National Potato Day (AUG 19) - Potatoes 3 Ways

by Peter Webb

August 19 is National Potato Day, a day to celebrate the versatile and delicious potato. Potatoes can be cooked in a variety of ways, from boiled and mashed to fried and roasted. Here are three recipes for potatoes that you can try on National Potato Day:

1. Fondant Potatoes

Fondant potatoes are a delicious and versatile side dish that can be enjoyed with a variety of main courses. They are also relatively easy to make, making them a great option for home cooks of all skill levels.

People like fondant potatoes because they are crispy on the outside and creamy on the inside, with a rich flavor from the butter, thyme, and chicken broth.Ingredients:

6 medium Yukon Gold potatoes, peeled and sliced into 1-inch thick cylinders

2 tablespoons olive oil

1 teaspoon salt

1/2 teaspoon black pepper

3 tablespoons butter

4 sprigs thyme

1/2 cup chicken broth

Instructions:

Preheat oven to 400 degrees F (200 degrees C).

Toss potatoes with olive oil, salt, and pepper.

Spread potatoes in a single layer on a baking sheet.

Bake for 20 minutes, or until potatoes are golden brown on the bottom.

Add butter, thyme, and chicken broth to the baking sheet.

Bake for an additional 20 minutes, or until potatoes are tender and the sauce has thickened.

Serve hot.

Tips:

For extra crispy potatoes, you can parboil the potatoes for 5 minutes before baking.

You can also add other herbs to the sauce, such as rosemary, sage, or parsley.

If you don't have chicken broth, you can use vegetable broth or water.

Serve fondant potatoes with your favorite main course, such as steak, chicken, or fish.

Enjoy!

2. Garlic Mashed Potatoes

These mashed potatoes are creamy, flavorful, and perfect for a hearty winter meal. The garlic is cooked until it is soft and fragrant, and then it is added to the mashed potatoes along with butter, milk, and salt.

Ingredients:

1 pound Yukon Gold potatoes, peeled and quartered

1/2 cup milk

1/4 cup butter

1/4 cup sour cream

2 cloves garlic, minced

1 teaspoon salt

1/2 teaspoon black pepper

Instructions:

Place potatoes in a large pot of salted water and bring to a boil.

Reduce heat to medium and simmer for 15-20 minutes, or until potatoes are tender.

Drain potatoes and return them to the pot.

Add milk, butter, sour cream, garlic, salt, and pepper.

Mash potatoes until smooth and creamy.

Serve hot.

3. Potato Pancakes

These potato pancakes are crispy on the outside and soft on the inside. They are perfect for breakfast, lunch, or dinner. The potatoes are grated and then mixed with onions, eggs, and flour. The pancakes are then pan-fried until golden brown.

Ingredients:

2 pounds potatoes, peeled and grated

1/2 onion, grated

2 eggs

1/2 cup all-purpose flour

1 teaspoon salt

1/2 teaspoon black pepper

Oil for frying

Instructions:

In a large bowl, combine potatoes, onion, eggs, flour, salt, and pepper.

Mix well until all ingredients are combined.

Heat oil in a large skillet over medium heat.

Drop spoonfuls of batter into the hot oil and cook for 2-3 minutes per side, or until golden brown and cooked through.

Drain pancakes on paper towels and serve immediately.

For even more recipes check out these options.

Here are some cutting board recommendations for potato prep:

Use a maple cutting board as your designated potato prep station. The smooth and sturdy surface of a large maple cutting board like this John Boos board provides an ideal platform for grating, peeling, and cutting the potatoes into various shapes for your dishes. The generous size ensures that you have plenty of space

Green plastic cutting boards play a vital role in meal preparation organization, particularly in color-coded kitchens. Their distinctive green hue designates them as the go-to "vegetable" boards. This color-coded approach prevents cross-contamination, enhances kitchen hygiene, and adds an aesthetic touch to cooking. With a dedicated green board, vegetables take center stage while maintaining an orderly and productive kitchen space.