Mashed potatoes or creamed potatoes: what are the differences when cooking them?
Although they share ingredients, mashed potatoes and creamed potatoes are prepared differently and served in different ways.
Potatoes can be prepared in many ways. When you think of a creamy dish, you usually think of mashed potatoes, but there's another option: creamed potatoes. Both offer a creamy consistency, although they aren't the same.
Mashed potatoes are a classic side dish made by mashing cooked potatoes. They are usually seasoned with salt, pepper, and herbs such as chives, parsley, or thyme. The result can be slightly lumpy or smooth and silky, especially if butter is added at the right time.
Creamed potatoes are chunks of potato covered in a creamy sauce and lightly seasoned with salt, pepper, paprika, or parsley. If you're familiar with other creamed vegetables, such as spinach, corn, or broccoli, you'll know the concept. While they share some ingredients, they're not interchangeable, and their cooking methods are quite different.
To make mashed potatoes, simply mash cooked potatoes and add a liquid, such as milk, cream, or broth, along with butter. You can leave it chunky or pass it through a food mill or sieve for a smooth texture. It also goes well with sour cream, bacon, or roasted garlic.
For creamed potatoes, the potatoes are cut into small cubes and cooked in a sauce thickened with a roux of flour and milk or cream. When the sauce is smooth and the potatoes are tender, all the ingredients are combined without mashing.
Mashed potatoes work well when you need to soak up sauce or cooking juices. Creamed potatoes provide their own sauce and complement a simple main dish, roast, or grilled food. Both pair well with meat or seafood.
