Why You Shouldn’t Boil Mashed Potatoes in Water

Rustic Chicken Stock Mashed Potatoes with Sour Cream & Chives

Comfort food with soul, elevated with simple, flavorful ingredients.

Ingredients:

2 pounds (about 900g) potatoes – Yukon Gold for creamy richness or Russets for fluffiness
2 cups low-sodium chicken stock – for that savory, slow-cooked depth
1 cup water – to help just cover the potatoes
3 tablespoons unsalted butter – because potatoes and butter are soulmates
½ cup sour cream – brings that creamy tangy note
¼ cup whole milk or cream (optional) – for extra silkiness if you like it lush
2 tablespoons fresh chives, finely chopped – for a pop of flavor and color
Salt and pepper, to taste

Optional flavor boosts:

A pinch of nutmeg (especially good if pairing with greens or meats)
Roasted garlic or a bit of garlic powder for a mellow savory backbone

Instructions:

🥔 1. Prep the Potatoes

Give your potatoes a good scrub — no need to peel them. The skins add a rustic heartiness and a bit of texture that makes this mash feel extra homey and real.

🔥 2. Cook in Chicken Stock

Place the potatoes in a large pot and pour in the chicken stock and water. The liquid should just cover the top layer of potatoes. Bring everything to a boil over high heat, then reduce to a gentle simmer. Let them cook for 15–20 minutes, or until a knife slips in easily.

🍗 Pro Tip: Cooking potatoes in stock instead of plain water gives them a subtle savory flavor from the inside out.

🥣 3. Drain and Mash

Carefully drain the potatoes, reserving about ½ cup of the cooking liquid — this might come in handy later. Return the potatoes to the warm pot or a mixing bowl and start mashing with a masher or hand mixer, depending on your texture preference (chunky or silky smooth? Your call!).

🧈 4. Mix in the Good Stuff

While the potatoes are still hot, stir in the butter until it’s completely melted. Then fold in the sour cream, and if you’re going for ultimate creaminess, pour in a splash of milk or cream.

If the mash seems too thick, drizzle in some of the reserved cooking liquid until you hit that perfect consistency.

🌿 5. Season and Brighten

Season generously with salt and freshly ground pepper. Then stir in the chopped chives, along with any of your optional add-ins. Nutmeg adds a subtle warmth, while garlic gives it a gentle kick.

🍽️ 6. Serve It Up

Spoon your rustic mash into a warm serving bowl. Add a few extra chives on top for color, and maybe another pat of butter to melt slowly into the crevices.

Serving Suggestions:

These potatoes are the perfect sidekick to roasted chicken, grilled sausages, or a hearty mushroom gravy. Or enjoy them solo in a bowl with a spoon — no judgment.

Why You’ll Love This Dish:

Chicken stock adds a deep, cozy flavor without needing tons of salt or fat
Leaving the skins on gives texture, fiber, and that rustic farmhouse feel
Sour cream brings a creamy tang that balances the richness
Chives cut through with brightness and a whisper of onion