Ingredients:
- Potatoes: 2 pounds, peeled and quartered
- Butter: 4 tablespoons
- Milk: 1 cup
- Salt: to taste
- Pepper: to taste
- Tea Rubs: 1 tablespoon (a blend of black tea leaves, ground sage, and a pinch of garlic powder)
- Grated cheese: 1 cup (such as cheddar, gouda, or parmesan)
- Heavy cream: 2 tablespoons (optional)
- Chives: 2 tablespoons, chopped (for garnish)
Instructions:
- Prepare the Tea Rubs: In a small bowl, mix the black tea leaves, ground sage, and garlic powder. Crush the tea leaves lightly with a mortar and pestle or use a spice grinder to create a fine blend.
- Boil the Potatoes: Place the potatoes in a large pot and cover with cold water. Bring to a boil over high heat, then reduce the heat to medium and cook until the potatoes are fork-tender, about 20-25 minutes.
- Drain and Mash: Drain the potatoes in a colander. Return the potatoes to the pot and add the butter, milk, salt, pepper, and tea rubs. Mash the potatoes until smooth, either using a potato masher or an electric mixer.
- Adjust Consistency: If the potatoes are too thick, add more milk, a tablespoon at a time, until the desired consistency is reached. Stir in the heavy cream if a richer texture is desired.
- Stir in Cheese: Add the grated cheese to the mashed potatoes and stir until the cheese is completely melted and well combined.
- Serve: Transfer the cheese and tea rubs mashed potatoes to a serving dish and garnish with chopped chives.
Tips:
- The tea rubs add a unique aroma and depth of flavor to the classic mashed potatoes, complementing the rich cheese flavor.
- For a smoother texture, you can pass the mashed potatoes through a potato ricer or use an electric mixer with a paddle attachment.
- This Cheesy Mashed Potatoes with Tea Rubs recipe is perfect as a side dish for your holiday meals or special family dinners. The addition of tea rubs creates a memorable and comforting dish.