The new potato crop is coming in. What better time to update your Potato repertoire? I’ve found the prefect resource to help you discover enough new-to-you potato dishes to keep you en-tranced for the next year!
Alloo Gosht: A classic Pakisatani curry you can enjoy as a
veggie main by simply substituting lentils for the meat!
I was wishing for a new source of original, exciting, flavour-bomb potato dishes – and Sister Erin just dropped one in my lap! She’s been coordinating research for me on food news topics for so long… I swear she can read my mind!
What I wanted…
… Was a sort of data base into which I could wade, looking for new potato dishes that would fulfill my specific cravings on any given day.
What I got…
… Was nothing less than the 2024 edition of Taste Atlas’ 100 Best Potato Dishes In The World. And it’s exactly what I ordered. Actually, it’s more. The photography is exceptional. (Dare I say mouthwater-ing?) And the recipes include cultural and historical tidbits that convey a deep, satisfying under-standing of what each dish ‘is’, and ‘means’.
Today’s mission…
… And I’ve already decided to accept it: Brave the wilds of the Top 100 and recommend some of my fave ‘finds’ among the world’s lesser-known potato delicacies…
Zemiakové Placky
“These rustic, crispy potato pancakes belong to the traditional Slovak cuisine. They consist of a thick batter made with grated potatoes, eggs, flour, and a variety of spices. Pan-fried for a short period of time until golden-brown in color, these filling snacks are usually […] accompanied by various milk products, or as a side dish that is typically served alongside hearty Slovak stews.”
Llapingacho
“Llapingachos are typical Ecuadorian potato [and cheese] patties that are often served with a spicy peanut sauce on the side, […] cooked on a griddle until [they] develop a golden-brown color. Llapingachos are traditionally served as a side dish along with avocadoes, salads, fried eggs, pork, and chorizo.”
Tartiflette
A direct ancestor of Scalloped Potatoes – the ‘rich auntie’! “One of the best-loved dishes of the Alps, Tartiflette is a mouth-watering gratinated potato dish from the mountainous region of Savoie in France. It is made with medium-sized potatoes, white wine, Reblochon cheese, onions, smoked salt pork (lardons fumés), and often crème fraîche.”
Daigaku imo
Crispy Daigaku imo are Japanese deep-fried potatoes coated with a sweet sugar glaze. Glossy and crispy [on] the outside, the potato chunks stay juicy, tender, and soft on the inside. […] Prior to serving, they are traditionally sprinkled with toasted sesame seeds and enjoyed as a nutritious snack.”
Vada pav
Also known as ‘Bombay Potatoes’. “Vada pav is one of Mumbai’s favorite sandwiches, its name referring to the key ingredients: vada, or spicy mashed potatoes that are deep-fried in chickpea batter, and pav, or white bread rolls. This iconic street food is said to have originated from a street vendor named Ashok Vaidya, who worked near the Dadar train station in the 1960s and 1970s.”
Aloo gosht
Any item on a Central Asian menu that contains the word ‘Aloo’ is going to be potato-based. Hence, “Aloo gosht, from the words aloo and gosht meaning potatoes and meat respectively, is a traditional Pakistani stew based on meat and potatoes. Lamb, mutton, or beef are the usual types of meat used in the preparation of this rich curry, but chicken can also be used.”
Papa a la huancaína
Originating from the Huancayo area of Peru, Papa a la huancaína is an authentic and unique potato dish consisting of a spicy, creamy, rich cheese sauce that is drizzled over boiled yellow or white potatoes. The sauce consists of aji amarillo chilis, oil, milk, cheese, salt, and crackers that act as a thickener. It can be served either cold or at room temperature, as a flavorful side dish or an appet-izer. Traditionally, the dish is garnished with parsley, black olives, and sliced hard-boiled eggs.”
Patatje oorlog
“Patatje oorlog is a Dutch street food dish consisting of fries topped with a variety of condiments, including mayonnaise, finely chopped onions, and peanut-based satay-style sauce flavored with olek sambal, soy sauce, and chili. The dish is typically served in a paper cone and the fries are eaten [with] your fingers.” A classic reminder of the hay days of the Dutch east India Company!
My take
How many of the above were new to you?
For those who still don’t know, Potatoes are really nutritious. It the stuff we put ion them (often laden with fat and salt) that can make them dietarily dangerous. But that’s always up to you…
And you owe yourself a little dalliance with the sinful (spud-wise) now and then!
~ Maggie J.