KEY INFO
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Total Time: 30 minutes
Servings: 6-8
Difficulty: Easy
Diet: Vegetarian, Gluten-free
EQUIPMENT NEEDED
– Large pot
– Colander
– Electric mixer or potato masher
– Blender or food processor
– Basic kitchen tools (knife, cutting board, measuring cups)
Alternative: Use a potato ricer instead of mixer for ultra-smooth results
INGREDIENTS
For the Base:
– 2.5 lbs Yukon Gold potatoes (1.1 kg), peeled and quartered
– 1 cup full-fat cottage cheese (240g) [sub: Greek yogurt]
– 4 tablespoons butter (60g) [sub: olive oil]
– 1/2 cup whole milk (120ml) [sub: any plant milk]
– 3 garlic cloves, minced
– 1.5 teaspoons salt
– 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
Optional Garnishes:
– Fresh chives
– Extra butter pat
– Ground black pepper
METHOD
1. Place peeled, quartered potatoes in large pot and cover with cold water
Add 1 tablespoon salt to water
2. Bring to boil, then reduce to medium-high
Cook 15-20 minutes until fork-tender
3. While potatoes cook, blend cottage cheese until completely smooth
No visible curds should remain
4. Drain potatoes thoroughly in colander
Return to hot pot
5. Add blended cottage cheese, butter, warm milk, garlic, salt and pepper
Start with less milk – you can always add more
6. Mash or beat until desired consistency
Don’t overmix or potatoes will become gluey
7. Taste and adjust seasonings
Transfer to serving bowl
8. Top with garnishes and serve hot
CRUCIAL TIPS
– Use waxy potatoes like Yukon Gold for best texture
– Blend cottage cheese until absolutely smooth
– Don’t overmix – stop when just combined
– Warm milk before adding for better incorporation
STORAGE & VARIATIONS
Storage:
– Refrigerate up to 3 days
– Freeze up to 2 months
– Reheat with splash of milk
Scaling:
– Recipe doubles easily
– Adjust liquid gradually when scaling
Variations:
– Add roasted garlic instead of fresh
– Stir in shredded parmesan
– Top with crispy fried shallots
– Use herbs like rosemary or thyme
The secret to these incredibly creamy mashed potatoes is the cottage cheese – it adds protein and richness without heaviness. Trust me, no one will guess your secret ingredient!
