Frequently Asked Questions
What is this recipe?
This recipe is for Creamy Garlic Mashed Potatoes with Savory Onion Gravy, a comfort food dish featuring white boiling potatoes and a rich onion-based gravy.
How many servings does this recipe make?
This recipe makes approximately 6 servings.
How long should I boil the potatoes?
The potatoes should be boiled for 15 to 20 minutes, or until they are very tender.
What type of potatoes are best for this dish?
White boiling potatoes that have been peeled and quartered are recommended for this recipe.
How many calories are in one serving?
Each serving contains 533 calories.
What is the fat content per serving?
There are 33g of fat in each serving.
How many carbohydrates are in a serving?
One serving of these mashed potatoes and gravy contains 50g of carbohydrates.
What is the protein content?
Each serving provides 7g of protein.
What ingredients are needed for the mashed potatoes?
You will need white boiling potatoes, kosher salt, unsalted butter, half-and-half, sour cream, and fresh ground black pepper.
What ingredients are required for the onion gravy?
The gravy requires unsalted butter, yellow onions, all-purpose flour, kosher salt, black pepper, chicken stock, cognac or brandy, and optional heavy cream.
How long does it take to caramelize the onions for the gravy?
The chopped yellow onions should be cooked for 12 to 15 minutes until they are lightly browned and caramelized.
Can I use brandy instead of cognac?
Yes, the recipe allows for either 1 tablespoon of cognac or brandy.
Should the chicken stock be hot or cold when added?
The chicken stock should be hot when gradually added to the gravy mixture.
How do I prevent a raw flour taste in my gravy?
Cook the flour and onion mixture for an additional 2 to 3 minutes before adding the chicken stock to eliminate the raw flour taste.
What equipment is recommended for mashing the potatoes?
The recipe suggests using an electric mixer fitted with a paddle attachment for the best results.
Is the heavy cream in the gravy mandatory?
No, the 1 tablespoon of heavy cream is optional but adds extra richness to the gravy.
How much butter is used in the total recipe?
The recipe uses a total of 1/2 lb of unsalted butter: 1/4 lb for the potatoes and 1/4 lb for the gravy.
How should the potatoes be prepared before boiling?
The potatoes should be peeled and quartered.
What should the texture of the potatoes be after mixing?
The potatoes should be mashed but still retain some texture.
How long should the gravy simmer?
The gravy should simmer uncovered for 4 to 5 minutes or until it reaches your desired thickness.
Is this recipe suitable for vegetarians?
While tagged as vegetarian, it contains chicken stock; to make it truly vegetarian, use vegetable stock instead.
What type of onions are best for the savory gravy?
The recipe specifies using yellow onions, about 2 medium onions to make 1 1/2 cups chopped.
How much half-and-half is required for the potatoes?
The recipe calls for 1/2 to 1 cup of heated half-and-half.
Can I substitute the sour cream?
The recipe specifically uses 1/2 cup of sour cream to add tang and creaminess to the potatoes.
Is it necessary to heat the butter and half-and-half together?
Yes, heating them together ensures the potatoes stay hot and the mixture blends smoothly.
What is the total number of ingredients?
There are 14 ingredients listed for this dish.
When should I add the salt and pepper to the potatoes?
Add 2 teaspoons of kosher salt and the freshly ground black pepper while mixing the hot potatoes with the half-and-half mixture.
Is this a good holiday dish?
Yes, it is tagged as a holiday recipe and is ideal for family gatherings and holiday feasts.
What is the serving size for this recipe?
The exact serving size is not specified, but the entire recipe yields 6 servings.
How do I keep the mashed potatoes warm?
After mixing, keep the potatoes in a warm spot or covered pot until you are ready to serve with the hot gravy.