instant potatoes
Also known as: instant mashed potatoes
Dehydrated, pre-cooked potato flakes or granules that reconstitute into mashed potatoes with hot liquid stirred in -- normally a quick side dish shortcut, but also useful stirred dry into an already-cooked soup or chowder as an instant thickener, since the flakes absorb liquid and swell almost immediately.
Buying guidance
Sold in a box or pouch in the potato or boxed-sides aisle; plain flakes (not a pre-seasoned "flavored" variety) are what a recipe usually means when using them as a thickener rather than as their own side dish.
Substitutions
- A cornstarch or flour slurry -- thickens without adding potato flavor or the slightly different texture flakes bring.
- A portion of the soup's own potatoes, mashed and stirred back in -- a from-scratch way to thicken with real potato rather than a dehydrated product.
- Additional dairy (more cheese or cream, reduced down) -- thickens through richness rather than starch.
Tips & common mistakes
Adding too much at once can thicken a pot past the point of no return almost instantly, since the flakes absorb liquid so fast -- add a little at a time and let it sit a minute before deciding whether more is needed.
Storage
Keeps for a year or more in a sealed box or pouch at room temperature, away from moisture.