From sides to mains: 5 ways to enjoy potatoes
What's the story
No ingredient can transform a meal like potatoes.
Affordable and easy to cook, potatoes can be used in a number of ways.
Be it a side dish or a main course, potatoes can always be the star of your meal.
Here are five simple potato dishes which will take your cooking to the next level and wow your family and friends.
Creamy delight
Classic mashed potatoes
Mashed potatoes are a staple at most homes. To make them extra creamy, prepare them with butter and milk or cream.
Boil peeled potatoes until tender and then mash them with butter and milk until smooth.
Season them with salt and pepper to taste. For flavor, you can also consider mixing them with garlic or herbs like chives or parsley.
Golden crunch
Crispy roasted potatoes
Roasted potatoes are a delight for their crunch on the outside and soft inside.
Cut the potatoes into even-sized pieces and toss them with olive oil, salt, pepper, and any herbs of your choice, like rosemary or thyme.
Roast in a 200 degrees Celsius (about 400 degrees Fahrenheit) preheated oven for about 30 minutes, until they turn golden brown.
Cheesy layers
Potato gratin layers
Potato gratin is another rich dish that is prepared by layering thinly sliced potatoes with cheese and cream and then baking it all together.
Start by thinly slicing the potatoes- use a mandoline slicer if you have one.
Layer the slices in an ovenproof dish, alternating between layers of cheese (like Gruyere) and topping it all off with cream lightly seasoned with nutmeg.
Fresh mixes
Potato salad variations
Potato salad has always been perfect for picnics or barbecues, given its refreshing taste profile served cold with other dishes like grilled vegetables.
Boil some small new red-skinned varieties till fork-tender, then cool down completely before tossing gently through mayonnaise-based dressing mixed along with chopped celery stalks and diced pickles, too!
Hearty fillings
Stuffed baked potatoes
A stuffed baked potato makes a hearty meal option where a large russet type gets baked till the skin crisps up nicely.
After which, the top part is removed, and the scooped-out flesh is mashed back together again.
It's combined with favorite fillings such as sour cream, cheddar, bacon bits, and green onions, then reinserted into the shell.
It's reheated briefly under broiler to melt everything together perfectly!