How do I cook potatoes?

Depending on what you're making, you can boil, mash, fry, bake, roast or even steam potatoes. There are simply dozens of ways to cook them. Make sure you cook them, as raw potatoes can make you ill.

Where do potatoes come from?

Potatoes originated in South America. Spanish conquistadors brought them back to Europe. They grow well in a variety of soil conditions, so today they're popular around the world.

Technically, a potato is a tuber. It grows underground, storing nutrients and energy. It's not the only tuber we eat, but it's by far the most common.

How do you make the perfect mashed potatoes?

Some say the secret to perfect mashed potatoes is using plenty of butter! It's just as important to use the right variety of potatoes and to mash them with a fork or masher. Avoid using a whisk to make mash.

Is potato a vegetable?

Potatoes are often classified as root vegetables, but they are technically tubers. Some nutritionists agree that they don't count towards your five a day, but they are packed with handy nutrients.

What's the difference between white potatoes and sweet potatoes?

Both white potatoes and sweet potatoes are really good for you, but they're different plants altogether. White potatoes are higher in potassium, while sweet potatoes have more vitamin A.

How long can you store potatoes?

Potatoes can last for several months in a cool, dark place. Avoid light, and keep them in a press far away from the cooker since heat can spoil them. Once cooked, they'll keep in the fridge for about three days.

Is it safe to eat sprouted potatoes?

You might be able to get away with cutting a couple of eyes off a potato, but if it's heavily sprouted and starting to shrivel, don't risk it. If you're pregnant or immunocompromised, it's better to avoid all sprouted potatoes.

Can you freeze raw or cooked potatoes?

Raw potatoes have high water content, so freezing them will just turn them to mush. You can successfully freeze partially cooked potatoes for chips or roasted. Chop, slice and cook or part-cook them before freezing.

How do I make potato soup?

If you want to make creamy potato soup, boil the spuds thoroughly before blending them. Pass the puree through a sieve if you're feeling like a real chef! For a lumpy stew-like soup, use waxy potatoes.

Potato Recipes - Quick & Easy Dinner Recipes

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How to Make Chef-Style Potato Recipes at Home

A potato dish can be as simple or as extravagant as you'd like. Potatoes are a very forgiving food, so making stunning, restaurant-quality dishes is easier than you might think.

Here are some of our favourite recipe collections to spruce up your plate and take the humble spud to exciting new levels:

Potato bake: While not always the fanciest meal, a potato bake (potatoes au gratin) is always filling and delicious, and it can be spruced up with different ingredients.

The secret of a good potato bake recipe is all in your knife skills. You want to get those slices as thin as possible, so make sure you've got a good, sharp knife.

Potato rosti: If you don't fancy a full fry and need a meal for one, this Swiss pancake makes a great special breakfast.

You'll need to shred the potatoes finely. Before forming the pancakes, squeeze as much moisture out of the grated spuds as you can — it may feel a little gross, but it will give you much better results. Top your rosti with sour cream and grated carrot or pickled beetroot.

Potato salad: Potato salad isn't just for leftovers! Make it with warm potato, as it absorbs the dressing so much better. Use tiny baby potatoes tossed in a honey mustard dressing with boiled egg and crunchy celery.

Roast potatoes: They're one of everyone's favourite potato side dishes — now chef them up! Our barramundi & roast capsicum-olive salsa with roasted potato recipe uses roast potatoes for an extra-crispy treat.

Choosing the Right Spuds for Your Potato Recipes

For successful spuds every time, make sure you use the right variety. Generally, there are three kinds of potatoes: waxy, starchy, and all-purpose. Starchy potatoes are better for creamy mash or melt-in-the-mouth roasties.

Their waxy cousins hold their shape better, so they're ideal for salads or stews. All-purpose potatoes fall in between these two types. Here are some of the main types of Aussie potatoes you can find:

Kipfler: This reddish-skinned potato is a popular waxy option, which is great for boiling and salads. Don't try to mash them — they'll hold their shape, giving you lumpy, starchy mash. Try them at their best in our pesto potato salad recipe.

Dutch Cream: Although Dutch Cream potatoes are of the waxy variety, their creamy flavour means they make wonderful mash. Enjoy them in a salad or blend them into a smooth leek and potato soup during the winter months. Add a dollop of cream if you're feeling particularly decadent!

Sebago: One of the most popular all-purpose potatoes, this variety can be boiled, mashed, roasted and baked to your liking. In addition to being versatile, this potato is highly nutritious, making it a great choice in any recipe.

Choosing the Right Spuds for Your Potato Recipes

For successful spuds every time, make sure you use the right variety. Generally, there are three kinds of potatoes: waxy, starchy, and all-purpose. Starchy potatoes are better for creamy mash or melt-in-the-mouth roasties.

Their waxy cousins hold their shape better, so they're ideal for salads or stews. All-purpose potatoes fall in between these two types. Here are some of the main types of Aussie potatoes you can find:

King Edward: These creamy white beauties are one of Australia's favourite potatoes. They're great for baking, roasting or making chips. They also make fabulous mash - the ultimate comfort food!

Russets: Although not native to Australia, this brown-skinned potato is a popular choice for its high starch content and creamy centre. That makes it ideal for chips and roast potatoes — when you really want the contrast between the crunchy outside and the soft inside!

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