Spicy Chile-Corn Whipped Potatoes
Elevate your side dish game with these Spicy Chile-Corn Whipped Potatoes, a delightful creation from acclaimed Texas chef Stephan Pyles. These fluffy, creamy mashed potatoes are infused with a burst of fresh corn sweetness and a warming kick from pure chile powder. Unlike traditional Mexican chili powder, which contains a blend of spices, this recipe utilizes homemade pure chile powder for a more tailored flavor profile. Perfect for family gatherings or as a unique accompaniment to any meal, this dish brings a taste of Texas that your guests will crave.
N/A
Servings
N/A
Calories
9
Ingredients
Ingredients
Idaho potatoes
2 (Peeled and cubed (22-24 ozs.))
Unsalted butter
2 1/2 ounces (Melted)
Milk
1/2 cup (Warm)
Garlic cloves
4 (Minced)
Fresh corn kernels
3/4 cup (Freshly cut off the cob)
Pure chile powder
2 teaspoons (Homemade or store-bought)
Honey
1 teaspoon (Raw or clover, as preferred)
Cilantro
1 teaspoon (Chopped)
Salt
to taste (Added as needed)
Instructions
1
In a large saucepan, cover the cubed Idaho potatoes with cold water. Bring to a boil, then reduce the heat to a simmer. Cook for 15-20 minutes, or until the potatoes are fork-tender. Drain the potatoes thoroughly and let them sit to allow excess moisture to evaporate.
2
While the potatoes are cooking, heat a small skillet over low heat. Add the unsalted butter and melt. Once the butter is melted, add the minced garlic and fresh corn kernels to the skillet. Sauté gently for about 3 minutes, ensuring that the garlic does not brown, as you want to maintain a mild flavor.
3
Next, sprinkle the pure chile powder over the corn mixture, stirring well to combine. Strain the corn mixture over a bowl to reserve the juices while keeping the corn and garlic intact.
4
In a mixing bowl, whip the drained potatoes, gradually incorporating the milk and the reserved corn cooking juices until the potatoes are creamy and smooth.
5
Fold in the sautéed corn and garlic mixture, adding the chopped cilantro and honey for an added touch of sweetness. Season with salt to taste, adjusting as needed.
6
Serve the Spicy Chile-Corn Whipped Potatoes warm, garnished with additional cilantro if desired.
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What are Spicy Chile-Corn Whipped Potatoes?
They are a side dish created by Chef Stephan Pyles that combines fluffy Idaho mashed potatoes with the sweetness of fresh corn and a warming kick from pure chile powder.
Who is the chef behind this recipe?
This recipe was created by the acclaimed Texas chef Stephan Pyles.
What kind of potatoes are best for this dish?
The recipe specifically calls for Idaho potatoes, which are ideal for whipping due to their high starch content.
How should the potatoes be prepared?
The potatoes should be peeled and cubed into pieces weighing approximately 22 to 24 ounces in total.
Why start the potatoes in cold water?
Starting the potatoes in cold water ensures that they cook evenly from the outside to the center.
How long should the potatoes boil?
The potatoes should simmer for 15 to 20 minutes until they are fork-tender.
How do I know when the potatoes are done?
The potatoes are ready when they can be easily pierced with a fork.
What should I do after draining the potatoes?
After draining, let the potatoes sit for a few moments to allow any excess moisture to evaporate, which prevents soggy mash.
What is the purpose of sauteing the garlic and corn?
Sauteing them in butter mellows the garlic and enhances the natural sweetness of the fresh corn kernels.
Should the garlic be browned?
No, you should saute the garlic gently for about 3 minutes without browning it to maintain a mild flavor.
How much butter is used in the corn mixture?
The recipe calls for 2.5 ounces of unsalted butter.
What type of chile powder is recommended?
Pure chile powder is recommended, either homemade or store-bought, rather than a mixed chili powder blend.
Why use pure chile powder instead of a blend?
Pure chile powder provides a more tailored and specific flavor profile compared to Mexican chili powder, which contains other spices.
What should I do with the corn cooking juices?
You should reserve the juices after straining the corn mixture and incorporate them back into the potatoes for extra flavor.
How is the creamy texture achieved?
The texture is achieved by whipping the drained potatoes while gradually adding milk and the reserved corn cooking juices.
What is the role of milk in this recipe?
Warm milk is incorporated during the whipping process to make the potatoes creamy and smooth.
When is the corn mixture added to the potatoes?
The sauteed corn and garlic mixture is folded into the potatoes after they have been whipped smooth.
What provides the sweetness in this dish?
The sweetness comes from both the fresh corn kernels and a teaspoon of honey.
How much honey is required?
The recipe uses 1 teaspoon of raw or clover honey.
How is cilantro used in this recipe?
Chopped cilantro is folded into the potato mixture and can also be used as a garnish for serving.
When should salt be added?
Salt should be added at the end of the process, seasoning to taste.
Can I use store-bought chile powder?
Yes, as long as it is pure chile powder rather than a spice blend.
Is this recipe suitable for vegetarians?
Yes, this dish is listed as a vegetarian-friendly side dish.
What makes this recipe a Tex-Mex dish?
The combination of chile powder, corn, and cilantro creates a flavor profile common in Tex-Mex and Southwestern cuisine.
Can this be considered comfort food?
Yes, these whipped potatoes are tagged as a comfort food recipe.
What season is this recipe ideal for?
It is tagged as a summer recipe, particularly because it utilizes fresh corn kernels off the cob.
How much garlic is needed for this recipe?
The recipe calls for 4 minced garlic cloves.
How much fresh corn is required?
You will need 3/4 cup of fresh corn kernels, ideally cut freshly off the cob.
What is the suggested serving temperature?
The Spicy Chile-Corn Whipped Potatoes should be served warm.
How should the dish be garnished?
Garnish the dish with additional chopped cilantro before serving if desired.