[header] How to cook mashed potatoes [title] Put the potatoes into a large pot of water. [step] Do not peel or cut the potatoes. Instead, scrub them clean first, then put them into a large pot. 
Fill the pot enough water until the water level is 1 inch (2.54 centimeters) above the potatoes. [substeps] Keeping the potatoes whole (not peeled or cut) will prevent them from absorbing too much water.