New ideas for the humble potato

Potatoes!

Potatoes are one of the most versatile and beloved vegetables in the world. They are a staple in many diets and can be prepared in a multitude of ways. Whether you prefer them baked, fried, mashed, boiled, or roasted, potatoes are a delicious addition to any meal.

If you are vegan, potatoes can be a great source of nutrition as they are high in complex carbohydrates, fibre, potassium, vitamin C, and vitamin B6. Plus, they are naturally gluten-free and low in fat, making them a great choice for a healthy and satisfying meal.

Potato classics

One of the easiest ways to prepare potatoes is by baking them, aka jacket potatoes. Simply wash the potatoes, poke some holes in them with a fork, and bake them in the oven (or the air fryer) until they are crispy on the outside and soft in the middle. You can top your baked potatoes with anything you choose – simple with houmous, beans or cheese, a more substantial meal with chilli or curry, or try vegan sour cream, chives, bacon bits, and cheese for a classic loaded baked potato that is perfect for any occasion. Did you know you can prepare any size potatoes this way – baby jacket potatoes are one of my favourite things and they cook much faster too!

Roast Potatoes – Roast potatoes are a classic British side dish that is often served with a traditional Sunday roast. They are made by parboiling peeled potatoes, then tossing them in oil and roasting them in the oven until crispy and golden brown.

Mashed Potatoes – Mashed potatoes are a staple side dish in the UK. They are made by boiling peeled potatoes until they are soft, then mashing them with butter, milk, salt, and pepper.

Chips, or French fries, are a classic side dish in the UK. Although you can buy every shape and size premade frozen or fresh in the supermarkets, making your own is something you should try at least once! They are made by cutting potatoes into strips of your desired thickness and frying them until they are crispy and golden brown. You can leave the skin on, or peel them, or even cut the potatoes thicker to make potato wedges. Of course, you can lightly spray them with oil and bake if you prefer, or pop them in the airfryer! Why not try topping your fries with your favourite toppings – try a sprinkle of cheese, add beans or fresh herbs.

A bit more adventurous ideas

Bubble and Squeak is a traditional British dish made from leftover vegetables and potatoes. The vegetables and potatoes are fried together in a pan until crispy and browned. This is a great idea for using up leftovers.

If you are looking for a side dish for a barbecue (although this works well for buffets & lunches too), try making vegan potato salad. Boil diced potatoes (skin off or on) and mix them with vegan mayonnaise, maybe add a bit of mustard or vinegar, and add diced vegetables like celery, red onion, spring onions or chives.

Dauphinoise Potatoes are a French dish that is popular in the UK. They are made by slicing potatoes thinly and layering them in a dish with cream, garlic, and cheese, then baking them in the oven until tender and golden brown. For a twist on this classic, layer them on a tortilla wrap and make a dauphinoise pizza.

Make Potato the star

If you are looking for further ideas, and really want to try something different – for example you’ve suddenly found yourself with LOTS of potatoes that need rescuing (for example from the food sharing app Olio), try these:

Potato Tacos: Fry, roast or bake diced potatoes with your favourite spices (I suggest, Cajun, garlic and black pepper), and serve them in a taco shell with all the classic fixings like lettuce, tomato, cucumber, avocado and salsa.

Sweet Potato Toast: Not strictly potatoes, although it would work too! Cut sweet potatoes into thick slices and toast them until crispy. Top with your favorite spreads like almond butter, cream cheese or avocado.

Potato and Vegetable Curry: Cut potatoes into small pieces and cook them with your favourite vegetables and curry sauce. Serve over rice for a satisfying and flavourful meal.

Potato and Leek Soup: Sauté diced potatoes and leeks, add vegetable broth, and let simmer until the potatoes are soft. Blend the mixture until smooth, and serve hot with a side of crusty bread.

Hasselback potatoes: A Swedish dish that have become popular in the UK. They are made by taking a whole potato, then making several thin vertical cuts almost all the way through, then brushing the slices with butter/oil and black pepper/herbs. The potato is then roasted in the oven until crispy and golden brown.

Potato Skins: Made by baking whole potatoes in the oven, then scooping out the insides and baking until crispy. You can mix the potato flesh with butter and cheese, then refill the potatoes and bake them again. Alternatively you can just serve the skins crispy with a range of self fill toppings (I love them with houmous and coleslaw).

Potato Gnocchi: A traditional Italian dish that is made by mixing mashed potatoes with flour and forming them into small dumplings. They are boiled until they float to the surface, then served with your favourite sauce. (you can also use sweet potato or pumpkin to make gnocchi).

Sharing!

You should know by now that I love hearing from you! What are your favourite potato dishes? Does it depend on the type of potato? The weather? The time you have available? Drop me a line below and/or tag me @LifeDietHealth or using #LifeDietHealth on Instagram, Pinterest, Facebook or Twitter.

Speak soon

Laurena x