Mastering the Potato

Hi Friends!

Welcome to Mastering the Potato. Potato might be the most versatile vegetable out there, and is really good for you, especially if you include the skin! You got your potassium, B6 for the brain, C for your immune system, cell boosters like flavonoids and carotenoids, and fiber too! Today I'll share two of my favorite ways to cook potatoes, one with a more Western vibe that'll accompany a good mac 'n' cheese or chili and one with a more Eastern vibe that'll complement your dosa, paratha, or rice.

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Western Style Baked Potatoes

For this recipe, you just need some russet potatoes (the larger the better), warm water, salt, and avocado oil, and whatever other toppings you might enjoy like butter, pepper, sour cream, and chives.

Step 1: Preheat the oven to 450 degrees F and prick russet potatoes all over with a fork to allow steam to escape in the baking process.

Step 2: Add salt to warm water in a medium bowl and add pricked potatoes one at a time until fully coated in the saltwater brine.

Step 3: Place brined potatoes straight onto a baking sheet and bake for about 50 minutes, flipping halfway.

Step 4: Remove potatoes from the oven and brush or spray them with avocado oil.

Step 5: Bake for another 15 minutes, or until the skins are crisp.

Step 6: Remove from oven then cut open immediately to release the steam. I recommend halving lengthwise to maximize space for toppings.

Step 7: Fluff the inside with a fork then add your favorite toppings (I like butter, salt, pepper and sour cream) and enjoy!

Eastern Style Potato Masala

For this recipe, you'll need some Yukon gold potatoes (my fave), onions (pick your favorite, Walla Walla sweet are mine), olive oil, hot water, and whatever spices you enjoy, e.g. salt, pepper, cumin, hatch chili, mustard seeds, urad dhal, etc.

Step 1: Cut potatoes into bite sized pieces (don't worry too much about this as we'll be mashing 'em) and dice onions.

Step 2: Add spices to olive oil in a pan over medium heat to really activate their flavors.

Step 3: Add onions and cook until soft and translucent.

Step 4: Add potatoes to the pan and cook until fork tender.

Step 5: Add hot water and cover the pan and let simmer for about 10 minutes, stirring about every 2 minutes.

Step 6: Mash potatoes in the pan with a masher (ideally manual rather than electric).

Step 7: Add a little more hot water and continue cooking.

Step 8: Once it’s reached the desired consistency (your choice here but we like moist but not liquid, note it'll solidify as it cools) enjoy!

Hope you enjoy giving these a try! They're relatively easy to make and can provide a yummy healthy complement to any meal.

That's all for today! See y'all next time! Sarang out.