Purple Mashed Potatoes

Around 4,000 different types of potatoes exist, which is shocking to think about when we see only a few red, white and gold varieties in our local grocery stores and farmers markets. One type in particular that’s less commonly available is purple or blue potatoes.

These striking spuds taste quite similar to regular potatoes. Therefore, you can use them in your favorite potato recipes seamlessly, turning your starchy, beloved sides into colorful talking pieces that happen to have more antioxidants than their pale counterparts. Mashed purple potatoes are particularly beautiful, and our purple mashed potatoes recipe is great for special occasions and holidays, or any time you’re craving mashed potatoes.

Ingredients for Purple Mashed Potatoes

• Purple potatoes: Not all supermarkets carry purple or blue potatoes, but some do—so don’t hesitate to call and check with the produce department. If you don’t find them there, your best bet is to check farmers markets, farm stands and specialty food stores.
• Whole milk: Whole milk helps make your mashed purple potatoes nice and creamy. To make the purple mash even more decadent, you can use half-and-half or cream.
• Butter: Use your favorite salted or unsalted butter brand in your purple mashed potatoes recipe.
  
• Parsley: A bit of minced, fresh parsley adds a bright flavor and some contrasting color to these ‘taters.
• Salt and pepper: Black pepper and potatoes are a beautiful combination, and salt brings out the subtle flavor of spuds. Start with the amount called for in the recipe, but feel free to use both seasonings to taste.

Directions

Step 1: Simmer the potatoes

Place the potatoes in a stock pot and add water to cover. Season the water with 1 teaspoon salt and bring it to a boil. Then, reduce the heat and cook, uncovered, until the potatoes are tender enough to pierce easily with a fork, 15 to 20 minutes. Drain the potatoes and return them to the pan.

Step 2: Warm the milk

In a small saucepan, heat the milk and butter until just warm and the butter has melted. Set aside.

Step 3: Make the mash

Gently mash the potatoes while gradually adding the milk and butter mixture until you reach your preferred consistency. Stir in the remaining salt and the pepper, and garnish with parsley.

Editor’s Tip: If you own a potato masher, it’s the obvious choice for crushing up these ‘taters. If not, other great mashing tools include a stiff whisk or a pastry blender. You can use a food processor, but if you over-process mashed potatoes, they will become gluey and unpalatable, so process with care!

DAN ROBERTS FOR TASTE OF HOME

Purple Mashed Potato Variations

• Add cheese: Just like white or golden potatoes, mashed purple potatoes taste amazing with cheese. Shredded sharp cheddar, high-quality grated Parmesan, goat cheese or nearly any type of nutty alpine-style cheese, such as raclette, is a great choice.
• Sprinkle on herbs: In addition to the parsley, this dish would be excellent with a topping of fresh chives or scallions, rosemary, sage or dill. Even better, consider making a fresh herb salad to pile on top.
• Diversify the dairy: Using sour cream or buttermilk instead of some of the whole milk will give your potatoes a rich, tangy flavor.
• Skip the peeling: The skin of a potato holds many nutrients, so if you don’t mind a little texture, leave those peels in place.

How to Store Purple Mashed Potatoes

To store mashed potatoes, scoop them into a container with a tight-fitting lid and keep them in the fridge.

How long do purple mashed potatoes last?

You can store this purple mashed potatoes recipe for up to four days. There are several ways to reheat mashed potatoes: A microwave is the easiest method, but you can also gently heat them in a pan on the stovetop with a little additional milk or put them in a baking dish covered with foil in a 350°F oven until they’re heated through.

Can you freeze purple mashed potatoes?

The more fat mashed potatoes have, the better they freeze. Section out the potatoes based on how much you think you’ll want to thaw at a time, and pop each portion into a freezer-safe container or resealable bag. To use, thaw the potatoes in the fridge overnight and reheat as above.

Can you make purple mashed potatoes ahead of time?

Sure thing. Keep them in the fridge or freezer before serving, depending on how far in advance you want to prepare. Just make sure you have a solid plan for heating them.

Purple Mashed Potato Tips

DAN ROBERTS FOR TASTE OF HOME

Is there a difference between blue and purple potatoes?

Whether a potato is blue or purple is in the eye of the beholder! A more important difference between potato varieties is that some have blue or purple skin with white or yellow flesh, and others are colored all the way through. You want the latter for this purple mashed potatoes recipe.

What can you serve with purple mashed potatoes?

This dish is all about the color, so it’s best served with items that will highlight and complement the beauty. For instance, the pink color of a medium-rare steak is gorgeous against a backdrop of purple mashed potatoes. Spice-crusted baked pork chops are another great bet. As far as vegetables are concerned, a deep green veggie will look lovely, so consider spears of baked broccolini, kale salad or some four-berry spinach salad.

Can you use other types of potatoes in this recipe?

Yes! Any other type of potato will work interchangeably with the purple potatoes. There are even potatoes that are red or pink all the way through, and those would make gorgeous rose-tinted mashed potatoes.