Ingredient spotlight: the humble potato

How much can you really do with one of the most versatile vegetables? 🥔

Used in most cuisines, the range of potato dishes out there is truly unbelievable. So whether you're on a budget or simply want to experiment with a single ingredient, the humble potato is the perfect start. To help you sprout some ideas, we've listed some delicious ways you can cook potato at home: 

Classic fries 

Instead of buying a frozen bag of fries, make your own! Whether you like them skin-on or peeled, want to cook them in the air-fryer, oven or fry them in oil, homemade chips always seem to taste better! 

Have a go at making these triple-cooked chips with the perfect crunchy outside and fluffy inside 👇

Crisps

Elevate your snack time with your own crisps. Instead of buying a multi-pack from the grocery shop, make a big batch of potato crisps and separate them into batches so you can make them any flavour you want.

METHOD

1. Slice your potato into thin circles (you can also use a mandolin).
2. Wash off the starch by placing them into a bowl of water. Wash until the water is cloudy.
3. Remove from the water and lay your slices out, then pat dry.
4. Toss with oil and season to your taste, mix to coat. 
5. Lay them on a baking sheet, spread evenly apart and pop them in the oven at 200ºC for 10 minutes. 
6. Flip each slice and bake for a further 7-8 minutes. 

Hash browns 

Love a McDonald's hash brown but don't like spending? Use this super simple recipe to make them at home...bigger and better!

INGREDIENTS

• Russet potatoes
• 1 egg
• 1 tbsp cornstarch

METHOD

1. Peel your potatoes.
2. Cut each potato into 3 equally-sized pieces.
3. Add them to a saucepan filled with water, add salt and turn onto high heat to boil.
4. Once they have come to a boil, reduce the heat to medium-low to part boil for 10 minutes. 
5. Drain and grate your potatoes. Add them to a bowl with the egg and cornstarch, mix well.
6. On baking paper, form hash brown shapes with your mixture.
7. Freeze for 1 hour.
8. Fry on both sides in a saucepan filled with oil until golden brown.
9. Add your seasonings and eat! 

Baked potato (aka. jacket potato)

If you need a versatile, budget meal you can always rely on a classic baked potato. With so many toppings to choose from, you can mix it up every day to try something new. 

All you need to do to cook is pierce the potato with a fork and pop it in the microwave for 10 minutes (turning the potato over half-way through). If a knife slides through easily, it's ready to be finished off to crisp up in the oven at 200ºC for 5-10 minutes until you're liking. From simple butter and cheese to chilli con carne, top with your favourite flavours. 

Want to take it one step further? Try out these cheesy loaded baked potato that will have your mouth watering (and only takes 20 minutes to make!)...

Mashed potato

A good mashed potato never goes unnoticed, and it's incredibly easy to make.

INGREDIENTS

• Potatoes
• Cream
• Butter
• Milk
• Garlic

METHOD

1. Peel your potatoes.
2. Cut into bite-sized chunks.
3. Boil in a pan with water and salt.
4. While the potatoes are boiling, mix cream, butter, milk and garlic in a separate saucepan and heat until a smooth liquid. 
5. When the potatoes are soft, mash and gradually add your butter mixture. Mash until smooth and creamy.
6. Stop here or add white pepper, salt and sugar for extra seasoning. 

Serve it as a side with your Sunday roast or pair with sausages for a classic British bangers and mash. 

Roast potatoes

Speaking of a Sunday roast, you can't forget about the roasties! All you'll need is: 

• 5-6 large potatoes
• 1 stock cube (optional)
• Salt
• Oil
• 4 tbsp butter
• 1 tbsp chopped garlic
• 1 tbsp chopped sage
• 5 sage leaves

Watch the video below to see the full sage roast potato recipe that is sure to impress your flatmates: 

Boiled potatoes

Another easy way to cook potatoes is to boil them. These go great in a casserole, used in potato salads or can be a healthier potato side dish. 

INGREDIENTS

• Potatoes
• Unsalted butter
• Olive oil
• Salt
• Black pepper
• Parsley

METHOD

1. Wash potatoes and cut in half, ensuring they're all evenly sized. 
2. Place potatoes in a pot of salted water and cover with an inch of water. Bring to a boil then reduce heat and simmer until potatoes are fork tender (10-18 minutes depending on size).
3. Drain off the water and return potatoes to the pot (or to a mixing bowl).
4. Drizzle with melted butter and olive oil. 
5. Sprinkle with salt and black pepper, adding both to taste.
6. To garnish, add freshly chopped parsley and toss to combine.

The possibilities with potato are endless - don't forget to try our vegan rösti potatoes too! 

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