximately three pounds of medium-sized potatoes, totaling around six, and slice them into large rounds, about 4-5 slices per potato.
- Place the potato slices in the bottom of the Instant Pot, covering them with about 4-5 cups of water, and add 1/2 teaspoon of salt for flavor.
- Secure the lid on the Instant Pot, ensuring the valve is set to sealed, and cook the potatoes on manual pressure for 8 minutes, allowing an additional 8-10 minutes for the pot to reach pressure.
- Once cooking is complete, perform a quick pressure release, drain the water from the potatoes, and return them to the Instant Pot with the power off.
- Incorporate the remaining salt, pepper, garlic powder (optional), butter, milk, and sour cream into the potatoes.
- Mash the mixture using a potato masher or whip them using a hand mixer until smooth, adjusting seasoning to taste.
- Serve immediately, garnishing with parsley if desired, and enjoy your creamy mashed potatoes.
Ingredients
- 3 pounds of potatoes (approximately 6 medium-sized), peeled and sliced into large rounds
- 4-5 cups of water (enough to cover the potatoes in the Instant Pot)
- 1/2 teaspoon of salt (for cooking the potatoes)
- Additional salt to taste (after cooking)
- Pepper to taste
- Garlic powder (optional, to taste)
- Butter
- Milk
- Sour cream
Nutritional Values
Calories: 1350kcal | Carbohydrates: 174g | Protein: 36g | Fat: 60g | Saturated Fat: 36g | Cholesterol: 156mg | Sodium: 5262mg | Potassium: 5778mg | Fiber: 30g | Vitamin A: 1860IU | Vitamin C: 154.8mg | Calcium: 552mg | Iron: 43.8mg
FAQ
- Can I leave the skin on the potatoes when making Instant Pot mashed potatoes?
- While the recipe recommends peeling the potatoes for a smoother texture, you can leave the skin on if you prefer a more rustic version. However, the author has not tested this method.
- How long does it take to cook mashed potatoes in the Instant Pot?
- The cooking process involves 8 minutes of manual pressure cooking, with an additional 8-10 minutes for the Instant Pot to reach the right pressure level.
- Can I double this mashed potato recipe in my Instant Pot?
- Yes, you can double the recipe as long as you’re using a 6 or 8-quart Instant Pot to accommodate the increased volume.
- What can I use to mash the potatoes?
- You can use a standard potato masher for a traditional texture or a hand-held mixer for a smoother, whipped consistency.
- How should I season the mashed potatoes?
- The recipe includes salt, pepper, garlic powder, butter, milk, and sour cream. Adjust these seasonings to suit your personal taste preferences.
Tips
- To save time, slice the potatoes into large rounds rather than small cubes before cooking. This helps them cook evenly and quickly in the Instant Pot.
- For a richer flavor, consider adding garlic powder along with the butter, milk, and sour cream. Adjust the seasoning to suit your personal taste preferences.
- Experiment with different mashing techniques to achieve your desired texture. A standard potato masher works well, but using a hand-held mixer can give you a smoother and creamier consistency.
- Remember that this recipe can easily be doubled if you have a 6 or 8-quart Instant Pot, making it perfect for larger gatherings or meal prep.
Equipment
- Instant Pot (Pressure Cooker) – This is essential for the recipe as it significantly reduces cooking time.
- Hand-held Mixer – Useful for mashing and whipping the potatoes to achieve a creamy texture.
