Hot Potato, Hot Potato

Did you know that there is a world wide potato shortage going on? Before you start to panic, the shortage is specifically related to the processed potato chip variety. Phew!

But wait. This means that frozen potato chips aka oven fries are off the menu. It also means that fish and chip shops everywhere, are operating with restrictions on the amount of chips that can be ordered and some not allowing solo chip orders, without other items in the order. The trusty $3 worth of chips is well and truly over.  I do have some secret intel into this, as 3rd child is currently working at a fish and chip shop. Alternatively, if you would prefer the scientific facts, they can be found here.

Thank goodness that chips are not the only way to enjoy the humble potato.  The media has painted this tasty vegetable as the devil incarnate for years but it is simply not true. In the nutrition world, it is a serious nutrition powerhouse in so many ways. 

Potato Nutrition Goodness

Despite myths to the contrary, our human bodies need carbohydrate for energy and our very essential brain can’t function without it.  Carbohydrates with lots of fibre are vital for good gut health too.  Roasting potato, cooling it the fridge and then eating it cold in a salad (or however you like) the next day, gives you a boost of resistant starch, essential fuel for the healthy bacteria in our gut.  This resistant starch is just the best and can be found in foods that might already be in your pantry.

Potatoes are also virtually fat free and a handy source of Vitamin C, folate and B vitamins too.

You may have heard that white potato is BAD for you and instead, you should be eating sweet potato.  First of all, there is no such such thing as a BAD food, all food is just food. Secondly, while sweet potato is very healthy choice, so is the white variety .  For all the facts, WA Potatoes is most definitely the go to.

I have some favourite ways to cook these little goodies and here they are!

Baked Sweet Potato

Ingredients

1 whole sweet potato (size depending on the number you are feeding)

40g feta cheese

Method

1. Give your sweet potato a good scrub with water and trim off any bits that are grubby (you know THOSE bits on the potato).

2. Place your sweet potato baby into a moderate oven (180 C) and bake until a fork easily goes through the skin.  You will also notice that the natural sugars in the sweet potato have started to ooze from the skin and caramelise – yum!

3. To serve, cut carefully down the centre of the potato lengthways and crumble feta on top. 

 

French Onion Potatoes

Ingredients

5-6 medium white potatoes (choose your favourite variety) or 1 small bag of baby potatoes

2 tablespoons olive oil

2 tablespoons salt reduced French Onion dry soup mix

Method

1. Pre-heat oven to (180C).

2. Wash and dry potatoes.  If using medium potatoes, cut each potato into 3cm pieces and place into a bowl. If using baby potatoes, leave them whole or cut them in half.

3. Drizzle the oil and French Onion soup mix over the potatoes and mix until the potatoes are well covered.

4. Place potatoes onto a lined baking tray and bake in the oven for approximately 45 minutes.  Alternatively, you can also cook the potatoes in an air-fryer for approximately 25 minutes.

By the way, if you are still wanting a crispy chip, cut your favourite potato variety into long thick (or thinner) wedges, brush with a little oil, season as you like and bake in a moderate oven or air-fryer. For a little entertainment while you are prepping, just think of the Wiggles………