Can you overcook mashed potatoes?!


Question: This may sound like a silly question, but i'm making them right now and it just occurred to me, can you overcook the potatoes? and if so, how would I know that they were? would it really make a difference once i've mashed them?


Answers: This may sound like a silly question, but i'm making them right now and it just occurred to me, can you overcook the potatoes? and if so, how would I know that they were? would it really make a difference once i've mashed them?

when you boil potatoes, you are actually removing moisture from them, if you over cook them they will get very dry. If that happens to you, make sure that when you add you liquid(milk or chicken stock) you warm it up. If you add a cold liquid to hot potatoes you'll end up with gluey mashed potatoes, that is never good, add warm liquids and you'll have nice fluffy potatoes.

oh yes! Over cooked potatoes will be "gluey " I cook mine just till fork tender

The only thing that would be bad, is if all the water you are boinling them in is gone. That's too long. But its easier to mash the softer they are. You know when they are done when you touch them with a fork. If it is hard to penetrate, still not done. If you can get a fork in without a problem, you're good.

when the pot starts to burn and stink then you really know you are

No.

Yes you can overcook them and they will be watery. Cook them till they are fork-tender then proceed with your recipe.

I'll overcook your potato's.

Yes, the texture and consistency of boiled potatoes are affected by overcooking.

you cant over cook as you will mash anyway.....only if you burn them after mashing

It doesn't hurt that much. Sometimes you can cook them to a mush and then they're difficult to deal with. Overcooking will not make them gluey. Over working them while mashing makes them gluey, particularly if using a mixer to make them creamy. If you don't have one invest in a potato ricer and rice them, stir in your milk or cream and butter and stir to mix. Great potatoes.





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