Everything about potatoes!

One of the most popular crops worldwide, potatoes are one of the most versatile and beloved ingredients globally. With their firm texture and mild flavor, this tuber has been a staple food in many cultures for centuries.

In this article, we'll explore its history, its health benefits, and offer three delicious recipes you can make with this versatile food.

History of Potatoes

This tuber is native to the Andean region of South America and has been cultivated there for over 7,000 years. It was originally grown by the indigenous peoples of the region, who used it as a staple food. It is believed that it was brought to Europe by Spanish conquistadors in the 16th century and, from there, spread rapidly throughout the world.

Initially viewed with suspicion in Europe, they gradually gained popularity as a staple food. During the 18th and 19th centuries, they became an important food crop in Europe, especially in Ireland. Unfortunately, excessive reliance on this food led to a great famine in Ireland in the 19th century, which killed millions of people. However, it continued to be an important staple food worldwide, and is currently cultivated in many countries, including Portugal.

Health Benefits

They are a healthy and nutritious food, rich in carbohydrates, vitamins, and minerals. They have numerous benefits and contain a large amount of vitamin C, which is important for the immune system and skin health. They are also a good source of potassium, which helps regulate blood pressure and muscle function.

They are rich in resistant starch, a type of carbohydrate that is not digested in the small intestine. Instead, it passes into the colon, where it is fermented by gut bacteria. This can have several health benefits, including reducing the risk of colon cancer, improving gut health, and controlling blood sugar.

Although they have a bad reputation due to their high carbohydrate content, they can be included in a healthy diet when consumed in moderation. Furthermore, when prepared in a healthy way, they can be a delicious and satisfying food that can help control appetite and avoid overeating.

Here are three simple and delicious recipes you can make.

Baked with Rosemary and Garlic
Ingredients:

• 4 large potatoes
• 2 tablespoons of olive oil
• 1 tablespoon of chopped fresh rosemary
• 2 cloves of minced garlic
• Salt and pepper to taste

Preheat the oven to 200°C (390°F). Wash the potatoes and cut them into small pieces. In a bowl, mix them with the olive oil, rosemary, garlic, salt, and pepper. Spread the potatoes on a baking sheet and bake for about 30-35 minutes, or until golden brown and crispy on the outside and soft on the inside. Serve hot and enjoy!

Mashed Potatoes with Cheese
Ingredients:

• 4 medium potatoes
• 1/4 cup of milk
• 2 tablespoons of butter
• 1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese
• Salt and pepper to taste

Peel and cut the potatoes into small pieces. Cook the potatoes in boiling salted water until tender. Drain the potatoes and add the butter and milk. Use a masher or fork to mash the potatoes until they form a puree. Add the grated cheddar cheese and mix well. Season with salt and pepper to taste and serve hot.

Potato Salad with Mustard and Dill
Ingredients:

• 4 medium potatoes
• 1/4 cup of mayonnaise
• 1 tablespoon of Dijon mustard
• 1 tablespoon of chopped fresh dill
• 1 teaspoon of white wine vinegar
• Salt and pepper to taste

Wash the potatoes and cut them into small cubes. Cook them in boiling salted water until tender. Drain the potatoes and let them cool. In a bowl, mix the mayonnaise, mustard, dill, vinegar, salt, and pepper. Add the potatoes to the bowl and mix well. Serve cold and enjoy!

As you know, this versatile and healthy food can be prepared in many different ways. Furthermore, they have an interesting history and significant cultural importance in many countries around the world, including Portugal. With their nutritional properties and health benefits, they can be a delicious and healthy addition to your diet.

We hope these three recipes have inspired you to try new ways of cooking with this food. There are countless ways to incorporate this versatile tuber into your daily meals. So, since we have potatoes in our Equal Food baskets , order now and enjoy all the possibilities of this tuber.

And as a final touch, remember: they can be a healthy and delicious option for any occasion, from a simple family dinner to a big party. And as the old Portuguese saying goes, "with potatoes and a good sense of humor, you'll never have a bad dinner!"