Thyme and Olive Oil Mashed Potatoes

Ingredients

• Potatoes (2 pounds, peeled and cut into chunks)
• Salt (1 teaspoon, plus more to taste)
• Black pepper (1/2 teaspoon, plus more to taste)
• Milk (1/2 cup, warmed)
• Unsalted butter (4 tablespoons)
• Garlic (2 cloves, minced)
• Fresh thyme leaves (1 tablespoon)
• Olive oil (2 tablespoons)

Instructions

1. Place the peeled and cut potatoes in a large pot. Add enough water to cover the potatoes by about an inch.
2. Bring the pot to a boil over high heat. Once boiling, reduce the heat to medium and let the potatoes simmer until they are fork-tender, about 15 minutes.
3. While the potatoes are boiling, warm the olive oil in a small skillet over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and thyme leaves.
4. Cook the garlic and thyme in the olive oil for 2-3 minutes until they become fragrant. Be sure not to burn the garlic.
5. When the potatoes are done, drain them well and return them to the pot.
6. Add the butter, warmed milk, salt, and black pepper to the pot with the potatoes. Mash until the potatoes are smooth and creamy.
7. Pour the fragrant olive oil, garlic, and thyme mixture over the mashed potatoes. Stir until the olive oil mixture is fully incorporated.
8. Taste the mashed potatoes and adjust the seasoning with additional salt and pepper if needed.
9. Serve the thyme and olive oil mashed potatoes hot as a delectable side dish with roasted meats or hearty stews.