When it comes to an easy meal, nothing beats the mighty potato. Mash it for the most amazing side dish, dice it and fry it as the perfect burger companion, or bake it as is—well, you get the idea. The potato is incredibly versatile, offering endless possibilities in the kitchen. Today, I want to explore five quick and delightful things about this humble ingredient and share why it holds a special place in my family's heart. So, let's dive into a savory Saturday!
First and foremost, we have the easiest of potato dishes—the simple baked potato. It was a staple back when I was first living on my own, and it remains a favorite alongside anything cooked on the grill. You can wrap it in foil and toss it in the oven or on the grill, or simply poke a few holes in it and microwave it for convenience (remember, don't use foil in the microwave). Enjoy it plain or elevate its flavors with some delicious extras! The most commonly agreed-upon add-ons include butter, cheese, sour cream, bacon, and chives. While I'm not a sour cream fan myself, there are moments when I'll indulge in a dollop!
Second is the beloved mashed potato—a favorite among my wife and children! My son particularly enjoys when I shape them into tiny mashed potato snowmen by rolling them into little balls. The most common way to prepare mashed potatoes is by boiling them without skins and then mashing them with a beater or a hand masher, adding some milk and butter. Some people like to enhance the flavors with ingredients like rosemary, garlic, or Parmesan. Personally, I prefer mine with just a bit of salt and pepper, but I love adding corn whenever we're having it at the same time!
Moving on to the third dish, we encounter one of the most debated creations at picnics or cookouts—the potato salad (duh duh duhhhh). Truth be told, there are countless recipes out there for potato salad, but I'll share my simple version. Start by boiling some eggs, peeling them, and removing the cooked yolk in a separate container. Boil the potatoes until they are thoroughly cooked but not mushy (smaller pieces work better). Dice the egg whites and combine them with the cooked potatoes. Add diced black olives and regular salty pickles to the mix. Here's where opinions diverge. I believe a potato salad should have a predominantly salty flavor, while others prefer a sweeter touch. Some recipes even include cranberries and raisins or opt for sweet pickles instead of salty ones. Not in this house! I like to mix mayonnaise and mustard with the yolks to create a creamy mixture. Combine everything in one bowl, folding gently until all the ingredients are well combined!
Our fourth dish pays tribute to our dear friend, the French fry (with an honorable mention to the hash brown). French fries are an absolute staple in the fast food world, and they have also found their way into high-end dining establishments, often topped with a plethora of delicious fixings. You can't visit many barbecue joints without encountering a French fry loaded with pulled pork! I once had the pleasure of visiting a five-star restaurant that served "Potato frites with an Asiago and Parmesan dusting, accompanied by a creamy hollandaise sauce." Translation? Fancy fries with cheese and mayo. No matter how many stars you give them, everyone loves fries! The hash brown, a close cousin to the French fry, is prepared similarly but with smaller pieces and a crispier crust. And if these two potato delights had a gangly second cousin, it would be the almighty tater tot—a personal favorite among children and bar-goers alike!
Finally, for our fifth dish, I've decided to feature a lesser-known potato creation, or at least one that I don't often see: potato soup! Classic, creamy, and undeniably delicious, potato soup is perfect for a cool evening or as a hearty meal to keep you satisfied throughout the day. Adding a portion of cheddar cheese and bacon to the soup takes it to another level of flavor. You can include many of the extras typically found with a baked potato, with the exception of parsley. As a creamy soup companion, parsley often makes an appearance to add visual appeal, but not much else! I've always like having a thicker, creamier soup at a lunch that is primarily soup and salad. Creamy soups are usually a bit heavier and very satisfying alongside a cool crisp salad! They also pair well with grilled white meats as they can add a bit of extra salt to the meal without having to add extra to the main dish.
And there you have it—our five potato dishes. Since this isn't a full-fledged food blog, I haven't included specific recipes. However, if that's something you'd like to see in the future, please let me know, and I'll be sure to include them. I promise to avoid the clichéd practice of starting the post with a lengthy, heartwarming tale about my connection to these dishes (apologies for the slight gag reflex—I can't stand it when food blogs do that!). But I did promise to explain why they hold meaning for my family, and the truth is, they are affordable, versatile, and budget-friendly. With just under ten dollars, you can gather all the ingredients needed to create these fantastic potato-based meals. As for why I'm including this topic in a lifestyle blog about my journey to write a book? Food plays a significant role in our lives, and I want to ensure I have a good understanding of food and cooking to bring authenticity to my writing. I aim to make this story fantastic yet relatable, and nothing is more relatable than our dear friend, the potato! So, let's celebrate the potato (you can even raise a glass of vodka made from potatoes), and I hope everyone enjoys a savory Saturday!
