Mashed Potatoes with Garlic

Serves 8

There are so many ways to add flavor to mashed potatoes when you want a quick and easy side dish that is a little different. This recipe, which adds the mellow flavor of cooked garlic, is one example. The recipe can be made in any amount needed.

Ingredients

• 4 pounds white potatoes, peeled and quartered
• 6 tablespoons room temperature butter, preferably unsalted, divided
• 1 small onion, finely chopped (about 1 cup)
• 4 large garlic cloves, finely chopped
• 1 cup milk (more or less, as needed)
• Salt and pepper to taste

Cook potatoes in lightly salted boiling water until tender, about 20 minutes. Drain; return to pot and cover to keep warm.

Meanwhile, heat 2 tablespoons of the butter in a skillet. Add the onions and sauté until softened, about 5 minutes. Add garlic and sauté an additional 3 minutes. Add onions and garlic to potatoes. Add remaining butter and mash until smooth. Add milk gradually, whipping well until desired consistency. Taste for seasoning; add salt and pepper as needed. Serve immediately or keep warm in a double boiler over simmering water, stirring well and adding milk if needed before serving.

Notes: You can use any kind of boiling or waxy potatoes for mashing. My favorite is the Yukon gold, a great all purpose potato that is equally good in recipes that call for boiling, baking or roasting.