The humble potato has been a source of satisfaction for people worldwide. From mashed potatoes to French fries, potatoes can be cooked in various ways. But why be basic when this versatile vegetable can offer so much more? Embark on a gastronomic journey by trying out some of these delicious potato recipes:
1) Potato soup
This healthy and hearty potato dish boasts a creamy texture and is enriched with classic flavors. It combines potatoes with a chicken or vegetable broth (depending on your preference), onions, carrots, celery, and traditional seasoning. Most people also include heavy cream or cheese to create a rich texture, but you can adjust your potato soup recipe to match your preference.
The soup tastes great with bread and croutons and is the perfect meal if you are looking for something to enjoy on a cold winter night.
2) Stuffed baked potatoes
Stuffed baked potatoes can be made by using everyday shelf ingredients and leftovers from last night, which makes this recipe easy on the pocket.
Choose starchy potato variants like Russet or the Yukon Gold; these types can bake to perfection without getting too dry. Start by baking your potatoes until they are tender. Scoop out the flesh and mash it with classic ingredients like milk, cream, cheese, shredded chicken, bacon, chives, and seasonings. Pop it back in the oven for a couple of minutes before serving.
This dish is excellent as a stand-alone, but you can also treat it as a side for roasted chicken, steak, and burgers.
3) Potato and mushroom hash
What’s better than one earthy vegetable? Two earthy vegetables! Combine the starchiness of potatoes with crispy, flavorful mushrooms in a hash. A popular breakfast option, potato and mushroom hash browns are often served with eggs.
The best way to cook a hash is in a skillet pan. This makes the vegetables crispy on the outside but soft in the middle. Each bite of this crispy caramelized goodness paired with the perfect egg yolk will leave you wanting more. Mushrooms and potatoes require a lot of seasoning, so don’t hesitate to be generous while sprinkling your favorite topping.
4) Vada pav
A humble street food from Mumbai, India, vada pav has slowly paved its way into people’s hearts worldwide. It is a combination of potatoes (vada) and a soft bun (pav), smeared with butter, vegetables, and sauces and then squashed to a size that fits your mouth. It is a mouthwatering blend of Indian spices that create a savory, tangy, and aromatic patty. It is affordable and easy on the pocket.
Although it is a filling and satisfying meal, some people combine it with salted green chili fritters and chutneys to amp up the heat. This potato offering is traditionally not meant to be light on the spices, so make adjustments to your liking.
5) Honey-roasted sweet potatoes
This dish combines mildly sweet potatoes with cinnamon, nutmeg, and honey to make a healthy treat that hits all the right spots. The potatoes are roasted at a suitable temperature, depending on the size and thickness of the cut. Most people opt for a cube shape as it cooks quickly.
While roasting your sweet potatoes, opt for caramelization all across their body by turning them around in the oven. This dish not only tastes good but is also low in calories.
6) Gnocchi
Gnocchi, pronounced nyoh-kee, is a type of Italian pasta made from potatoes, flour, and eggs. This gluten-loaded and starchy dish is common in home and gourmet cuisine. Gnocchi is made by creating a dough of boiled potatoes and flour. This mixture is boiled in the shape of small pillows and then tossed in a pan for a few minutes with an appropriate sauce.
It is a simple dish that combines several steps that demand perfection. Take a day out to prepare gnocchi and freeze it for future use. You can also buy pasta made out of potatoes from the store, but there’s no fun in preparing this dish if you don’t do it from scratch.
7) Potato pizza
Let’s take an unconventional turn to create a potato pizza made from potatoes. It is a classic Alsatian pizza that combines potatoes, caramelized onions, bacon, creme fraiche, and confit garlic. It is also known as a Tarte Flambee.
This pizza is made with a flatbread base and a thin crust. The addition of kale and chives can further elevate the toppings. Top it off with gruyère cheese or fresh mozzarella for the best flavors. If you love pizza and are always searching for something new, try an Alsatian potato pizza, and you won’t be disappointed.
8) Lamb pot pie
Lamb pot pie is a simple and delectable comfort food made with rich flavors of lamb and potatoes bound together under a flaky pastry crust. The lamb is tender which adds depth to the overall flavors of the pie, while the potatoes add satisfaction to each bite. Pot pies can be made from leftovers and ingredients at your home.
Season your meat with a generous helping of salt and pepper. Dried herbs like thyme, rosemary, and oregano are perfect to enhance the flavor. A pot pie can be made in a cast iron pan that prevents the pastry from burning. Cook your meat slowly for a longer time to retain maximum flavor and come out tasting succulent and divine.
Lamb and potato pot pie might require the use of broth. Use lamb broth instead of chicken and beef for the best taste.
Conclusion
Potato is a widely used vegetable that can be transformed into many delicious recipes. Potatoes can be paired with other vegetables, meats, and a good amount of seasoning to maximize the flavors. So, if you are in for a mouthwatering and filling treat that becomes a family favorite, choose the right potatoes to cook irresistible meals.
I love potatoes and am always happy to find more recipes for them.
I am a fan of potato soup and stuffed potatoes. Both are such good ways to use up potatoes.