Start by placing the russet potatoes in a large saucepan and cover them with 8 cups of cold water. Add in the coarse salt and bring the mixture to a simmer. It’s vital to use cold water as this helps the potatoes cook evenly. Cover the pot and let them simmer until a knife can easily slip into them, which should take about 30 minutes.
Once cooked, carefully drain the potatoes and allow them to cool for a few minutes. Peeling them can be a bit tricky, so I recommend using kitchen gloves to avoid burning your hands. The skin should come off easily if they’re cooked properly.
Next, pass the peeled potatoes through a potato ricer into a large bowl. This is where the magic happens! Ricing the potatoes ensures they remain fluffy and light. Take your time with this step; it’s worth it for that perfect texture.
Now, in a small saucepan, heat the whole milk until it reaches a gentle boil. Keep an eye on it to prevent it from overflowing. As the milk heats, transfer the riced potatoes to a Dutch oven or another saucepan.
Over medium-low heat, add the chilled butter cubes to the riced potatoes. Stir continuously over the heat for about 5 minutes. This step is crucial as it allows the butter to melt and blend perfectly into the potatoes, creating a smooth and creamy mixture.
Once the butter is incorporated, it's time to slowly pour in the very hot milk. Do this in a thin stream while stirring briskly. This technique will help the potatoes absorb the milk evenly, resulting in a velvety consistency.
Continue stirring until all the milk is absorbed and the potatoes are smooth. You’ll notice the mixture becoming luxuriously creamy; this is precisely what you want!
After everything is combined, turn off the heat and add salt and ground white pepper to taste. The pepper adds a unique flavor that differentiates your mashed potatoes from the usual.
Finally, serve the Ultimate French Mashed Potatoes immediately. If you want to elevate them further, consider adding a small cube of butter on top for a little extra indulgence before serving. Enjoy the exquisite flavors!
