Where is mashed potatoes from?

Mashed potatoes, as we know them today, don't have a single definitive origin. However, the practice of boiling potatoes and mashing them is a combination of:

* Ancient Origins: Potatoes originated in the Andes region of South America and were cultivated by indigenous people long before European colonization. These early cultures likely boiled and mashed potatoes in various ways.

* European Influence: When potatoes reached Europe in the 16th century, they quickly gained popularity. European cooks experimented with different ways to prepare potatoes, including mashing.

* Modern Development: The invention of the potato masher in the 19th century revolutionized the process of making mashed potatoes, making them faster and easier to prepare.

Therefore, mashed potatoes, while having roots in ancient Andean cultures, are a global dish that evolved and developed through various culinary influences.