These purple mashed potatoes have a wonderfully rich and creamy texture and burst with flavor – They’re easy to make and always a crowd fave!
These purple mashed potatoes are delightfully rich and creamy, packed with flavor, easy to make, and call for just 3 ingredients!
Whenever purple potatoes are in season (usually throughout fall and winter) I like to make a simple yet showstopping 3 ingredient purple mashed potatoes.
These colorful potatoes have a denser texture and slightly nuttier, earthier flavor than white potatoes, making them stand out from traditional mashed potatoes.
Their flavor pairs well with a variety of dishes, turning them into a beautifully versatile side dish to any meal.
Trust me, once you try them, you’ll wonder why you ever settled for plain old mashed potatoes in the first place!
Jump to:
What are purple potatoes?
Purple potatoes are a type of potato with a distinctive deep purple or violet flesh and skin.
They belong to the same family as the traditional white or yellow potatoes, but they contain higher levels of antioxidants, which give them their purple color.
There are several varieties of purple potatoes, two of which are Vitelotte (mostly available in Europe) and Purple Majesty (mostly available in the US):
- Vitelotte: Also known as Vitelotte Noire, this variety originates from France and has deep purple skin and flesh. It is sometimes referred to as “black truffle potato” due to its earthy flavor and dark color. Vitelotte potatoes are often used in gourmet cooking and can be roasted, mashed, or used in salads.
- Purple Majesty: Developed by Colorado State University, Purple Majesty potatoes have rich purple skin and vibrant purple flesh. They are known for their high levels of antioxidants and are considered a nutritious addition to the diet. Purple Majesty potatoes can be boiled, roasted, or fried, and they retain their striking color even after cooking.
Where can you find purple potatoes?
Purple potatoes can be found at most grocery stores, especially during the fall and winter months.
They are also commonly found at farmers’ markets and specialty food stores.
If you can’t find them in your local area, you can also purchase them online from various retailers.
Mashed purple potatoes ingredients
These purple mash potatoes call for just three ingredients you most likely have in your kitchen already.
- Potatoes: I use Vitelotte potatoes as are widely available here, but Purple Majesty or any other purple potato variety will work.
- Butter: My favorite option is unsalted Irish butter. If you have time you can also make homemade butter.
- Milk: I always opt for whole cow’s milk in mashed potatoes. But you can use semi-skimmed milk or plain plant-based milk.
- Toppings (optional): Sprinkle on some chopped chives or parsley for extra flavor.
How to make purple mashed potatoes
The beauty of this mashed purple potato recipe is that it’s ready in just 20 minutes, and is super easy to make!
Below is the step-by-step recipe overview with pictures.
Scroll until the end of the post for the full printable recipe.
STEP 1. Place the purple potatoes, unpeeled, in a large pot and boil for 20 minutes or until tender.
STEP 2. Drain and peel them, and pass them through a potato ricer.
Tip: If the riced potatoes go cold, transfer them to a saucepan and reheat them over low heat, then add the remaining ingredients.
STEP 3. Place the potatoes in a large bowl, add in softened butter and stir until fluffy.
STEP 4. Pour warmed milk in, and stir the potatoes until reaching the desired texture. Season to taste, top with fresh herbs and serve.
Tips on how to cook purple potatoes
Purple potatoes can be used in so many different ways, from simple roasted side dishes to more elaborate gourmet recipes.
Besides making purple potato mash, here are a few simple ways you can cook purple potatoes:
- Boiled: Place the whole or cubed purple potatoes in a pot and cover them with cold water. Add a pinch of salt to the water to enhance the flavor. Bring the water to a boil over medium-high heat, then reduce the heat to low and let the potatoes simmer for about 15-20 minutes, or until they are tender when pierced with a fork.
- Steamed: Place them in a steamer basket over boiling water and cover. Steam the potatoes for 15-20 minutes until they are soft and easily pierced with a fork.
- Roasted: For a richer flavor, you can roast purple potatoes in the oven. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Cut the potatoes into bite-sized pieces and toss them with olive oil, salt, and any herbs or spices. Roast for about 25-30 minutes, or until they are tender and golden brown.
If you’re looking for more purple potato recipes, try these purple gnocchi, or for a colorful twist, use purple mash potatoes as the topping for your shepherd’s pie.
You can also make these quick roasted potatoes using your favorite purple potato.
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Recipe
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These purple mashed potatoes have a wonderfully rich and creamy texture and burst with flavor – They’re easy to make and always a crowd fave!
Serving: 6
Calories: 294kcal
Ingredients
- 1.30 lb purple potatoes
- 6.30 oz butter, softened
- ⅕ cups fresh whole milk
- sea salt and black pepper, to taste
- 1 tablespoon finely chopped parsley or chives, optional
Instructions
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Place the purple potatoes in a large pot and cover them with cold water. Bring to a boil, then simmer for about 20 minutes, or until the potatoes are tender and cooked through.
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Once the potatoes are ready, drain them in a colander, peel them, and pass them through a food mill or a potato ricer.
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Meanwhile, warm the milk until hot, cover and set aside.
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Place the potatoes in a large bowl, add in softened butter and stir with a rubber spatula until it reaches a flufflier consinstency.
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Slowly pour the warmed milk in, and continue to stir the potatoes until reaching the desired texture.
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Season the purple mashed potatoes with salt, and transfer them to a warm serving bowl.
Notes
If your potatoes go cold, heat them up again (in warm water, or in a microwave) and then proceed to mash them.
Leftover mashed potatoes can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days.
Nutrition
Calories: 294kcal | Carbohydrates: 18g | Protein: 3g | Fat: 24g | Saturated Fat: 15g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 1g | Monounsaturated Fat: 6g | Trans Fat: 1g | Cholesterol: 65mg | Sodium: 200mg | Potassium: 433mg | Fiber: 2g | Sugar: 1g | Vitamin A: 759IU | Vitamin C: 19mg | Calcium: 29mg | Iron: 1mg
The information shown is an estimate provided by an online nutrition calculator. It should not be considered a substitute for a professional nutritionist’s advice.
