The Innovation Behind Not Boiling Mashed Potatoes in Water

Mashed potatoes hold a cherished place in our family’s culinary repertoire, particularly adored by my children who request it almost daily. Despite my efforts to introduce more vegetables and greens into their diet, their unwavering love for mashed potatoes ensures it graces our table multiple times a week. Surprisingly, my husband and I also share their enthusiasm for this beloved dish.

While scrolling through Instagram and TikTok for culinary inspiration, I stumbled upon a unique tip from TikToker Jourdyn (@jeauxp) that introduced an unexpected ingredient: chicken stock. Intrigued by this unconventional approach, I decided to explore its potential.

Jourdyn’s method starts with an unconventional step: keeping the potato skins on. After thoroughly washing and lightly oiling the skins, she boils them in a mixture of chicken stock and water. This departure from the traditional recipe sparked my curiosity, prompting me to replicate her technique.

Following Jourdyn’s instructions, I boiled the potatoes with their skins intact, then mashed them while incorporating butter, reserved broth, and a touch of black pepper. The outcome was remarkable—the broth infused the potatoes with a subtle umami flavor, complemented by the rustic texture provided by the skins.

Expanding Culinary Horizons

Inspired by this success, I delved further into experimentation. Drawing from another TikTok influencer, I enhanced subsequent batches with additions like sour cream and chopped chives, elevating both the flavor profile and visual appeal of the dish.

My exploration into TikTok’s culinary hacks didn’t stop at mashed potatoes. I eagerly embraced additional tips, such as incorporating nutmeg into spinach or using bread to soften brown sugar. These simple yet effective techniques have not only refined my culinary skills but also broadened my culinary repertoire.