In the everyday world of cooking, there's one vegetable that's almost always in the spotlight - the potato. It's reliable, versatile, and loved worldwide. The reason behind its immense popularity is the vast variety of recipes it can be used in. From fries and curries to sandwiches and sauces, when there are potatoes at home, you don't need to worry about "what to cook." But did you know that potatoes themselves have a huge variety to choose from? Yes, the potato that you use commonly can be replaced with a whole lot of other types for different flavours and culinary experiences. Let's take a stroll through nine of the most popular varieties that might just find their way into your kitchen.
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Potatoes are available in different varieties.
Photo Credit: iStock
Here Are 9 Popular Potato Varieties You Must Know Of:
1. Russet Potatoes: The Everyday Staple
Starting with the classic Russet, known for its brown skin and fluffy inside. It's your all-purpose potato, perfect for baking, mashing, or frying. They make dreamy mashed potatoes and perfectly crispy fries or flavorful curries. This is a kitchen staple that always has your back while cooking.
2. Yukon Gold Potatoes
Now, let's meet the Yukon Gold - golden, buttery, and slightly sweet. These potatoes bring a hint of elegance to comfort food. If you are making mashed potatoes, this variety would work best. Also, these potatoes are preferred for roasted and stir-fry snacks like potato wedges and sides for main meals. Leave the skin on for added flavour and visual appeal.
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3. Red Potatoes
Red potatoes, with their smooth, red skin and waxy texture, are known for their vibrant colour and reliable firmness. They are a go-to for potato salad: tossed with a zesty dressing and fresh herbs, or roasting. Their waxiness makes them sturdy in recipes, and the red skin adds a cheerful touch to your plate.
4. Fingerling Potatoes
Fingerlings are small and elongated and come in various colours, presenting an attractive appearance. Roast them whole with olive oil and herbs, and you've got a side dish that's as picturesque as it is delicious. This type of potato can also be used to add a delightful twist to the classic potato salad or barbecue dishes.
5. Purple Potatoes
Enter the Purple potato, adding a royal touch and earthy flavour to your meals. Beyond its stunning purple hue, it's rich in antioxidants. Roast it to make snacks or mash it for a visually striking and nutritious addition to your plate.
6. Sweet Potatoes
Though not technically a potato, sweet potatoes are worth mentioning. Packed with vitamins and fibre, these orange potato varieties are known to be a healthier alternative for weight loss and a diabetes diet. Sweet potatoes can be roasted, mashed, or turned into fries for a healthier alternative. In India, sweet potatoes are often turned into a delectable chaat that we all love, especially in winter. Sweet potato soup is also loved by many.
7. Blue Potatoes
Blue potatoes bring an earthy touch to your dishes with their attractive blue hue. With a unique flavour, they're great mashed or roasted. Try them out if you're in the mood for something subtly different. They are often used to make colourful dessert recipes, layered and baked with cream and cheese.
8. Adirondack Blue Potatoes
Adirondack Blue potatoes, with their purple-blue flesh and nutty flavour, turn any dish into an edible work of art. Roast, mash, or toss them into salads for a dish that's as visually pleasing as it is tasty. Another great use of this potato type is you can thinly slice and bake it for a crunchy snack.
9. Petite Potatoes
Last but not least, let's celebrate the petite potatoes - a medley of baby spuds that come in various colours. These bite-sized delights are perfect for roasting whole, offering a crispy exterior and a creamy interior. Serve them as a side or snack. You'll often find them in grilled potato skewers.
So, the next time you're picking up potatoes at the store, remember that there's more to them than meets the eye. Each variety has its unique charm, and you can experiment with these humble, yet versatile, spuds.