WHAT ARE THE BEST POTATOES FOR MASHING RECIPES

Steps:

• Cover potatoes, garlic, and 1 Tbsp. salt with cold water in a large pot. Bring to a low boil, then reduce heat and simmer (do not boil) until potatoes are very tender when pierced with the tip of a paring knife but not falling apart, 20–25 minutes.
• Meanwhile, heat milk, thyme, and ¾ cup butter in a small pot over medium, stirring, until butter is melted. Remove from heat; set aside.
• Drain potatoes and garlic; return to pot. Toss over low heat until moisture evaporates, 1–2 minutes. Using potato ricer or food mill, immediately press potatoes and garlic into a large bowl (do not let cool).
• Discard thyme from milk mixture and gradually stir into potatoes, reserving about ½ cup if you plan to make in advance (see Do Ahead). Season with 2 tsp. salt and ¾ tsp. pepper. Fold in sour cream and stir with a spoon until incorporated and very smooth (do not overmix or potatoes will become gummy). Taste and adjust seasonings. Serve topped with remaining 2 Tbsp. butter and more pepper.
• Mashed potatoes can be made 2 hours ahead; cover and store at room temperature. Or chill, covered, up to 8 hours; reheat over medium with reserved ½ cup milk mixture.

Steps:

• The day before, tip the potatoes into a large pan of salted water and simmer for 10 mins or until just tender, saving a little of the cooking water. Drain the potatoes in a colander and leave to cool. Now here’s the trick; choose the two chunks that are most cooked and ready for mashing and push these through a potato ricer, then add a little of the cooking water to make a thick potato batter. Roll the cooled potatoes through the batter then put in the fridge on a tray lined with non-stick paper and chill overnight.
• The next day, heat the oven to 200C/180C fan/gas 6. Take a large roasting tin and add a good splash of vegetable oil. Place in the oven and heat for a few minutes, then carefully add the potatoes to the hot fat and turn to coat. Lightly season with salt and roast for 40 mins without disturbing, then turn the potatoes and turn the oven up to 220C/200C fan/gas 8 and continue to roast the potatoes for another 20-30 mins, turning again once, until beautifully crisp and golden all over.