The Perfect Mash
use this to make Champ, Colcannon and other yummy mashes
The Perfect Mash
Champ (creamy mash with scallions)
This is a traditional Irish style mashed potato. It’s worth figuring out how to do good mash, it’s not rocket science but there are a couple of rules you should follow.One of the first things is to steam peeled spuds in a Steamer/Combi Steam. I know there’s a whole school of thought out there that you should boil the spuds in their jackets and then peel when cooked, but I just don’t agree, and anyway, it’s a bit messy and hot that way.So, peel your spuds, cut them all into even sized pieces, smallish (I did mention it wasn’t a science). Place them on the perforated trivot tray which came with your Steam/Combi Steam Oven. (or in the Viking Steam Pot, see the Web site)Steam the spuds for 30-40 minutes or until very very tender.Turn them into a large enough pot (so as not to make a mess when mashing) and mash like crazy. You need to do this immediately, while they are still very hot, otherwise there will be lumps and you will be unpopular.At this stage you can leave the mash till when ever you need it, even hours later. Then when you need it, warm through some cream and butter (more butter than cream) in a pot, and add it to the mash, using a wooden spoon, or a wooden paddle, mix again like crazy over low heat, until you have creamy smooth mash. DO NOT USE BLACK PEPPER. Sorry for the outburst, but Black Pepper in mash is just not good, season your mash with salt and finely ground white pepper. Now fold in the chopped scallions. This is perfect mash turned into perfect Champ. You can make Calley (I’m not sure of the spelling of this) which was really popluar with us as kids, it’s mashed potato with butter and chopped raw onion, or you can make Colcannon, which is mashed potato with butter and kale, or any cabbage really. You can mix grilled and crumbled black pudding into mash to be served with Slow Roast pork belly, there are lots of things you can do with good mash. And if you ever have any left over, make some soup out of it.No documents found.
