How to cook with Potato | Random Cooking

Carbohydrates

What are potatoes?

Potatoes are a type of starchy root vegetable that come in a variety of colors and shapes. They are a staple food in many cultures and are typically cooked by boiling, baking, or frying. Potatoes are also a good source of vitamin C and potassium.

What are the different varieties of potato?

There are many different varieties of potatoes, each with its own unique characteristics. Some common types include:

Russet potatoes: These are large, oblong potatoes with a rough, netted skin and white flesh. They are commonly used for baking and making French fries.
Yukon Gold potatoes: These are medium-sized, round potatoes with a thin, smooth, yellow skin and yellow flesh. They have a buttery flavor and a creamy texture and are commonly used for mashing and in potato salads.
Red potatoes: These are small to medium-sized, round potatoes with a thin, smooth, red skin and white flesh. They have a moist, waxy texture and are commonly used in boiling, steaming, and roasting.
Fingerling potatoes: These are small, narrow, finger-shaped potatoes with a thin, smooth skin and a waxy texture. They come in various colors including yellow, pink, purple or red and are used in boiling, roasting, or sautéing.
Sweet potatoes: These are not closely related to other potatoes, but they also belongs to family of morning glory. They come in different varieties, in colors like orange, yellow and purple. They are used for roasting, baking, mashing and frying.

This is not an exhaustive list, there are still lot many more like purple potato, blue potato, and etc.

How do you cook potatoes?

There are many ways to cook potatoes, some of the most common methods include:

Boiling: Peel and chop the potatoes into even-sized pieces. Add them to a pot of boiling salted water and cook until tender, which typically takes around 10-15 minutes.
Baking: Prick the potatoes several times with a fork and then place them on a baking tray in the oven at 400°F (200°C) for about 45-60 minutes, or until the potatoes are tender.
Frying: Peel and slice the potatoes into even-sized pieces, heat oil in a pan on medium-high heat. Add the potatoes to the pan and fry them, stirring occasionally, until they are golden brown and tender.
Mashing: Boil or bake the potatoes until they are tender, then mash them with butter, milk, and salt to taste.
Roasting: Cut the potatoes into wedges or chunks, toss them with oil, salt, pepper, and any desired herbs or spices. Roast in an oven at 400°F (200°C) until they are golden brown and tender.
Grilling: Cut the potatoes into wedges or chunks, toss them with oil, salt, pepper, and any desired herbs or spices. Grill them on a barbecue or grill pan until tender and slightly charred.

It’s also possible to steam potatoes, cook in a slow cooker or instant pot, and make potato chips by slicing them thinly and frying them.

What are some good dishes to make with potatoes?

Potatoes are a versatile ingredient that can be used in a wide variety of dishes. Some popular dishes that include potatoes include:

French fries: Cut potatoes into thin, even-sized strips, deep fry them until golden brown and crispy, and serve with salt and ketchup or other dipping sauces.
Mashed potatoes: Boil or bake potatoes until tender, then mash them with butter, milk, and salt to taste.
Roasted potatoes: Cut potatoes into wedges or chunks, toss with oil, salt, pepper, and any desired herbs or spices, and then roast in an oven until they are golden brown and tender.
Potato salad: Boil or steam potatoes until tender, then chop them into bite-sized pieces and mix with a dressing of mayonnaise, Dijon mustard, and chopped herbs such as parsley, chives or dill.
Baked potatoes: Prick potatoes several times with a fork, wrap them in foil and bake them in the oven until tender, which typically takes around 45-60 minutes. Once it’s done, serve it with butter, sour cream, grated cheese or any toppings of your choice.
Gnocchi: It’s an Italian dish made with mashed potatoes, flour and egg.
Potato gratin: Thinly slice potatoes, layer them in a baking dish with cream, butter, and cheese, and then bake in the oven until the potatoes are tender and the top is golden brown.
Potato pancakes (latkes): Made with grated potatoes, flour and egg, they are pan fried and serve with sour cream and applesauce.

These are just a few examples of the many dishes that can be made with potatoes. With a bit of creativity, potatoes can be used in a wide variety of savory and sweet recipes.