Ways To Make Potatoes

The humble potato is not so humble when it comes to the many ways it can be cooked.

There are numerous ways to make potatoes, and you can purchase specific potatoes that are best for each cooking method. White and yellow potatoes are best for mashing, boiling and roasting. Choose fingerling and Russet potatoes for baking, and red potatoes for steaming or for gratin dishes or scalloped potatoes.

Boiled and Mashed

Perhaps the simplest way of cooking potatoes is simply to boil them and serve with butter, salt and pepper. For the most flavorful boiled potatoes, leave the skin on. This is usually the best way to serve them when they are new and small. Once they are boiled, again with the skins on for flavor, let cool slightly, rub the skins off and mash with butter and milk for mashed potatoes. You can add many things to mashed potatoes for extra flavor, such as garlic, chives and cheese.

Roasted and Grilled

Roasting potatoes is a simple way to prepare them because once they are in the oven, you turn them once and forget about them while they cook to a crisp outside and soft inside. Cut them into smaller pieces to speed up the cooking time. Before putting in the oven, coat with olive oil, salt and pepper. Add your favorite herb, or combination of herbs and spices, for extra flavor. Try garlic, basil and oregano for an Italian meal, or rosemary to go with Greek food. Grilling them, usually in a foil pan, will give a wonderful smoky flavor to go with any grilled meat you are serving.

Fried

Making French fries is not the healthiest way to prepare potatoes, but homemade fries are a perfect treat once in a while. Wash and cut the potatoes, leaving the skins on, and soak in ice water to get rid of some of the starch and make the fries less sticky. Then, double fry the potatoes for extra-crispy, perfect fries. Fry once, for about three minutes, or until they are soft but not browned, drain on paper towels and let sit for between 30 minutes and two hours. Fry until browned and crisp -- about another six minutes. Drain on paper towels immediately and season with salt.

Casseroles and Panakes

Potatoes work well in casseroles when they are sliced thinly and cook in a bubbly, rich sauce, as with scalloped potatoes. Add to the comfort food factor by creating a main course, such as a potato casserole with other vegetables, eggs and goat's cheese. Many cultures around the world offer a version of a potato pancake, such as latkes. Grate the potatoes, with onion if you like, bind them together with an egg, and fry in oil until golden and crisp.

Tags: extra flavor, mashed potatoes, paper towels, salt pepper, scalloped potatoes, when they, with butter