Indulge in the heartwarming essence of Finnish cuisine with Perunamuusi, a beloved staple that embodies comfort and simplicity. A culinary cornerstone of Finnish households, Perunamuusi elevates humble potatoes into a creamy, velvety delight. Made from locally sourced potatoes, boiled to perfection, and then mashed with butter and milk, this dish boasts a rustic charm that resonates with every spoonful. Whether served alongside hearty meat dishes, gravies, or simply as a standalone comfort, Perunamuusi captures the essence of Finnish culinary tradition, inviting you to savor a taste of Finland's cozy warmth and hospitality.

Ingredients:

• 1 kg (about 2.2 lbs) potatoes (preferably floury potatoes like Russets)
• 50-100g (about 3-7 tbsp) butter, softened
• 100-200ml (about 1/2 - 1 cup) milk, warmed
• Salt, to taste
• Black pepper, to taste (optional)

Instructions:

1- Wash the potatoes thoroughly to remove any dirt. Peel the potatoes and cut them into evenly sized chunks. This helps in ensuring even cooking.

2- Place the potato chunks in a large pot and cover them with cold water. Add a generous pinch of salt to the water. Bring the water to a boil over medium-high heat.

3- Once the water is boiling, reduce the heat to medium-low and let the potatoes simmer until they are fork-tender. This usually takes about 15-20 minutes, depending on the size of the potato chunks.

4- Once the potatoes are cooked, drain them thoroughly using a colander or a sieve. Return the drained potatoes to the pot.

5- Using a potato masher or a fork, mash the potatoes until they reach a smooth consistency. Some people prefer a chunkier texture, so mash to your desired consistency.

6- Add the softened butter to the mashed potatoes. The amount of butter can vary based on your preference for richness and creaminess. Start with a smaller amount and adjust according to taste.

7- Gradually pour in the warm milk while continuing to mash the potatoes. The milk helps to achieve a creamy texture. Again, the amount of milk can vary depending on how creamy you want your mashed potatoes to be.

8- Season the Perunamuusi with salt and pepper to taste. Mix well to ensure that the seasoning is evenly distributed throughout the mashed potatoes.

9- Serve the Perunamuusi hot as a side dish with your favorite Finnish main courses, such as meatballs (lihapullat), grilled salmon (savustettu lohi), or beef stew (lihakeitto).

Enjoy your homemade Finnish Perunamuusi, a comforting and delicious accompaniment to any meal!

Nutritional Values:

Potatoes (1 kg):

• Calories: 770 kcal
• Carbohydrates: 180 g
• Protein: 20 g
• Fat: 0 g
• Fiber: 20 g

benefits

• Potatoes are a good source of carbohydrates, providing energy for the body.
• They are rich in fiber, which aids digestion and promotes a feeling of fullness.
• Potatoes also contain vitamins and minerals such as vitamin C, potassium, and B vitamins, which are essential for overall health and well-being.

Butter (50-100g):

• Calories: 360-720 kcal
• Fat: 40-80 g
• Carbohydrates: 0-4 g
• Protein: 0-1 g

benefits

• Butter adds richness and flavor to the mashed potatoes.
• It is a source of fat-soluble vitamins like vitamins A, D, E, and K.
• While high in calories and saturated fat, butter in moderation can be part of a balanced diet

Milk (100-200ml, whole milk):

• Calories: 60-120 kcal
• Fat: 3.5-7 g
• Carbohydrates: 5-10 g
• Protein: 3-6 g

benefits

• Milk contributes to the creamy texture of the mashed potatoes.
• It is an excellent source of calcium, which is essential for bone health.
• Milk also provides protein, which is important for muscle repair and growth.
• Additionally, milk contains other essential vitamins and minerals like vitamin D, vitamin B12, and potassium.

Please note that these values are approximate and can vary based on factors such as the specific type of potato, brand of butter, and fat content of the milk used. Additionally, the amount of butter and milk added to the mashed potatoes can vary based on personal preference, so the nutritional values may change accordingly.