| Prep: 20 mins | Cook: 30 mins | Difficulty: Medium | Serves: 6 |
| kcal | fat | saturates | carbs |
| 359 | 17g | 10g | 48g |
| sugars | fibre | protein | salt |
| 3g | 4g | 6g | 0.16g |
As soon as I heard of the Bay Leaf and Garlic Mashed Potatoes, my curiosity was piqued. It is not every day that you stumble across a twist on a classic comfort food that seamlessly converges the sophistication of European cuisine with a peculiarity that is distinctly American. Simple in its preparation, yet stunning in taste, the marriage of bay leaf and garlic elevates the humble potato into a delicacy that is uncannily reminiscent of my French-Creole culinary roots.
The Roots of the Recipe
The basis of these exquisite mashed potatoes is, of course, the humble spud. Russet potatoes, in particular, are a staple of many a table across the United States. This recipe borrows a touch of sophistication from French cuisine by infusing these potatoes with bay leaf and garlic during boiling, gifts from the traditional bouquet garni. Then, when mashed with a generous helping of butter and heavy cream, the end result is a mélange of beautiful aromas and textures that would fit seamlessly into any meal from Thanksgiving to a casual weeknight dinner.
This recipe bears a striking similarity to Mashed Potatoes with Bay Leaves and Garlic featured on Saveur. Both showcase the beautiful harmony that garlic and bay leaves produce when blended together with potatoes, enhancing and elevating the taste and aroma of this comforting dish.
A Healthful Delight
Not only does the Bay Leaf and Garlic Mashed Potatoes deliver on taste; it also serves up a series of health benefits. Garlic, one of the key ingredients in this recipe, is known for its antibacterial and antiviral properties. Moreover, it is an excellent source of vitamins C and B6, which are essential for boosting your immune system and promoting overall well-being. On the other hand, bay leaves are said to aid in digestion, and provide an array of powerful antioxidants.
I believe that this dish pairs well with roast chicken or pan-seared steak, creating a balanced meal that’s hearty and satisfying, while also providing plenty of room for enhancement and customization. You’ll find that the subtle, savory notes of garlic and bay leaf in the mashed potatoes complement the flavors of your choice of protein.
I sincerely hope that you enjoy making and sharing these Bay Leaf and Garlic Mashed Potatoes as much as I do. From my kitchen to yours, happy cooking!
What You’ll Need
- 3 lb Russet Potatoes
- 2 Bay Leaves
- 4 cloves Garlic
- 1 cup Heavy Cream
- 4 tbsp Unsalted Butter
- Salt to taste
- Pepper to taste
Method
Step One
Peel your 3 lb of russet potatoes. After you’ve peeled them, cut them into roughly equal-sized chunks. This will ensure that they all cook evenly.
Step Two
Take a large pot and fill it with enough water to cover the potatoes. Add your potatoes to the pot then toss in your 2 bay leaves and 4 cloves of garlic. Place the pot on the stove and bring the water to a boil over medium-high heat.
Step Three
Once the water is boiling, reduce the heat to medium and let the potatoes cook for about 15-20 minutes. You’ll know they’re done when you can easily pierce them with a fork.
Step Four
While the potatoes are cooking, warm up 1 cup of heavy cream and 4 tbsp of unsalted butter in a small saucepan over low heat. Stir them often to prevent them from burning.
Step Five
When the potatoes are cooked, drain them in a large colander. Make sure to remove the bay leaves and garlic cloves as you don’t want to mash them into your potatoes.
Step Six
Return the drained potatoes to the pot and add the warmed cream and melted butter. Mash everything together until you’ve reached your desired consistency. If you like a smoother mash, you can use a hand blender or food processor.
Step Seven
Once your potatoes are mashed, season them with salt and pepper to taste. Give them a good stir and then serve them while they’re hot. Enjoy your Bay Leaf and Garlic Mashed Potatoes!
