Side Dishes > Potatoes > Instant Potatoes

Creamy Herb Instant Mashed Potatoes Recipe

Ingredients with Measurements:
- 1 package of instant mashed potatoes (4 servings)
- 1 cup of milk
- 1/4 cup of butter
- 1/4 cup of sour cream
- 1 tablespoon of chopped fresh parsley
- 1 tablespoon of chopped fresh chives
- Salt and pepper to taste

Special equipment needed:
- Large mixing bowl
- Electric mixer or potato masher
- Saucepan

Step-by-step instructions:
1. In a saucepan, bring 1 cup of milk and 1/4 cup of butter to a boil.
2. Remove from heat and add 1 package of instant mashed potatoes, stirring until smooth.
3. Add 1/4 cup of sour cream and mix well.
4. Stir in 1 tablespoon of chopped fresh parsley and 1 tablespoon of chopped fresh chives.
5. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
6. Use an electric mixer or potato masher to blend the ingredients until smooth and creamy.
7. Serve hot.


- Time:
Preparation time: 5 minutes
- Cooking time: 10 minutes
Temperature:
- Serve hot
Serving size:
- 4 servings

Nutritional information:
- Calories: 240
- Fat: 13g
- Carbohydrates: 28g
- Protein: 3g
- Sodium: 390mg

Substitutions for ingredients:
- Milk: You can use almond milk or soy milk as a dairy-free alternative.
- Butter: You can use margarine or vegan butter as a dairy-free alternative.
- Sour cream: You can use Greek yogurt or vegan sour cream as a dairy-free alternative.
- Parsley and chives: You can use other herbs such as rosemary, thyme, or basil.

Variations:
- Cheesy mashed potatoes: Add 1/2 cup of shredded cheddar cheese to the mixture.
- Garlic mashed potatoes: Add 1-2 cloves of minced garlic to the mixture.
- Bacon mashed potatoes: Add 1/4 cup of crumbled bacon to the mixture.

Tips and tricks:
- Use hot milk and butter to make the mashed potatoes creamier.
- Don't overmix the potatoes as it can make them gluey.
- Taste and adjust the seasoning before serving.

Storage instructions:
- Store the leftover mashed potatoes in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

Reheating instructions:
- Reheat the mashed potatoes in the microwave or on the stovetop until heated through.

Presentation ideas:
- Serve the mashed potatoes in a bowl or on a plate.
- Garnish with chopped herbs or grated cheese.

Pairings:
- Grilled chicken, steak, or fish
- Roasted vegetables
- Salad

Suggested side dishes:
- Garlic bread
- Green beans
- Corn on the cob

Troubleshooting advice:
- If the mashed potatoes are too thick, add more milk.
- If the mashed potatoes are too thin, add more instant mashed potatoes.

Food safety advice:
- Make sure the mashed potatoes are heated to an internal temperature of 165°F to prevent foodborne illness.

Food history:
- Mashed potatoes are a traditional Irish dish that dates back to the 18th century.

Flavor profiles:
- Creamy, savory, herby

Serving suggestions:
- Serve the mashed potatoes as a side dish for a family dinner or holiday meal.

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Taste: Creamy, Herbal, Savory, Comforting