Turn these simple potatoes into a delicious dish

As temperatures begin to dip and the pre-winter hibernation instinct kicks in, Asda have found that shoppers are looking for comfort food. One of the best forms of comfort food has to be delicious mash potato, the supermarket reported that sales of potato ma shers have risen by 237 per cent on the previous week.

Mash potato has changed a lot over the years, with people becoming more adventurous with adding various ingredients, such as chopped herbs, mustard and even nutmeg. Asda have created their top tips for making the perfect mashed potato:

1 If you prefer light, fluffy mash, use a potato with a lot of starch in it. If you prefer thick and creamy mashed potatoes, try thinner skinned lower starch boiling potato.

2 Add a little salt to your boiling water – it improves the flavour.

3 Do not over-boil. Drain the boiling water as soon as the potatoes are fork tender. Over-boiling will waterlog the potatoes.

4 For very light and fluffy mashed potatoes, get rid of as much water as possible prior to mashing. After you drain, return the potatoes to the pot on the heat for a minute or so, shaking occasionally, letting any residual water steam away until it all looks bone dry. Shake the pan and be careful not to burn the potatoes.

5 Never use a blender to puree potatoes. The blades of a blender or food processor cut through the cellulose starch cells and lead to gummy, glue-like, sticky potatoes. For the creamiest mashed potatoes, use a potato ricer.

6 If using a potato masher, mash just until desired consistency is reached and then stop. Overworking potatoes will lead to a glue-like consistency.

7 For the best taste, use lots of butter and a little warm milk. Season to taste.

8 Blend with other mashed vegetables for an unusual, delicious alternative.

9 Chopped fresh chives are a tasty addition to any mash.