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Potatoes: A Versatile and Tasty Vegetable

By Patrick Carpen

Republish: EasyPublish™
Published: 22Nov2009
Word count: 743
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Potatoes are one of the most common side dishes, and it's no wonder why! Potatoes offer a solid source of starch, but they are also a very versatile vegetable. You can have potatoes as a side dish every night and never prepare them the same way twice in one week. That would explain why it's the fourth most important crop in the world! This article is going to talk about four common and tasty ways to cook potatoes.

Mashed Potatoes

Mashed potatoes are an excellent side that you can do a lot with! Although they are traditionally served with brown or white pepper gravy, you can add any number of meat or vegetables to your "mash."

4 cups Cubed Potatoes
1/2 cup - 1 cup of Milk (dependent upon your preferred consistency)
3 tablespoons Butter or Margarine
Salt and Pepper to taste

In a large pot, fill about half-full with water and bring to a boil. Throw in the potatoes and reduce to a low heat. Place a lid on and allow it to simmer for about 20 minutes. After making sure that the potatoes are fully cooked, drain them in a colander and return them to the pan. Use a potato masher to mash the potatoes. Add the butter in first so it can have a chance to melt. Add the milk as you stir the potatoes. They should take on a creamy, fluffy texture. Top with gravy and enjoy!

Potato Casserole

This recipe is for cheese and chive potato casserole and makes an excellent main dish OR side. Feel free to mess around with the recipe to suit your own tastes

4 cups Cubed Potatoes
1 cup Milk
1 package of Softened Cream Cheese
1 tablespoon Chopped Chives
1/2 teaspoon Dried Onions
Paprika, Salt, and Pepper to taste

Fill a large pot about half-full and bring to a boil. Pop the cubed potatoes in and continue to boil for about 15 minutes, or until the potatoes become tender. After making sure that the potatoes are fully cooked, drain them in a colander and place them in a greased casserole dish. In a saucepan, heat the milk and cream cheese until it has melted together. Add chives, onion, salt, and pepper, then pour this evenly over the potatoes. Bake at 350 degrees F for 30 minutes. When the casserole is finished, sprinkle the top with paprika and serve!

Potato Salad

Potato salad is usually linked to summer weather and barbeques, but it can be enjoyed at any time of the year either as a side dish or on its own as a snack. It's easy to make and can be stored in an air-tight container in the fridge to finish off later

5 Potatoes
1/4 cup Mayonnaise
3 Boiled Eggs
1 tablespoon Mustard
1 cup Chopped Celery
1/2 cup Pickle Relish
1/2 cup Chopped Onion
1/4 cup Celery Salt
1/4 teaspoon Garlic Salt
Pepper to taste

Boil the potatoes in a pot of water for about 15 minutes. You don't want them to become too soft or they will turn the salad into mush! When they are tender, drain them and let them cool. Peel and chop them into bite-sized cubes. In a large bowl, combine the potatoes and the rest of the ingredients and mix thoroughly. Refrigerate for a few hours and serve chilled.

Baked Potatoes

Baked potatoes are one of the ultimate potato dishes in terms of versatility. Baked potatoes can be topped with sour cream, onions, ham or bacon, corn, spinach—practically anything you want! The following recipe is for "Twice Baked Potatoes," which I'm sure you will find particularly delicious!

1 Large Baking Potato
1 tablespoon Butter
Any Toppings Desired

Stab a few fork-holes in the top of your potato and place on a baking tray. Cook at 350 degrees F for about an hour (or until potato is soft inside). Cut just the top part of the skin off so that you can scoop out the "meat" of the potato, leaving only the skin shell. In a bowl, mix the scooped-out part of the potato with your toppings: butter, sour cream, chives, salt, pepper—whatever you like! Once mixed, place the potato mixture back inside the skin shell and top with cheese. Put it back in the oven for an additional 20 minutes. Serve hot.

I hope you've enjoyed reading these recipes and that you are eager to give them a try! Whether you're short on food or just want something tasty, these potato dishes are easy to make and add a delightful twist to a traditional "filler."

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