Mashing Potatoes on Shabbos

 

Question:

May one mash a potato on Shabbos? If it’s mixed with liquid would that make a difference?

 

Answer:

If the potato is very well cooked that it is coming apart that you don’t need to mash it just spread it out, you may do so with a fork.

If the potato is still warm and well cooked, which when mashing, the pieces will stick together, then it is permissible to mash it using a spoon or the handle of a fork. There is room for leniency to mash regularly.

If the potato is cold or did soften in the process of cooking, which when mashing the pieces will break up, [even if there is water or other liquid that would cause it to stick] you may not mash it.

A masher may not be used on Shabbos.

 

Sources:

שבת כהלכה כא, לה-מב ובהערות שם. ובמק״א הארכנו בדעת החזו״א דמיעוך חמור מטחינה, ובמשמעות חי׳ הצ״צ דל״ש טוחן אלא במחתכו לחלקים ולא במיעוך.

 

 

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