Potato...Potahto

“You like potato and I like potahto.

You like tomato and I like tomahto.

Potato, potahto, tomato, tomahto.

Let's call the whole thing off.”

"What is not to love about these tubers wonders?!" I ask.  We get to thank the ancients of modern day Peru and northern Bolivia for discovering potatoes between 8000 and 5000 BCE.  Since then the world has loved that potato.  

There is much to love. The average American eats 142 pounds of potatoes a year, about one potato per day.  It follows milk as the highest consumed food in the US.  The US grows 30 billion pounds a year.  North Dakota produces 2.7 billion pound with Minnesota close behind at 2.3 billion.  Idaho and Washington grows nearly half the US crops.  It is clear we love our spuds!!!

There is a lot to say about eating potatoes.  Some frown upon them and others, like the 2 Prickly Pears, embrace them.  Just look at them… how can you not love them!

As with everything moderation is important.  Too much is not healthy for you.  But consider this when you are planning your meal.

Regardless of what you hear, potatoes are not high in calories.  One medium potato contains 110 calories.  One serving of potatoes provides 45% of the recommended Daily Value of vitamin C.  Need more potassium in your diet?  May want to reach for a potato instead of a banana.  A potato contains 610 mg while a banana container 450 mg of potassium.

If you are someone who likes the peel of the potato that is even better.  The peel is loaded with vitamins; minerals, fiber, flavonoid, quercitin, and chlorogenic acid.  

We bake them, boil them, deep fry then, mash them, hash them and rice them.  We load them up with our favorite toppings and make a meal out of them.  We love them with our turkey or as a side with our favorite burger.  Here is a great site to know the different varieties of potatoes and how to cook them… Love Potatoes

Soon the farmers markets will be over flowing with potatoes.  Make sure you support your local growers.  You will be happy you did!!!

Here is an easy recipe to elevate to the next level buy adding truffle oil.

Roasted Potatoes with Sauteed Onions and Truffle Oil

1 lb potatoes pealed and cubed

1 medium sweet onion, peeled and sliced thinly

1-2 cloves of garlic

3 tablespoons olive oil

Salt

Fresh ground pepper

1/2 - 1 teaspoon truffle oil (see note below)

Shredded Parmesan cheese (or cheese of choice)

• Preheat oven to 400 degrees
• Place potatoes in an oven proof dish.  Pour olive oil on potatoes and toss to coat evenly. 
• Season with salt and pepper.  You can also season with your favorite seasoning.  This batch was seasoned with organic Italian Seasoning.
• Spread potatoes in a single layer in the pan.  This will help them cook evenly.
• Cook for 40 minutes or until cooked through
• While potatoes are baking saute onions and garlic in a pan. 
• When potatoes are finished baking add onions, garlic and truffle oil together and toss.
• Place in serving dish and sprinkle cheese on top.
• Enjoy!

Note: Careful with the truffle oil.  If you have cooked with it before you know what we mean. If you haven't... remember a little goes a very long way!  The truffle oil will elevate your dish but too much will over power it and you will not be happy.  Start with 1/2 tsp and taste.  If you think it needs more then add another 1/2 tsp.

This is a great recipe because you can do so much with it.  Trust your imagination and have fun!