Hello folks!!!!

Welcome back, my fellow foodies!

I think being a foodie is fantastic!!! There are innumerable delectable to enjoy. It’s mind-blowing.

And anyway, As Life is too short to avoid all the dishes and desserts that we love…Isn’t it???

I have mentioned earlier in the ”Samosa Story” that being a health-conscious person and a food-loving person at the same time is a painstaking combination.

Potatoes – The Universally Loved and Relished Vegetable

Do you want to know why?
On one side: the various sweets, snacks, pastries, and all the ”junk food” are impossible to avoid. While on the other we are surrounded by all kinds of diets- orange diet, gluten-free diet, etc… that ask you to stop eating just about anything and everything.

And in my opinion, they all target the universally loved and relished vegetable- POTATOES!!!

Let’s take our Indian snack ”the Samosa”-again with potato stuffing. Or the exceedingly delicious French fries at McDonald’s or the Jacket Potato with Mexican Rice. Some of them might be deep-fried, stir-fried, mashed, or baked!! But one thing is sure -You can’t escape this vegetable. It is indispensable.

Potatoes are a species that all the cuisines of the world have imbibed.  In India, during religious fasts, people give priority to Potatoes over other crops and vegetables.

Time for a confession-

I enjoy this Tuber immensely. And have tried to refrain from it. But, alas, they have failed miserably. You know, the whole gung-ho about eating healthy food- drives me nuts at times.

But when the delicious Potato and Peas -popularly known as Aloo Matar ki Subzi, or the Potato laden with an onion-garlic gravy – Lasooni Dum Aloo is prepared- even the forces can’t stop me from gorging on them. Hehe, he…

Anyway, before the health experts sue me for propagating its consumption, allow me to tell you a bit about this vegetable that grows beneath the surface. On the contrary, many nutritionists are encouraging everyone to consume Potatoes. So I guess I might be on the safe side!!! Phew!!

Potatoes And South Americans

The Incas were South American Indians, ruling Peruvian-Bolivian Andes- are the original cultivators of the Tuber(Potato). Till the Spanish invasion in 1532, they successfully grew the Tuber. However, during their intrusion, the Spanish faced food shortages and consumed potatoes to satiate their hunger.

That’s when they realized the value and importance of this crop. As a direct consequence- While leaving, the Spanish boarded their ships with as many sacks of potatoes as possible. Thus, they ferried the wild vegetable across the oceans. Thus the European Society gained exposure to Potatoes. And from there, the popularity of the vegetable spread from Spain to Ireland.

A trait common to all humans is -reservation towards a new addition. Similarly, there were hesitations regarding this unknown yield. Especially the elite would avoid consuming it altogether. However, over the years, many enthusiasts who realized its nutritional values and properties took it upon themselves to ensure that the Potato became an acceptable food throughout Europe.

Let’s get to know the story of one such person- a French army pharmacist.

The Potato Man- Antoine-Augustin Parmentier (1737-1813)

From 1756 to 1763, a global conflict between France and Great Britain and their respective allies broke out. It is called The Seven Years War. During this time, the Prussians captured Antoine-Augustin Parmentier, a French army pharmacist. During his time in prison, under coercion, the pharmacist consumed Potatoes.

Much to his surprise, he found himself in good health and realized that the Potato was rich in nutrients. Once released from prison, Antoine Augustine Parmentier took every possible step to popularize the brown, round crop.

At that time, the French were under the perception that eating potatoes would cause leprosy. However, the noted Frenchman worked hard to demonstrate that this was a false belief. His desire to popularize the Potato was so deep that he didn’t hesitate to serve a treat with Potato as the dominant vegetable for high-profile guests. Although he was not very successful, he wasn’t disheartened.

The then King of France, Louis XVI, granted the pharmacist a piece of land for cultivation. Antoine grew potatoes. After that, he deliberately converted the cultivated area into a heavily guarded place.

The pharmacist imparted special instructions to the guards to allow the commoners to steal the produce even for a bribe.

As you know, anything that is out of bounds is considered valuable. This experiment had the desired effect, and soon Parmentier’s potatoes fell to the hungry thieves. And in turn, it led to a rise in the popularity of the crop.

 Closer home, Indians would appreciate the early Dutch and Portuguese traders who introduced them to Potatoes. However, the Tuber was one of the ‘gifts’ of the British East India Company. They steadily produced the crop in the Sub Continent. So much so that, by the 19th century, Bengal became a potato belt.

Jumping the queue from history to the current scenario, the popularity of Potatoo has grown and reached every possible corner of the world.

Delicious Preparations

Not only the Indian Cuisine but the world over several delicious preparations use potatoes. Often, they are even used as a medium to thicken gravies.

Have you heard of the famous Ukrainian dish: Deruny, also known as the Ukrainian potato pancakes? The essential ingredients are eggs, sour cream, flour, onions, and of course, grated potatoes.

Those who enjoy some sauteed pasta can try the Croatian Granatir– made of pasta, onions, and potatoes- Seems like a delicious option for vegetarians visiting Croatia!!!

During my research, I came across various recipes and preparations, but the one that surprised me the most was Chocolate coated Potato Chips primarily found in North Dakota, USA.

And to round off the list of these mouth-watering dishes, last but not least, the ALOO DUM or DUM ALOO– a native of Kashmir-(‘DUM’ means breath and ALOO is Potato), The dish is thoroughly enjoyed throughout the country. Every restaurant, be it small or a five-star – the dish is a must. Traditional preparation involves a thick red gravy enriched with the best of spices, onions, tomatoes, and of course, the Tuber prepared on a slow flame in an earthen sealed vessel.

These are just a few of the numerous dishes with the Tuber. The list is endless.

Before I end a few quick facts:

  • Potatoes are available in numerous varieties: russets, sweet potatoes, Irish potatoes, fingerlings, red, purple, and Petites. In the Indian context, Jyoti, Chandramukhi, Khyati, Sindhuri, and many more.
  • Although for years together, Potatoes were considered unhealthy, the fact is that they are one of the healthiest and nutrition-filled crops. Potatoes are best consumed in the unpeeled version and boiled. On the other hand, the fried Potato loses all its qualities and becomes unhealthy.

Lady’s alert:

Petrified seeing those wrinkles or acne breakouts? Potato masks, scrub, and juice is highly beneficial. So next time, use this superfood to treat your beauty problems.

So, go ahead cook a meal with some mashed potatoes on the side and enjoy!!!
That’s all from me…

See you in my next article…till then, do stay tuned and keep giving your feedback.

Oh yes…If you want some light reads. Click Here

BBye!!!!