Instant Pot Mashed Potatoes - If you have been getting store-bought mashed potatoes, then I would suggest you give this Instant Pot recipe a try. It is a classic recipe that can be made in under 30 minutes and with very little effort.
Placed the peeled and chopped potatoes in the inner steel pot.
Add enough water (about 2.5 cups) to completely immerse the potatoes. Add one teaspoon of salt and mix well.
Close the lid and set the steam valve to the sealing position.
Pressure cook the potatoes on high for about 10 minutes.
Do a quick release by moving the steam valve from sealing to venting. Drain the water.
Add butter, pepper, and salt. Smash the potatoes with a potato masher till it is almost lump-free.
Heat milk using a microwave for a minute. Add the hot milk to the mashed potatoes and continue to mash till the milk is fully absorbed.
Serve with chopped parsley or chives or with a dollop of butter.
Notes
Tips to make the best-mashed potatoes
Use starchy potatoes like either Idaho or Russet potatoes. Yukon is a good substitute as well.
Mash the potatoes using a potato masher or ricer - don’t use a blender or the potatoes will end up very gluey.
Don’t overmix them or else they end up gluey.
Add salt to the water when pressure cooking potatoes so that they are flavorful.
Use an Instant Pot to boil the potatoes quickly and evenly.
Heat milk using a microwave or saucepan till it is hot.
Use warm milk and butter at room temperature otherwise, they'll cool down the potatoes and make them stiff.
How to make mashed potatoes in advance
You can refrigerate mashed potatoes for up to 5 days. I prefer to make mashed potatoes not more than two days in advance. To reheat, add it to your Instant Pot along with a few tablespoons of milk (as much as you need to get the consistency right). Slow cook on low for an hour.
How to freeze mashed potatoes?
Yes, you can but it does lose a bit of flavor. Freeze using a Ziploc bag and lay it flat. To thaw, place it in the refrigerator overnight. You can reheat it using an Instant Pot or a saucepan. Add about a few tablespoons of milk at a time to get the consistency you desire.