Mashed potatoes are a delicious side dish. When preparing this dish at home, you should be very careful about the desired consistency. However, if for some reason it becomes too runny, you can still fix it with simple methods. In this article, you will find a guide on how to thicken your mashed potatoes.
Advice. If you can’t get the puree to your desired consistency, don’t throw it away. Instead, add it to soups, stews, or casseroles.
Mashed potatoes sometimes get too runny. Is there a way to solve this problem? And the answer is yes. Methods for thickening liquid mashed potatoes are extremely simple. All you need is a few simple ingredients that you have in your kitchen for the most part.
How To Thicken Your Mashed Potatoes?
Below are a few methods by which you can thicken your mashed potatoes.
Heat On
Step 1:
Heat liquid mashed potatoes in a large saucepan and place over medium or low heat (do not cover the saucepan with a lid).
Step 2:
Stir the potatoes from time to time with a fork. This will prevent them from sticking to the bottom of the pan.
Step 3:
Continue stirring until excess moisture has evaporated and the potatoes have reached the desired consistency.
Step 4:
Remove the pot from the heat and serve warm.
Advice: Do not stir too vigorously as this may result in a sticky consistency.
Pressure
Step 1:
Pour liquid mashed potatoes into cheesecloth. Tie all ends of the gauze to make a pouch.
Step 2:
Hang the bag over the strainer for about 30-40 minutes.
Step 3:
Open the cheesecloth and take out the puree.
Step 4:
Reheat potatoes and serve warm.
Advice: From the drained liquid, you can make a wonderful creamy sauce.
Microwave
Step 1:
Pour the liquid mashed potatoes into a microwave-safe bowl (do not cover the bowl with a lid).
Step 2:
Microwave the bowl for 1-2 minutes.
Step 3
Remove the bowl and check the consistency. Repeat steps 2 and 3 until the potatoes have thickened to the desired level.
Step 4.
Serve hot.
Thickener
Thickeners that can be used:
- powdered milk;
- instant potato flakes;
- corn flour or starch;
- tapioca;
- hard cheese (parmesan).
Step 1:
Add 1 tablespoon of any thickener of your choice to warm, runny mashed potatoes.
Step 2:
Stir the potatoes with a fork until the thickener is completely dissolved.
Step 3:
Continue adding thickener 1 tablespoon at a time until desired consistency is achieved.
Step 4:
Serve Hot
Advice: You can even make hash browns if you use flour as a thickener.
Liquid mashed potatoes can be avoided by adding butter and milk in small amounts to keep the potatoes from becoming watery. So remember this tip and cook your favorite dish. Even if it turns out to be runny, now you know how to deal with this potential culinary disaster!