The potato masher is one of the most dreaded tools in my kitchen; it always gives me flashbacks to when I had to mash potatoes for Thanksgiving dinners while growing up.
If you're not fond of mashers either, or just don't have one, there's another way to get delicious mashed potatoes, hummus, and other mashed foods without one. Use a coffee mug. It's a simple yet brilliant solution, and just one of the ways in which you can use your coffee mug in the kitchen.
A wide grip and relatively light weight make coffee mugs the perfect substitute for mashers, and keeps your hand from cramping up. And if you don't believe me, allow me to demonstrate with these 5 delicious examples:
1. Mashed Potatoes
If you like chunky mashed potatoes, using a mug is a no-brainer for these annoying-to-mash veggies, and creates a side dish that a mixer would never be able to.
After letting the boiled potatoes cool down for a bit, remove the skin and cut them up into bite-sized pieces.
Place them in a bowl and mash them well with the bottom of the mug.
I used a mashed potatoes recipe on Allrecipes, but definitely recommend that you give these pro tips a try to create an even fluffier masterpiece.
2. Guacamole
My happy place: a bowl of tortilla chips, homemade guac, and binging TV shows. Using a mug to mash up the avocados is a lightning-fast way to whip up a bowl and be on the couch in no time.
Peel the avocados, then cut them into smaller, more manageable pieces for mashing. Place in a bowl and mash away with the bottom of a mug!
For foolproof instructions on how to make guacamole, Taste of Home has an excellent recipe. (If you have any leftover for some strange reason, make sure to keep that guac from browning!)
3. Hummus
Hummus is a fantastic Middle Eastern dip that has become quite ubiquitous in the Western world—and is a much healthier alternative to cream-based dips (while still boasting of the same creaminess). Mashing garbanzo beans can seem like a chore, but using a mug and some blunt force, the work goes by quickly.
Heat garbanzo beans in the microwave for 30 seconds to soften them up.
Mash them up with a mug—make sure to not fill the bowl too much, however, since garbanzo beans are prone to jump ship due to their circular nature.
About.com has a no-fuss recipe that's a great place to start; feel free to improvise with some of your favorite flavors, such as roasted red pepper, garlic, or even artichoke.
4. Refried Beans
No burrito is complete without a good serving of refried beans, in my humble opinion. Of course, you can get the pre-made canned version from the store—but like anything else, it tastes way better when you make it yourself. And luckily, using your mug masher makes this process both easy and worthwhile.
Heat the canned beans in the microwave for 30 seconds to soften them up. Then, take out the day's aggression on those beans and mash, mash, mash.
You can either keep it simple with some salt and cumin after mashing (just stir the seasonings in to taste), and you can even add some lime, garlic, and chili powder for something more exciting.
5. Egg Salad
For a well-executed egg salad, mashing is key—and mashing with a mug promises an addictive chunky version.
Hard-boil your eggs (or steam them). Then, after the eggs cool down, peel them and cut into small pieces.
Vigorously mash your hard-boiled eggs until you are satisfied with the results. Some like it chunky, others like it smooth... the choice is yours.
You can go classic with a bit of mayo and a sprinkle of salt and pepper, or upgrade with bacon, pickles, and all things delicious.
Now that you know that a coffee mug is just as effective as a traditional masher, your hands will be forever grateful.
More Clever Kitchen Tool Hacks:
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