This has to be the best mash in the world. Joël Robuchon died 6th August this year from pancreatic cancer. His name is not as well known around the world as say, Bocuse, Ducasse, Blumenthal or Gordon Ramsay (who was a protagé) despite being idolised by his peers. The food magazine, Gault & Millau, named him chef of the century in 1989. In 1995 he retired from the pressured world of Michelin stars and fine dining having at that stage opened and operated over a dozen restaurants around the world. Articles refer to his "relentless perfectionism". He simply turned his back on three star cuisine to live better and to have a family life. Later he did re-invent himself - simpler food, simpler presentation and simpler settings, with dishes using just three to four basic elements. By this time, nonetheless, he had accumulated 32 Michelin stars, the most of any other chef in the world. Left: Joël Robuchon - the chef's chef Right: a "three star cuisine" presentation of eye-watering precision - caviar on lobster aspic, topped with gold leaf and enhanced by tiny cushions of crème fraîche mounted by individual petit pois. But I do make his mashed potato... Purée de Pommes de Terre (World’s Best Mashed Potato) Follow this to the letter the first time. You can loosen up on the effort once you’ve got the hang of it and know what you’re aiming for. 1K potatoes (starchy rather than waxy) (Choose potatoes of similar size for even cooking.) up to 250 ml (1 cup) real milk (i.e. not low-fat) 200 – 250 gm unsalted butter, cubed and chilled. Salt
The original Jöel recipe from his book Simply French (written by Patricia Wells) suggests “For exceptionally rich potatoes, the quantity of butter may be doubled”. Now, that’s my kind of recipe! His mash became "iconic" with grand restaurants and hipster bistros following his lead. Left: Mash, exquisitely served at the Grand Véfour, Paris, individually portioned, sitting in a jus, fragrant with truffle. (More on that later.)
Right: Mash served at Le Comptoir du Relais, Paris, to support a crisply bread-crumbed, boned pig's trotter - simple bistro that belies a menu of heavenly dishes. (More on that later.) Tell me how you get on...
1 Comment
Kym Dixon
5/9/2018 12:12:59 am
What is it about mashed potato? - I can quite easily eat a whole bowl of it and thoroughly enjoy it with no accompaniments other than the butter and milk. The same goes for cous cous and rice. It seems just a bland dish but it satisfies.
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