Potatoes are an indispensable part of the Flemish kitchen. Almost every day there is a potato dish on the menu for an average Flemish family. In this article information about this special (and delicious) tuber and some simple recipes.
Potatoes
The potato belongs to the nightshade family. Only the tubers are edible. The leaves are poisonous. When the potato was brought to Europe from South America by explorers in the 16th century, many people were concerned that the tubers were also poisonous. That is why it took a long time for the potato to become “farm fare”.
Because the potato grows quickly and adapts easily to other climates, it is now spread worldwide. There are many recipes ranging from starters, soups to complete meals and various snacks. It is also often used to bind sauces. The potato has become an indispensable part of our kitchen.
There are many potato varieties, of which Bintjes are the best known in Flanders. There are also waxy varieties such as Nicola and Charlotte. Each potato variety has a typical taste ranging from floral to sweet.
Recipes
Potatoes can be prepared in many ways. Below a number of “quick recipes”.
Cooked with melted butter
Information: Very simple, but delicious (tip: serve with fish or roast).
Potato variety: floury potatoes such as Bintje for fish and waxy potatoes such as Nicola for meat.
Ingredients:
- potatoes
- butter
- possibly salt and herbs such as parsley or chives
Preparation:
- Boil the potatoes (preferably in the skin (wash the skin well!)).
- Cut the potatoes into cubes.
- Melt butter (baking butter or real butter depending on your personal preference).
- Pour butter over potatoes.
- Serve with a few shreds of parsley or chives, if desired.
Turkish fries
Information: Potatoes with small tubers are often baked this way in Turkey. This is a side dish that is served with meat or poultry in combination with vegetables (salad or stew or fried vegetables) and rice or wheat.
Potato variety: waxy varieties with a sweet taste such as Nicola.
Ingredients:
- potatoes
- fat: sunflower oil, corn oil or coconut fat depending on your preference (I prefer coconut fat for this dish because it does not obscure the taste of the potato and the salt)
- salt
- kitchen roll or a pasta cooking pot
- possibly yogurt or mayonnaise
Preparation:
- Peel, wash and cut the potatoes into small thin fries.
- Sprinkle salt over the fries, mix well and wait a while.
- Fry in oil until dark yellow (a shade darker than French fries).
- Drain on kitchen roll or in a pasta pot (shake well).
- Serve with yogurt (Greek or natural yogurt) or mayonnaise.
Potato cubes
Information: This is a dish that is delicious with meat.
Potato variety: depending on personal preference.
Ingredients:
- potatoes
- fat: sunflower oil or coconut fat (I prefer sunflower oil for this dish because it gives a special aftertaste)
- chicken herbs (or other herbs)
- kitchen roll or a pasta cooking pot
- possibly yogurt or mayonnaise
Preparation:
- Peel, wash and cut the potatoes into small cubes.
- Fry in oil until golden (same color as French fries).
- Remove from the oil and sprinkle chicken seasoning in a pasta pot (or on kitchen roll).
- Serve with yogurt (Greek or natural yogurt) or mayonnaise.
Salad with potatoes
Information: Delicious for lunch or as a side dish with roasts.
Potato variety: Waxy potatoes go best with this dish, but floury varieties can also be used.
Ingredients:
- potatoes
- lettuce (regular lettuce or a combination of different types of lettuce)
- tomatoes
- carrots
- mayonnaise or dressing or a yogurt sauce with mayonnaise (mix a few tablespoons of yogurt with mayonnaise) or just lemon juice
- possibly radishes
- possibly onion or spring onions
- possibly fresh herbs such as parsley, chives or basil
- possibly chicken seasoning
Preparation:
- Boil the potatoes in the skin (wash the skin well!).
- Wash and cut all vegetables and fresh herbs in a salad bowl.
- Peel and dice the potatoes (and season with chicken herbs if necessary).
- When the potatoes have cooled, mix them with the vegetables.
- Serve with dressing or another sauce or just lemon juice.
Additional:
The potato cubes in the previous recipe are also delicious in a salad!