Mashed potato is a classic side dish that many enjoy, but achieving the perfect consistency can be a challenge. However, TikTok’s ‘Potato Queen’, Poppy O’Toole, has revealed her unique technique for creating perfectly smooth mashed potatoes, along with two essential ingredients to make it as indulgent as possible.
Poppy advises against adding milk to your mash. Instead, once you’ve achieved a lump-free texture, she suggests making it ultra-creamy by incorporating double cream. She also advocates for the generous use of butter, which contributes to a wonderfully rich flavor.
But how do you ensure your potatoes are lump-free in the first place? The key to success lies in cutting your potatoes into evenly sized pieces, removing any lumps and seasoning them just right to achieve the desired taste and texture.
“My method is to make sure you cut your potatoes into 1.5cm rounds, not cubes, all the same. Then the water can penetrate and cook quickly all the way through,” Poppy told The Mirror. She added, “Then, steam dry once they’re drained, and I like to pass them through a sieve instead of using a masher, which means the molecules of starch break down more and they become fluffier and get rid of lumps. Also, a potato ricer is a handy gadget, especially if you like making mash. It’s like a cheese grater for potatoes and it comes out nice and smooth.”
She unreservedly endorses the luxurious addition of double cream to her mash over milk, hailing it as “the best” while also revelling in “loads of butter.” Poppy also champions seasoning the potatoes, adding: “Potatoes love salt, they just work well with it and it brings out the natural addictive potatoey flavor.”
Poppy O’Toole has partnered with McCain for the launch of its all-new range of air fryer fries, which is exclusively endorsed by Ninja, and comes in Deep Ridge Crinkle Cut and French Fries. The air fryer range is available now for £3.20 at Tesco, Asda, Iceland and more.
