The New York Times was mocked on Twitter after sharing a “two-ingredient” mashed potato recipe - that actually lists four ingredients.
NYT shared the two-year-old recipe on their official Twitter account along with a colorful infographic. It calls for two pounds of russet potatoes, 1/4 cup of sour cream, and salt and pepper.
The infographic simplifies the recipe in just a few steps: Boil the potatoes in salted water until soft. Reserve 1 cup cooking water. Drain and mash potatoes. Stir in reserved water 1 tablespoon at a time. Add sour cream, salt, and pepper. The recipe link says that sour cream can be substituted for full fat Greek yogurt.
These mashed potatoes may be the simplest Thanksgiving side there is. https://t.co/eSZkaXqEnI pic.twitter.com/zS9N21dlXg
— The New York Times (@nytimes) November 18, 2021
Many Twitter users were quick to point out that the recipe technically calls for two ingredients - and that it fails to include one of the quintessential mashed potato ingredients: butter.
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This is four ingredients. And also an abomination.
— Josh Jackson (@VancityJax) November 18, 2021
NYT: "Two Ingredient Mashed Potatoes"
— Case Duckworth (@caseofducks) November 18, 2021
Salt and Pepper: "Am I a joke to you?"
THERE ARE FOUR INGREDIENTS pic.twitter.com/5JDzxFTHvL
— Tom Hewitt (@tomhewittnews) November 18, 2021
If there is no butter, it is not mashed potatoes.
— Art Martin (@gartmartin9) November 18, 2021
This is the Paul Gosar of mashed potato recipes.
This is SWILL. No butter? Nonsense.
— Stiffler’s mom (@kristiecsu) November 18, 2021
two ingredients:
— Fat-TEA (@Fat_DTEA) November 18, 2021
potatoes
sour cream
salt
pepper.
...do you see what's wrong here?
This is the worst recipe I’ve ever seen. Butter butter and more butter!
— dwigt (@linseylucille) November 18, 2021
Other users pointed out that there are technically five ingredients if you include water.
Five if you include water.
— Still can't sleep ✳️✳️ (@mangopavlova) November 18, 2021
Y'all saying there are 4 ingredients aren't giving respect to the 5th: water.
— Kevin (@kevintheclever) November 18, 2021
This recipe would be more difficult than using the traditional butter and milk/cream which both blend in much more easily than sour cream. So unimpressed with the NYT's cooking section.
— Vanfan (@vanfanx) November 18, 2021
Some users began replying with their own suggestions for an improved mashed potato recipe that includes butter.
Completely peel potatoes. Boil till soft. Drain completely. The secret to perfection is just use a lot of Kerrygold grass fed butter with salt (Maldons/Celtic sea) & pep. Mash and Fluff it up good with a wooden spoon. You’ll always be assigned the mashed potatoes if you do that.
— Brendan Walsh (@breathnac) November 18, 2021
Never ever use russets in mashed potatoes. They are too mealy and best when baked. Use Yukon gold or Red potatoes for a smooth, whipped potato. Some milk, sour cream, butter, & S&P is always good.
— GET A SHOT so I can travel again. 🏌️♀️🛵✈️🚡🚂 (@tousjoursmax53) November 18, 2021
roast garlic, white pepper, heavy cream, butter. bake a whole ear of garlic covered in olive oil and basalmic. run through potato ricer with peeled/baked garlic, heavy cream. The trick is to use the elephant ear garlic.
— hifinov8tn (@hifinov8tn) November 18, 2021
The one and only signature mashed potatoes by late 'Chef of the Century' Joël Robuchon :https://t.co/JE5Ye76ZSH
— Volksfront (@Volksfront1959) November 18, 2021
If you wish to re-utilize the mash water (the proper Irish way) do not add salt or butter until after boiling the potatoes (pour it off, to make yeast, with a raisin, into a glass strawberry jar). Use Derry butter. Milk not cream. How you cut the potatoes matters, as well.
— tigger porn (@tigger_porn) November 18, 2021
Some suggested adding cheese, garlic, milk, onion powder, chives, and using a different or “better” potato than the russet type. Others suggested using a potato ricer for a creamier consistency.
Despite the backlash, the New York Times has not taken down their recipe and have gone on to share other infographics for simple Thanksgiving side dish recipes.