Potatoes are a versatile and beloved staple in many cuisines around the world. They are budget-friendly, filling, and can be prepared in countless ways.
However, if you find yourself with an excess of potatoes and are unsure how to use them all before they spoil, don’t panic! In this blog post, we will explore creative solutions and delicious recipes to help you when you are looking for things to make with potatoes.
From classic comfort foods to innovative dishes that will surprise your taste buds, we’ve got you covered. So, let’s dive in and discover exciting ways to transform those extra spuds into mouthwatering meals.
Classic Comfort Foods made with Potatoes
When it comes to excess potatoes, sometimes it’s best to stick with the tried-and-true classics. These comforting dishes are familiar, easy to prepare, and sure to please everyone at the dinner table.
Mashed Potatoes: Creamy, buttery, and oh-so-satisfying, mashed potatoes are a timeless favorite. Serve them as a side dish or use them as a base for more elaborate recipes like shepherd’s pie.
Potato Soup: Warm up with a hearty bowl of potato soup. You can keep it simple by simmering potatoes with onions, garlic, and herbs, or jazz it up with ingredients like bacon, cheese, or leeks.
Roasted Potatoes: Toss cubed potatoes with olive oil, salt, pepper, and your favorite herbs, then roast them until golden and crispy. These roasted potatoes make a fantastic side dish for any meal and are incredibly versatile.
Creative Potato Dishes
If you’re feeling adventurous and want to explore beyond the classics, try these creative and delicious potato recipes:
Potato Pancakes: Also known as latkes, potato pancakes are a delightful way to use up your surplus spuds. Grate the potatoes, mix them with onion, egg, flour, and seasonings, then fry them until golden brown. Serve with applesauce or sour cream for a tasty treat.
Loaded Baked Potatoes: Take your baked potatoes to the next level by loading them up with an array of toppings. Try shredded cheese, sour cream, chives, crispy bacon bits, or even chili. The possibilities are endless, and each loaded potato becomes a unique creation.
Potato Gnocchi: Making homemade potato gnocchi is a rewarding endeavor. Mix cooked and mashed potatoes with flour, egg, and a touch of salt to form a dough. Shape it into small dumplings, cook them in boiling water until they float, and serve with your favorite sauce. From creamy Alfredo to rich tomato-based options, the choice is yours.
Potato Salad: Perfect for picnics, barbecues, or as a refreshing side dish, potato salad is a summer favorite. Boil potatoes until tender, then mix them with a dressing of mayonnaise, mustard, vinegar, and herbs. Customize your salad with additions like chopped eggs, pickles, celery, or red onions.
Hasselback Potatoes: Give your potatoes a fancy twist by preparing them Hasselback style. Make thin slices along the top of each potato, being careful not to cut all the way through. Drizzle with melted butter, sprinkle with salt, pepper, and herbs, and bake until golden and crispy. These visually stunning potatoes are sure to impress.
Preserving Potatoes:
If you still have potatoes left after trying various recipes, consider preserving them for later use. Here are a couple of methods to extend the shelf life of your surplus spuds:
Freezing: Blanch the potatoes briefly by boiling or steaming them until partially cooked, then cool them in ice water. Drain, pat them dry, and portion them into freezer bags or containers. Freezing is ideal for dishes like potato gratin, casseroles, or soups. When needed, thaw and incorporate them into your recipes.
Canning: Preserve potatoes by canning them in jars using a pressure canner. This method allows you to store your potatoes for an extended period without requiring freezer space. Follow proper canning guidelines to ensure safety and maintain the quality of the potatoes.
FRUGAL POTATO RECIPES
- “10 Frugal Potato Recipes to Stretch Your Grocery Budget” – This article provides a collection of budget-friendly potato recipes, including potato soup, hash browns, potato pancakes, and more. Visit: https://www.moneycrashers.com/frugal-potato-recipes-stretch-grocery-budget/
- “15 Cheap and Easy Potato Recipes” – This roundup features inexpensive potato dishes such as loaded potato casserole, cheesy potato wedges, mashed potato patties, and other wallet-friendly options. Check it out at: https://www.thesimpledollar.com/save-money/15-cheap-and-easy-potato-recipes/
- “Budget-Friendly Potato Recipes” – This collection of frugal potato recipes includes dishes like scalloped potatoes, potato frittata, potato salad, and more. Find the recipes here: https://www.tasteofhome.com/collection/budget-friendly-potato-recipes/
- “10 Cheap Potato Recipes” – Discover affordable and tasty potato recipes, including loaded potato skins, potato and sausage skillet, and roasted garlic mashed potatoes. Visit: https://www.budgetbytes.com/10-cheap-potato-recipes/
- “Frugal Potato Meals for Tight Budgets” – This article offers a variety of economical potato-based recipes, such as potato soup, potato and egg skillet, and crispy potato tacos. Find the recipes here: https://www.frugalfarmwife.com/article/frugal-potato-meals/
WHAT KIND OF POTATOES ARE THE BEST?
