The Reason Behind Not Boiling Mashed Potatoes in Water
Mashed potatoes are a cherished dish in our family, especially loved by my children who ask for it almost every day. Despite my efforts to introduce more vegetables and greens into their meals, their persistent affection for mashed potatoes leads me to prepare it several times a week. Interestingly, my husband and I share their enthusiasm for this comforting dish.
While browsing Instagram and TikTok for new culinary ideas, I came across a unique suggestion from a TikTok creator named Jourdyn (@jeauxp), who recommended using chicken stock as an unconventional ingredient. Intrigued by this innovative approach, I decided to give it a try.
Jourdyn’s method starts with a surprising step: leaving the potato skins on. After thoroughly washing and oiling the potatoes, she boils them in a mixture of chicken stock and water. This twist on the traditional recipe sparked my curiosity, prompting me to replicate her technique.
Following Jourdyn’s instructions, I boiled the potatoes with their skins intact and then mashed them, incorporating butter, some of the reserved broth, and black pepper. The result was remarkable—the broth infused the potatoes with a delicate umami flavor, and the skins added a pleasing rustic texture.
Expanding Culinary Horizons
Encouraged by this success, I ventured further into culinary experimentation. Inspired by another TikTok user, I added sour cream and chopped chives to the next batch, which enhanced both the flavor and the visual appeal of the dish.
My exploration of TikTok cooking hacks extended beyond mashed potatoes. I adopted various tips, such as adding nutmeg to spinach and using bread to soften brown sugar. These simple yet effective techniques have significantly elevated my cooking skills and expanded my culinary repertoire.
