What are the best potato dishes that can easily be made at home?
- Boiled Potatoes
- Cream of Potato Soup
- Potato Salad
- Baked Potato
- Potato Chips
- Hashed Browns
- Potato Skins
- Potato Au Gratin
- Hasselback Potatoes
- Mashed Potatoes
- French Fries
When it comes to food and versatility, many people will agree that the potato is one of the most flexible foods that can be prepared in almost any shape or form. The potato is so versatile that it can be served in casual gatherings as well as elegant events such as a wedding catering in the Philippines.
As stated above, there are a lot of ways to prepare potatoes for consumption and in this article, we are going to be covering the most common ways to enjoy potatoes.
Boiled Potatoes
Boiled potatoes are good for people who are having trouble with chewing. The most common way to enjoy boiled potatoes is by sprinkling some salt over them and then slicing them to manageable pieces. Mashed potatoes are also prepared by boiling them but that will come later.
Cream of Potato Soup
Because of its milk or cream base, cream of potato soup is a type of soup that is a flavorful and hearty. Though it may be bland on its own, adding a variety of ingredients to it will quickly solve this problem. That is the case for many potato soup recipes. Often, the dish has added celery, onions, and corn. Sometimes, even bacon and chicken broth are added to enhance the flavors further. Despite these, the distinct potato flavor will still always shine through and provide a filling feeling to any one that has a bowl of it.
Potato Salad
Potato salad is a filling snack that is usually served pre-main course. It is served usually with vinegar, mustard, parsley, chive and cheese and it serves as a means to prepare the palate for the main course.
Baked Potato
Baked potato is the epitome of snacking, at least second-best when compared to French fries. It is filling and tasty and it there are a dozen ways to prepare a baked potato. People will usually top their baked potatoes with whatever topping that suits their tastes; the most common toppings include cheese, butter, bacon and sour cream.
Potato Chips
While the baked potato and the French fries are the best snacks on this list, potato chips are considered a third runner up. However, it is only because it is usually manufactured in a factory, lacking the homely appeal that comes with preparing the potato at home. Not to mention it is more unhealthy, yet still so delicious. Potato chips come in many shapes, sizes and flavor and people will generally have their own brand preference.
Hashed Browns
Hashed browns are the potato equivalent of breakfast. They are usually creamy in texture and is prepared with salt and pepper. Some people prefer to add their own twist to the classic breakfast meal by sprinkling in some flavored powder or even grated cheese. Hashed browns are best served warm with a side of sausages or ham.
Potato Skins
Potato skins are among the most sinful ways to prepare potatoes. They are crispy on the outside but tremendously soft on the inside – especially when it is filled with bacon bits and lots of melted cheese. Some people would even prepare their potato skins with literally just the potato skin but filled with lots of meaty and cheesy toppings.
Potato Au Gratin
Gratin is a well-known technique in the culinary industry. Basically, it’s when you top off an ingredient with a browned crust. Most of the time this is done with breadcrumbs, grated cheese, egg and/or butter. No matter the curst, it is cooked or baked in an either an overhead grill or broiler. This turns it into a golden, brown crust.
The most common ingredient to use gratin on is potatoes. Slices of boiled potatoes are places on a butter dish (this must be fire proof). Then the top crust is formed with cheese then baked or cooked with the mention technique above.
Hasselback Potatoes
While it may be considered a side dish, it is one of the most impressive potato dishes out there. Having this is like a dream come true for all potato lovers. It’s like a combination of French fries and mashed potatoes; it has crispy edgy that house a creamy middle. The best part is it is really just a baked potato in disguise. Because of this they take just as much time and effort to prepare. Not bad for a side dish that is served in many high-tier restaurants.
Mashed Potatoes
The classic holiday (and sometimes, even breakfast) meal. Mashed potatoes are usually prepared by boiling the potatoes after skinning them and then mashing them with a spoon or a masher. It is usually prepared with some light seasoning, butter, cream and cheese. Mashed potatoes are usually consumed as a substitute to rice in some Asian countries or as filler when served with holiday food such as stuffed turkey or holiday ham.
Mashed potatoes may also be served as a breakfast meal as they contain lots of essential nutrients and minerals that are required to give the average person the energy boost that they need in the morning.
French Fries
While technically not really French, French Fries are the most commonly consumed form of potato in the world. It can be prepared any number of ways and topped with any toppings people can think of. People usually top their French fries with melted cheese, ground beef and some cream, akin to a serving of Nachos with cheese.
French fries is quite possibly the most common junk food eaten in the world today and while it is a delectable snack, some restraint is of course recommended when snacking on French fries.
Key Takeaway
While there are a probably a dozen more methods to enjoy preparing and eating Potatoes, the ones listed here are among the most common. Additionally, these are very easy to prepare at home. From simple snacks to classy side dishes, you can enjoy potatoes in any way you want right in the comfort of your home.
