It’s National Potato Day in Ireland, a time to celebrate everything about the humble spud.
Events are taking place in Dingle, Newbridge, Carlow and beyond to mark what is undoubtedly the core of Irish eating.
The theme of this year is “Imagine a World without Potatoes?”. No chips, gratin, baked spuds, mash, potato cakes, hash browns. Wedges from the deli counter? Gone. Colcannon? Gone. Poutine? Gone.
I’m pretty sure my own mother has said at some stage “if all I had to live on were potatoes, I’d be a happy woman”. I might be paraphrasing, but she’s not far off. A world without the most versatile of vegetables? No thanks.
National Potato Day Recipes – with videos
With the day in mind, here’s ten recipes to keep you occupied in the kitchen tonight, over the weekend, or to have in your back pocket.
1. Spanish Chorizo & Potato Stew
One of my favourite meats to throw on the pan is chorizo. Add some potato, a bit of spice, some peppers and maybe a splash of red wine and you’re all set.
2. Gratin Dauphinois (Creamy Potato Bake)
Ideal as a starter, a side or a good vegetarian main course, it’s hard to beat a good gratin.
3. Garlic Roasted Potatoes
The talk of the office on Friday morning was garlic roasted potatoes. Rule number one – there can never be enough garlic. Try them for yourself and don’t be afraid to top up that garlic!
4. Jeera Aloo
Got potatoes? Got cumin? Sorted.
5. Tornado (Twisty) Potatoes
A festival favourite that arrived from overseas. I know you’re likely to see these at Savour Kilkenny at the end of the month. I may have gone so far as to buy a gadget to do them myself, but they’re pretty easy and a fun party eat!
6. Cheesy Scalloped Potatoes
Layer up that cheese and load up those potatoes. Again, great as a starter or main.
7. Crispy Honey Chilli Potato
Want to go a little more adventurous? It’s a restaurant-style starter, lovely crispy potatoes in a honey chilli sauce. Divine.
8. Hasselback baked potatoes
Easy does it for these baked potatoes. You make the cuts, let the oven do the work.
9. Restaurant-style Crispy French Fries
Everyone should know how to make their own chips – ideally without a deep oil fryer. Oven bake these beauties for a tasty, crispy chip.
10. Thai Chicken and Potato Curry
Last but by no means least, get your curry on. Chop up and fry in some chicken, veg, add the potatoes and away you go.
Got your own favourite potato recipes? Leave the link below and I’ll get them added in.
You can also find over 100 recipes online at potato.ie.
Happy National Potato Day!
