The Absurd Amount Of Garlic In Julia Child's Mashed Potatoes

Julia Child, the iconic American chef known for bringing French cuisine to the average home cook, had a penchant for bold flavors, and her mashed potatoes were no exception. In one of her audacious recipes, she incorporated an unusually generous amount of garlic, which surprised even the most adventurous of palates. This dish was a testament to her belief that cooking should be both an art and a sensory experience. The recipe called for whole cloves of garlic to be simmered until soft, then mashed into a creamy paste and blended seamlessly with buttery potatoes. This method ensured that the garlic's pungency was mellowed, resulting in a rich and aromatic dish that balanced the creamy texture of the potatoes with the subtle sweetness of the garlic. Child's approach to mashed potatoes was illustrative of her fearless culinary style, where she encouraged cooks to experiment and indulge in robust flavors. This dish not only highlighted her love for garlic but also demonstrated her ability to elevate simple ingredients into gastronomic delights. Her mashed potatoes remain a beloved example of how a single ingredient, used in abundance, can transform a classic dish into something extraordinary and memorable.
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More ways to infuse your mashed potatoes with garlic

Julia Child's technique for garlic mashed potatoes includes blanching the cloves, but there are countless ways to infuse your purée de pommes de terre with garlic. If you prefer not to use an extra pot for blanching, you can still achieve Child's impressive garlic flavor by roasting the garlic to enhance your mashed potatoes. Simply slice the tops off the garlic heads, drizzle them with olive oil, and wrap them in foil before placing them in the oven. The roasted cloves will become soft and dark, offering a sweet, caramel-like flavor that’s ideal for mixing directly into your potato blend.

However, neither blanching nor roasting garlic will add much texture to your mashed potatoes. For a bit of extra character and a satisfying crunch, consider topping your mashed potatoes with garlicky breadcrumbs. A mixture of butter, breadcrumbs, pepper, and a touch of parsley, all toasted together with minced garlic, creates a delightful topping for your potatoes. Plus, this mixture can be served on the side for your guests to add as much (or as little) of those garlic crumbs as they desire to their mashed potatoes.

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