Yummy in your tummy!
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Organic A-Z: Potatoes
Ah, sweet comfort!
Yummy, yum, yum. I love the potato and I hate the freaks who turned everyone into haters. Even if the potato was really bad for you, I'd still eat it. I mean, come on, WHAT TASTES BETTER than a bowl of mashers, a side dish of perfectly roasted and seasoned wedges, or a cone of fries with sea salt? Soft, crunchy, starchy, pillowy...POTATOES make you feel great!
ONLY GO ORGANIC! That's right. This is one of those crops with a whole lot of nasty chemical use on the farm, and it's really important that you stick with the OG potatoes. Pretty frustrating too 'coz potatoes are everywhere. If you eat out at a restaurant you are not likely to get a healthy, chemical free spud. Even so, I know it's hard to pass up French fries or breakfast potatoes. But at home you have control, so only buy organic potatoes.
If you find yourself stuck with non-organic potatoes, I'd recommend peeling them. When the spuds are harvested they are sprayed with chemicals to stop the eyes from growing, so get rid of that skin as best you can. Of course, with the skin goes the nutrition! Contrary to popular hysteria, potatoes have some nutritional benefits like potassium, iron, niacin, lysine, vitamins C and B6 and complex carbohydrates. But, it's all packed in the skin so quit peeling your potatoes! Eat those skins.
More on potatoes
Sweet potatoes, on the other hand, are actually low on the list of critical organics. You can eat your non OG yams and sweet potatoes and not worry so much. I love sweet potatoes, especially whole roasted ones and their sweet, caramelized earthy goodness. They're kinda chewy on the outside and so soft and light inside. Sweet potatoes are also great pureed and fried...I've even been known to do some mean oven roasted fries by tossing matchsticks in olive oil, brown sugar, cinnamon and salt and throwing them in a hot oven for a half hour.
Sweet potatoes are available most of the year though they've become synonymous with autumn feasting. They're actually a warm-weather crop and harvested before cold weather sets in, when cured and stored properly (at 60 degrees) they'll last for months. So think beyond the holiday table and eat them more often!
What is it about the white potato that we love so much? I think it is the ultimate comfort food. Everyone has memories of eating potatoes at some time. They're versatile and take on other flavors quite well--absorbing what you cook them with. They can be soft or crunchy--even at the same time and I think these are two mouthfeels people crave.
On the show I did one of the easiest dishes ever: roasted potatoes with salt and rosemary. Extremely simple, fast to prepare and oh so rewarding. The pommes anna on the other hand is a bit more complicated but by no means difficult. Usually done with white russet potatoes, I got extra funky and used sweet potatoes. I love the way these cook up with the time and the butter...a perfect cast iron sear on the bottom! Delicious and worth the investment in time. A perfect pairing for any roast meat or other veg!
Don't neglect the potato! You know you love it; you know you've missed it. Ignore the carbo-phobes and bring the spud back into your kitchen! Dive into some healthy, organic potatoes and make your tummy happy!