Quick and Fluffy: Instant Pot Mashed Potatoes

Hey there, my fellow food aficionados! It’s your culinary guide and chef extraordinaire, Ethan Harris, back with another delightful dive into the world of Instant Pot cooking. Today, we’re going to uncover the secrets to creating the creamiest, dreamiest, and downright irresistible Instant Pot Mashed Potatoes. So, roll up your sleeves, and let’s get mashing!

What is Mashed Potatoes?

Mashed potatoes, often hailed as the ultimate comfort food, are like a warm, fluffy cloud on your plate. These creamy, dreamy spuds are made by boiling and then mashing potatoes, and they’re like a canvas waiting for your personal touch. Whether you’re whipping them up for a holiday feast, a weeknight dinner, or just to satisfy a sudden craving, mashed potatoes are versatile, customizable, and oh-so-delicious.

How To Make Instant Pot Mashed Potatoes

Instant Pot Mashed Potatoes Recipe

Recipe by Ethan HarrisCourse: Side DishCuisine: AmericanDifficulty: Easy

Servings

4

Cup

Prep time

10

minutes

Cooking time

10

minutes

Calories

145

kcal

Instant Pot Mashed Potatoes: Creamy, dreamy, and ready in a snap. The ultimate comfort food made easy!

Ingredients

• 2 pounds of potatoes (Yukon Gold or Russet are great choices)

• 1 cup of water

• 4 tablespoons of butter

• 1/2 cup of milk

• Salt and pepper to taste

Directions

• Prepare Your Potatoes:
  Start by peeling your potatoes if you prefer smooth mashed potatoes, or leave the skin on for a more rustic texture.
  Cut the potatoes into evenly sized chunks. This ensures they cook uniformly and you won’t have undercooked pieces.
• Get Your Instant Pot Ready:
  Place the potato chunks into your trusty Instant Pot. It’s the star of the show in this mashed potato magic act.
• Add Water and Salt:
  Pour in about 1 cup of water, just enough to cover the potatoes. A pinch of salt in the water adds a little flavor boost. But remember, don’t over-salt at this stage; you can always adjust the seasoning later.
• Pressure Cooking Time:
  Seal the Instant Pot and set it to high pressure. Cook for about 10-15 minutes, depending on the size of your potato chunks. You’re looking for tender, easily pierced potatoes.
• Release Pressure and Drain:
  Once your Instant Pot has worked its magic, do a quick pressure release. Carefully open the lid and drain the cooked potatoes.
• Back to the Instant Pot:
  Pop the drained potatoes back into the Instant Pot (no one likes a cold, wet potato).
• Time to Mash:
  Grab your trusty masher and start mashing those spuds. The heat from the potatoes will help melt the butter.
• Add the Creaminess:
  Pour in about 1/2 cup of milk to achieve that creamy texture we all adore. Keep mashing and mixing until you reach your desired consistency. Some folks prefer their mashed potatoes a bit lumpy, while others want them super smooth. It’s all about personal preference.
• Serve and Savor:
  Scoop your Instant Pot Mashed Potatoes onto plates, garnish with a little extra butter or a sprinkle of fresh herbs, and get ready to savor that creamy, dreamy goodness.

Nutritional Benefits of Instant Pot Mashed Potatoes

Rich in Vitamins and Minerals: Potatoes are a good source of essential nutrients like vitamin C, vitamin B6, potassium, and folate. These nutrients are vital for overall health, immune function, and maintaining healthy blood pressure.

Dietary Fiber: While the peels are often removed for traditional mashed potatoes, leaving them on, as you can with some varieties, increases the dietary fiber content. Fiber aids digestion and can help you feel full, potentially supporting weight management.

Moderate Calories: When prepared without excessive amounts of butter and cream, mashed potatoes can be a reasonably low-calorie side dish that adds a satisfying element to your meal.

Complex Carbohydrates: Potatoes are an excellent source of complex carbohydrates, providing sustained energy and helping to keep blood sugar levels stable when consumed in moderation.

Resistant Starch: Cooking and cooling potatoes can increase their resistant starch content, which acts as a prebiotic, supporting the growth of beneficial gut bacteria and potentially improving digestive health.

Cooking Tips For Instant Pot Mashed Potatoes

Absolutely, here are some cooking tips for making perfect Instant Pot Mashed Potatoes:

Choose the Right Potatoes: Use starchy potatoes like Russet or Yukon Gold for a fluffy texture.

Uniform Size: Cut potatoes into uniform sizes to ensure even cooking.

Minimum Liquid: Start with the minimum recommended liquid to avoid overly watery mashed potatoes.

Use Broth or Milk: Instead of water, use broth or milk for added flavor.

Flavor Infusion: Consider adding garlic cloves or herbs to the cooking liquid for a subtle flavor boost.

Natural Release: Allow a natural pressure release to prevent starches from splattering.

Avoid Overmixing: Overmixing can lead to gummy mashed potatoes. Mix until just combined.

Add Warm Liquid: Warm the milk or broth before adding to the mashed potatoes to maintain their temperature.

Taste and Adjust: Don’t forget to taste and adjust salt, pepper, and other seasonings before serving.