Instant Mash - thoughts?

Penny-Pincher!!

I have never bought this but sounds ideal for quick meals. As you all know, I love Shepherds Pie...so this sounds ideal if only me wanting it What does it taste like? Is it lumpy?
PP
xx

Mariel

It is very smooth. Make sure you put milk in it though and preferably a bit of butter. Mmmmm.

newlywed

Penny-Pincher!! wrote: »

I have never bought this but sounds ideal for quick meals. As you all know, I love Shepherds Pie...so this sounds ideal if only me wanting it What does it taste like? Is it lumpy?
PP
xx

I've used it on s/pie before. We use proper Smash (must try supermarkets own now after this). Smash is not at all lumpy, it's a fine powder that you add boiling water to and stir with a fork. Gives you a smooth mash.

It's not quite the same as proper mash on a shepherds pie as it doesn't go crispy in the same way when it's baked. But it saves loads of hassle.

I too used to hate the stuff in the 80's so I think they must have vastly improved their recipe since then!!

KittyKate

It actually comes as a powder (unlike smash which can come in cubes) and is really easy to make. As it's a powder it's virtually impossible to make lumpy (unless say you didn't put enough water in). My dad makes it with half boiling milk half boiling water, a knob of utterly butterly (well, Netto's own generally) and a little salt. But the full instructions are on the packet.

I can honestly say that when made correctly I can't tell the difference when it's on my plate especially with gravy/cheese on top - my dad had to inform me I was eating instant! Now, that's a lot better than the days when it tasted like cardboard!

FRUGAL_4

Penny-Pincher!! wrote: »

I have never bought this but sounds ideal for quick meals. As you all know, I love Shepherds Pie...so this sounds ideal if only me wanting it What does it taste like? Is it lumpy?
PP
xx

Penny Pincher,

Hope you are feeling better, my OH raves about this stuff, its not lumpy if you mix it well with hot water, I add a little butter as well and sometimes a wee bit of cheese, I not a real fan of it, but then I don't eat alot of pototoes but for 33p give a try, although I don't know if it freezes, so if you make shepherds pie in batches, cause we know PP has a liking for them, just mix up the potato once you have microwaved/heated the mince up.


Kitykate - we crossed post.

FRUGAL

jamanda

Add lots of grated cheese, put in dish and grate cheese on top. Grill until golden and serve with whatever you can find and baked beans. Cheap and cheerful and very nice.

Penny-Pincher!!

FRUGAL wrote: »

Penny Pincher,

Hope you are feeling better, my OH raves about this stuff, its not lumpy if you mix it well with hot water, I add a little butter as well and sometimes a wee bit of cheese, I not a real fan of it, but then I don't eat alot of pototoes but for 33p give a try, although I don't know if it freezes, so if you make shepherds pie in batches, cause we know PP has a liking for them, just mix up the potato once you have microwaved/heated the mince up.


Kitykate - we crossed post.

FRUGAL

Moi??:rotfl:

I think I may get some of this to try. I have to eat loads of calories each day but my OH has put abit of weight on and has high cholestrol, so he is watching his diet. I prefer hot meals at lunch time and could always do ham, mash and veg or branston or something similar .....i will try and report back as soon as I have.

PP
xx

KittyKate

Ooh! I just found some interesting things on this site http://www.thriftyfun.com/tf31946007.tip.html which might be useful!

A friend showed me this trick...she is a chef...When using instant potatoes and we use the potato buds...use about a tablespoon of mayonaise in them. I use that much is the 4 serving amount. There is something about the mayo that makes them taste like the real thing. Hope you enjoy!

I make a chicken parmesan recipe with instant potatoes -- mix equal parts instant potato flakes and parmesan cheese. Add garlic powder to taste. Dip chicken pieces in beaten egg, then roll in the potato flake/parmesan mixture. Place in a greased baking pan, drizzle with melted butter. Bake at 350 for 1 hour. Delicious -- and it smells SO GOOD as it's cooking!

mrsd

I have recently discovered the delights of instant mash (following horrors of school dinners).

A recipe my family like is fishcakes.

Make up packet mash following instructions, I use milk rather than water, mix in one beaten egg and a tin of salmon (the value brand stuff is fine), shape into cakes on floured board (flour hands too) and shallow fry until golden brown all over.

Much nicer than shop bought ones with "grey" fish and "orange" crumbs, and you know whats in them.

KittyKate

mrsd wrote: »

I have recently discovered the delights of instant mash (following horrors of school dinners).

A recipe my family like is fishcakes.

Make up packet mash following instructions, I use milk rather than water, mix in one beaten egg and a tin of salmon (the value brand stuff is fine), shape into cakes on floured board (flour hands too) and shallow fry until golden brown all over.

Much nicer than shop bought ones with "grey" fish and "orange" crumbs, and you know whats in them.

Sounds great! My OH isn't a salmon fan - can I substitute tuna?