- Russet Potatoes: Russet potatoes, also known as Idaho potatoes, are widely recognized as the quintessential baking and frying potatoes. They have a fluffy, dry texture when cooked, making them ideal for baked potatoes, mashed potatoes, French fries, and potato wedges.
- Yukon Gold Potatoes: Yukon Gold potatoes are prized for their creamy texture, rich flavor, and golden color. They have a slightly waxy texture that holds up well in soups, stews, roasted dishes, and gratins. They are also well-suited for mashed potatoes if you prefer a slightly chunkier consistency.
- Red Potatoes: Red potatoes have a thin, smooth skin and a creamy texture. They hold their shape well after cooking, making them excellent for potato salads, roasted potatoes, boiled potatoes, and stews. Their attractive appearance adds visual appeal to dishes.
- Fingerling Potatoes: Fingerling potatoes are small, elongated potatoes with a firm, waxy texture. They have a slightly nutty flavor and are versatile enough to be used in a variety of preparations. Fingerling potatoes are great for roasting, grilling, or steaming and can be used in salads or as a side dish.
- New Potatoes: New potatoes refer to young, freshly harvested potatoes with thin skins. They are small, tender, and have a slightly sweet flavor. New potatoes are ideal for boiling, steaming, and roasting. They can be used in salads, alongside grilled meats, or as a side dish.
- Purple Potatoes: Purple potatoes, often referred to as blue potatoes, have a vibrant purple or bluish skin and flesh. They retain their color even after cooking and offer a slightly nutty flavor. They are versatile and can be used in various ways, such as mashed potatoes, roasted potatoes, or in colorful salads.
Remember, these are just a few examples of popular potato varieties, and there are numerous other types available in different regions. Each potato variety has its unique characteristics, so it’s worth experimenting with different types to find your personal favorites and discover the perfect potatoes for specific recipes.
HOW TO STOP POTATOES FROM SPROUTING
Choose the Right Storage Location: Find a cool, dark, and well-ventilated area to store your potatoes. Ideally, the temperature should be around 45 to 50°F (7 to 10°C). Avoid storing them in areas with direct sunlight or fluctuating temperatures, such as near windows or appliances that generate heat.
Keep Them Dry: Moisture can contribute to sprouting. Make sure your potatoes are dry before storing them. Allow them to air dry for a few hours after washing them before placing them in storage.
Remove Sprouted Potatoes: Regularly inspect your stored potatoes and remove any that have started to sprout. Sprouted potatoes release ethylene gas, which can accelerate the sprouting process in other potatoes.
Store Potatoes Separately: Do not store potatoes with fruits or vegetables that produce ethylene gas, such as apples, bananas, or onions. Ethylene can promote sprouting in potatoes. Keep them in a separate location to prevent cross-contamination.
Use Proper Storage Containers: Opt for breathable containers, such as burlap sacks, paper bags, or open baskets, to store your potatoes. These materials allow air circulation, which helps prevent moisture buildup and reduces the likelihood of sprouting. Avoid using plastic bags or airtight containers, as they can trap moisture and accelerate sprouting.
Consider Low-Temperature Storage: If you have a root cellar, basement, or refrigerator with adjustable humidity settings, you can store potatoes at temperatures slightly above freezing (around 38°F or 3°C) to further inhibit sprouting. However, be cautious as storing potatoes in the refrigerator for extended periods can affect their texture and flavor.
By following these tips, you can extend the shelf life of your potatoes and minimize sprouting. Remember to regularly check on your stored potatoes and consume any that show signs of sprouting before they affect the quality of the entire batch.
Don’t Let Those Potatoes Go to Waste
Having an excess of potatoes doesn’t have to be a burden. With a little creativity and some delicious recipes, you can transform surplus spuds into a variety of mouthwatering dishes.
Whether you opt for classic comfort foods like mashed potatoes and roasted potatoes or venture into the world of creative potato recipes like gnocchi and loaded baked potatoes, there’s something for everyone to enjoy.
Don’t forget that preserving your potatoes through freezing or canning is an excellent way to avoid waste and enjoy their goodness throughout the year. So, embrace the versatility of potatoes, experiment in the kitchen, and savor the flavors that these humble tubers have to offer. Enjoy the many different ways to make potatoes.
This article both recommends and discourages storing potatoes with apples. It says that apples produce ethylene gas, which both promotes and inhibits sprouting. NOW I DON’T KNOW WHAT TO DO (╥.╥)
Thank you for pointing out this inconsistency so I could fix it. 🙂 It’s true that some say an apple will prevent sprouting, but overall, storing potatoes with fruits will cause them to sprout (and the apples to possibly rot.) Some people swear by the apple trick, though. However, I see how this is confusing and have taken it out of the article. I don’t store potatoes with apples personally as I have not had good luck with that trick people swear by.