Ingredients

enough for 4

　　mashing potatoes – 1 pound (450g)

　　olive oil – 4 tablespoons (60ml)

　　garlic cloves – 2, squashed flat but not peeled

　　thyme – a bushy sprig

　　a thick slice of butter

　　

Step 1

Peel and cook the potatoes in the usual manner. Warm the olive oil, garlic cloves, and thyme sprig in a small pan, then turn off the heat and leave the aromatics to do their work while the potatoes cook.

　　

Step 2

Mash the potatoes as usual, introducing the butter and oil and holding back the garlic and herbs as you go. Grind in a little pepper and serve.

　　Tender