Recipe(tried): Garlic Mashed Potatoes with Olive Oil

GARLIC MASHED POTATOES WITH OLIVE OIL

2 lb russet or Yukon gold potatoes
8 large garlic cloves, unpeeled
1 1/2 teaspoons salt
Freshly ground black pepper
1/4 cup extra-virgin olive oil (for serving)

Cover the potatoes and garlic cloves with cold salted water. Bring to a boil, partially covered, and cook for 30 minutes, or until tender.

Drain the potatoes and garlic; set aside. Boil the potato water and reduce to 1 cup.

Peel the potatoes and the garlic. Mash them in the cooking pot with a potato masher, a ricer, or (push) through a strainer back into the pot. Turn on the heat and whisk in enough potato water to bring the potatoes to a thick, creamy consistency. Season with salt and freshly ground pepper.

Heat the olive oil. At the table, pour 1 tablespoon of hot oil on each portion.

Makes 4 servings