Why You Should Never Boil Potatoes in Water for Mashed Potatoes: A Game-Changing TikTok Tip
Mashed potatoes are a beloved dish in many households, often featured at family dinners, holiday meals, and even casual weeknight suppers. While they’re traditionally made by boiling potatoes in water, there’s a clever twist that can take your mashed potatoes to the next level. Thanks to a viral TikTok tip from user Jourdyn (@jeauxp), I discovered a healthier, more flavorful way to prepare mashed potatoes that you might want to try the next time you’re in the kitchen.
The Traditional Way: Boiling Potatoes in Water
The classic approach to mashed potatoes usually involves peeling and boiling the potatoes in water until they’re soft enough to mash. However, this method doesn’t always give the potatoes the richness and flavor that makes them truly stand out. Plus, when you boil potatoes in water, you lose some of the nutrients from the skin, which are often tossed out.
So, what’s the alternative? A simple yet powerful tweak that can change the way you make mashed potatoes—and it all comes down to chicken stock.
Jourdyn’s TikTok Tip: Chicken Stock and Water for Boiling Potatoes
I came across Jourdyn’s TikTok video, where she shares her method for boiling potatoes in a mix of chicken stock and water. At first, I was curious but skeptical—could a simple swap like this really make a difference? Turns out, it’s a game-changer.
By boiling potatoes in a combination of chicken stock and water instead of just plain water, the potatoes absorb the subtle umami flavor of the broth. The result? Potatoes that are more flavorful and rich, with a depth that regular water just can’t provide. It also helps infuse the potatoes with some additional nutrients and minerals from the chicken stock, making them a bit healthier than the traditional version.
Adding Texture and Flavor with Potato Skins
Another key element that Jourdyn suggested was leaving the potato skins on while boiling them. This tip helps achieve a rustic, hearty texture in your mashed potatoes, which adds both flavor and a slightly rougher texture. Not only does it save time by eliminating the peeling process, but it also ensures that you get the maximum nutritional benefit from the skins, which are packed with fiber and antioxidants.
As the potatoes boil, the skins soften slightly but hold their structure, allowing them to contribute to the overall texture of the mashed potatoes without becoming too mushy. This combination of chicken stock and the natural texture from the skins gives the mashed potatoes an unexpected depth that you can’t get from the traditional method of boiling in just water.
Going the Extra Mile: Sour Cream and Chives
Feeling adventurous, I decided to take things even further. After mashing the potatoes, I added sour cream and fresh chives for extra creaminess and a pop of color. The sour cream enhanced the richness of the dish, while the chives added a fresh, vibrant kick that balanced out the savory flavors from the chicken stock and potatoes. The result was a mash that was not only delicious but also visually appealing.
Other TikTok Cooking Hacks That Improved My Meals
Jourdyn’s tip wasn’t the only food hack I discovered on TikTok. Along the way, I also picked up some other useful cooking tips, like how to make spinach taste better by adding cinnamon and how to soften brown sugar by placing a slice of bread in the container. These small changes made a huge impact on my cooking, helping me elevate everyday meals with minimal effort.
Why You Should Try Boiling Potatoes in Chicken Stock
So, why should you skip boiling your potatoes in water the next time you make mashed potatoes? The reasons are simple:
- Enhanced Flavor: Chicken stock adds a rich umami flavor that makes your mashed potatoes taste more savory and satisfying without extra butter or cream.
- Healthier Option: By keeping the potato skins on, you retain more fiber and nutrients, making your dish slightly healthier while still delicious.
- Better Texture: The skins contribute a rustic texture to the mashed potatoes that water-boiled potatoes just can’t replicate.
- Cost-Effective and Eco-Friendly: Using chicken stock in place of water adds more flavor without requiring extra ingredients, and keeping the skins on reduces waste.
Conclusion: A Simple Change, Big Flavor Boost
Next time you’re preparing mashed potatoes, don’t reach for the plain old water. Give Jourdyn’s TikTok method a try: boil your potatoes in a mix of chicken stock and water, and leave the skins on. You’ll be surprised at how a simple change can elevate a classic dish into something special. Whether you’re looking for a healthier version or just want to experiment with new flavors, this tip is sure to become a family favorite in no time.
With TikTok offering so many creative cooking hacks, you might find your next go-to recipe in a short video. Happy cooking!
