Potatoes - Rusty and Best!

Potatoes are miracle tubers packed with energy. Fried, Mashed, Baked - in any form they taste delicious. If they are part of a dish, they give special flavor to the dish. Starting the day with a baked potato for breakfast is very good. I like them in very many ways... So here are some delicious recipes. Most of them serves 2.

1. The (Indian) Potato fry/curry:

    Potatoes (white/red) - 6 small (cut with skin into 1/2 inch cubes)
    Olive Oil/Gingely oil - 1-2 Tbsp
    Turmeric powder - 1/2 tsp
    Chilly Powder - 1-2 tsp (based on the spiciness you want)
    Salt - As per taste (1-2 tsp)
    Mustard seeds - 1 tsp
    Cumin seeds - 1 tsp
    Curry leaves - 2 strands

In a pan heat a little gingely oil, add mustard seeds, once it splatters add cumin & curry leaves. Now add the potatoes, stir well so that the oil blends in with the potatoes. Sprinkle some water, cover and let it cook for 5 mins over medium flame. Once they are slightly done, add turmeric and chilly powder. Keep it closed again for 10 mins. The bottom would be slightly roasted now. Stir the potatoes again and leave them for 10 more mins. Once they are done remove them from flame.

* Alternatively you can add more masala to increase the flavor.
* Or just stick with pepper and salt only to get a French fries feel.
* May be mix in Italian herbs instead and toast it in the conventional oven for 1/2 hr @ 375 degrees.
* Chop up some garlic with it to reduce any gastric effects it may cause and to give a different flavor.
* Instead you could sauté some Onion & Peas in oil and add the boiled potatoes. And mix in turmeric, chili powder, salt and garam masala and make nice potato masala for Puri, Chapathi or Dosa. Could also be used as a filling for somasas and veggie puffs!

2. Mashed Potato:

    Potatoes - 3 Medium
    Milk - 1/2 cup
    Butter - 1 tbsp
    Pepper powder - 1 tsp freshly ground
    Salt - 1/2 to 1 tsp
    Rosemary - fresh or dry 1 tsp

Boil the potatoes in pressure cooker or stove top with water. Alternatively you can boil it for 6 mins in microwave on high. Cool it under running water and once comfortable to handle peel off the skin. Throw them in a bowl and mash them well using a fork or a masher. Add in the butter, salt, rosemary and pepper and mix them well. Finally mix in the milk. Refrigerate it for 30 mins before serving. Some pics here from my kitchen :)

* If you are fine with egg, then boil a whole egg, remove the outer shell, chop it into little pieces and mix it into the mashed potato :)

3. Baked Potato:

Traditionally it is done in the conventional oven. The taste will be good if you use the russet potatoes (thick skin dark brown). Clean the potatoes and scrub well. Then butter the skin and leave it in the oven @ 375 degrees for around an hour. Check after 35 mins for a turnover.

You could also do it in the microwave. After cleaning in a bowl pour 1/2 cup of water for two potatoes. Poke the potatoes with a fork deep enough. Rub some butter on the outside. Microwave on high for 5 mins, then turn the potatoes and microwave for another five mins.

After the potatoes are baked, make a slit and push the edges to open it up. Spoon in some butter and some fresh pepper. Top it off with lite-sour cream and chopped chives. Enjoy!