You Won’t Find Potatoes Like These in a Box
Growing up, we always had mashed potatoes made from a big red box. And those potatoes were delicious. No shame in that game. Easy to make and still are. However, I think making potatoes from scratch is just about as easy. You must boil water for both. You just have to do a little mashing and mixing when making homemade potatoes. And there’s no way you get you’ll get purple mashed potatoes in a box!
What You Need to Make Purple Mashed Potatoes
- Purple Potatoes – of course! I found these at my local grocery store, they are the size of golf balls and in a smaller 24 oz. bag. I thought they were only going to be purple on the outside, but once I sliced into them – wow!
- Dairy – salted butter and heavy whipping cream to make these mashers rich and creamy. I’ve made mashed potatoes just as successfully with milk and vegetable-based butter as well. Use what you have but go full on fat if you can.
- Salt – it’s going to feel like a lot of salt, but mashed potatoes are starchy, kind of bland sponges just waiting to be flavor enhanced. Just remember you can always add, but you can’t remove. Add a bit of salt at a time if you’re hesitant about my recommendation.
How To Make Purple Mashed Potatoes
Really simple. You’ll never need to go back to a box. And you can follow these steps with any potatoes you have, they don’t have to be purple. I also make mine ‘dirty’ meaning, the skins stay on. Cut the potatoes into smaller pieces which will make the cooking go faster, cover with water and bring to a boil.
Drain and use a large fork or potato masher to smoosh the potatoes.
Add slices of butter, pour in the heavy whipping cream, salt, and pepper. Mix completely to create a creamy mashed potato.
Tips, Tricks, & FAQs
- Surprise! These potatoes are beautiful because of their unique dark color. The potatoes will turn the water teal, which is really pretty. I didn’t have any issues with staining but be aware.
- Save Time. The more water you use, the longer the water will take to boil. Use only what you need by adding the potatoes first, then covering with water. Measuring the water will allow you to add the right amount of salt to flavor the water.
- Another Time Saver. Start with hot water from the tap. If your water comes out quickly, this could be a time saver since the water won’t have to start from frigid to slowly climb to a boil.
- Substitutions. If you do not have heavy whipping cream or want to cut back on the calories, mashed potatoes can be made with milk and a non-dairy butter alternative.
- Can’t find purple potatoes? That’s ok, the same steps using a different potato will still get you delicious, mashed potatoes, just in a different color.
Purple Mashed Potatoes
Equipment
- cutting board
- paring knife
- measuring spoons
- large pot
- Colander
- measuring cups
- large fork or potato masher
Ingredients
- 1 1/2 lbs purple potatoes
- 1 teaspoon sea salt + 1 teaspoon per 3 cups of water to boil potatoes
- 1/8 teaspoon ground black pepper
- 1/2 cup heavy whipping cream
- 3 Tablespoons salted butter
Instructions
- Wash. Wash and cut potatoes into 1" x 1" cubes. Or if using baby potatoes (size of a golf ball), cut them in half.1 1/2 lbs purple potatoes
- Salt Bath. Place potatoes in a large pot or pan. Measure water and add it to the pot until the potatoes are covered by 1-2" of water. Add 1 teaspoon of sea salt for every 3 cups of water added.1 teaspoon sea salt + 1 teaspoon per 3 cups of water to boil potatoes
- Boil. Heat the water and potatoes over high heat until the water is boiling.
- Fork Tender. Once the water comes to a boil, start the clock to cook the potatoes for 8-10 minutes. When the time is up, check the largest piece of potato with a fork. The piece should give easily when pierced and you should be able to smash it easily as well.
- Drain and Mash. Drain the potatoes well. Using a potato masher or a large fork, smash the potatoes until all the large pieces are gone.
- Mix. Mix in the butter, salt, pepper, and heavy whipping cream until well combined and smooth.1/8 teaspoon ground black pepper, 3 Tablespoons salted butter, 1/2 cup heavy whipping cream
- Enjoy! Serve immediately.
