Recipe: Popeye's Mashed Potatoes and Cajun Gravy (copycat recipe)

POPEYE'S MASHED POTATOES AND GRAVY
(copycat recipe)

Mashed Potatoes:
4 pounds Yukon gold (or other yellow fleshed potatoes), cut into 3 inch pieces
8 garlic cloves, peeled and halved lengthwise
1 teaspoon salt
3 tablespoons unsalted butter
2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
1 1/4 cups milk or half-and-half
Salt and freshly ground white pepper

Bring a large pot of water to a boil. Add the potatoes, garlic, and salt and simmer, partially covered, over medium heat for 15 to 20 minutes, or until the potatoes and garlic are fork-tender. Drain the potatoes and garlic and return to the pot over high heat. Cook, tossing the potatoes, for 1 to 2 minutes, or until all the moisture is evaporated. Transfer to a large bowl and mash with a potato masher.

In a medium saucepan, heat the butter, oil, and milk over medium heat until the butter has melted. Add to the potatoes and whip with a wooden spoon or whisk to a smooth but not soupy consistency. Mash any pieces of garlic until totally pureed. When the liquid is absorbed, season with salt and pepper to taste. Transfer to a serving bowl and serve immediately. To prepare in advance, make up to 4 hours ahead, cover, and keep at room temperature. Reheat gently in the top of a double boiler over medium heat, adding extra milk as needed and adjusting the seasonings.

Cajun Gravy:
1 tablespoon vegetable oil
1 chicken gizzard
2 tablespoon minced green bell pepper
1/4 cup ground beef
1/4 cup ground pork
2 cups water
1 (14-oz.) can beef broth
2 tablespoon cornstarch
1 tablespoon all-purpose flour
2 teaspoon milk
2 teaspoon distilled white vinegar
1 teaspoon granulated sugar
1 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon coarse ground black pepper
1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper
1/8 teaspoon garlic powder
1/8 teaspoon onion powder
1 dash dried parsley flakes

Heat vegetable oil in a large saucepan over medium heat. Saute chicken gizzard in the oil for 4 to 5 minutes until cooked. Remove gizzard from the pan and let cool. Finely mince the gizzard after it has cooled.

Combine ground beef and ground pork. Mix with your hands until well mixed. Add bell pepper to the saucepan and saute it for 1 minute. Add ground beef and pork to the pan and cook brown. Mash meat into tiny pieces as it browns. Add water and beef broth to the saucepan, then immediately whisk in cornstarch and flour. Add remaining ingredients and bring to a boil. Reduce heat and simmer gravy until thick, about 30 to 35 minutes.

Source: Just Like Restaurant Recipes