By Eliza Short, Communications Coordinator for Jackson in Action
After using the same recipes for dinner week after week, it can be difficult to stay motivated to cook homemade meals. Mashed or baked potatoes are often side dishes used to compliment a meal. They take minimal preparation and contain many healthful nutrients. For the month of February, the Jackson in Action Coalition is highlighting potatoes for the Harvest of the Month. Below, you can read about common varieties of potatoes and different ways to incorporate them into meals!
Russet Burbank Potatoes are best used for baking. These potatoes also taste great when sliced thinly like fries and baked. Instead of using oil to bake, soak the sliced potatoes in water for about 15 minutes, pat dry, season, and put in the oven to allow them to brown nicely.
Sweet Potatoes are great mashed or thinly sliced and baked like fries. Refer to the recipe below for another idea!
Red Potatoes have a soft skin, which make them good candidates for mashed potatoes. Another delicious way to prepare this variety is to slice them thinly to about the size of a quarter, sprinkle with seasoning and olive oil, and bake in an aluminum foil pocket in the oven.
Yukon Gold Potatoes also have a soft skin which makes them good for mashing. They also work well in soups due to their ability to hold shape when boiled.
Purple/Blue Potatoes are delicious pan-frying or roasting in the oven along with other root vegetables.
Fingerling Potatoes are long and skinny. Their narrow size allows them to cook quickly, and one common method is to roast in the oven with herbs such as rosemary or italian seasoning.
Nutrition Facts about Potatoes:
- Potatoes contain more potassium per serving than a banana
- Potatoes are a good source of Vitamin C
- Sweet potatoes are rich in Vitamin A, which aids in eye health
- Blue potatoes contain anthocyanins, which are powerful antioxidants
- The skin of the potato contains the most fiber, so think twice before peeling it off!
Featured Recipe: Fun Fries
Ingredients:
- 1 parsnip, peeled and cut into strips
- 1 sweet potato, cut into strips
- 1 carrot, peeled and cut into strips
- 2 TB olive oil
- Salt to taste
Directions: Preheat oven to 400°F. Toss vegetables in olive oil and salt. Place on baking sheet and bake for 30 minutes, turning halfway through.