4 simple potato
side dishes
Cooking a delicious potato dish is actually quite easy.
The first step is to find out which potato you'll need. The second? Appreciate the versatility of the humble spud to create simple, low-cost sides. Here are a few you should definitely put on your menu!
Quick and easy potatoes au gratin
Potatoes au gratin pair wonderfully well with grilled meat or can even be served at brunch! Start by peeling the potatoes and then thinly slice them. Boil in salted water for about 8 to 10 minutes. Once they have softened a bit, drain and let them cool for a few minutes. Meanwhile, combine a cup of cooking cream, a spoonful of melted butter, 1/3 cup of grated parmesan cheese (or more if you're a huge fan of cheese) and a chopped garlic clove in a bowl. Then arrange the potato slices in an overlapping manner with a bit of the cream between each layer. Bake in the oven at 400 °F for 25 minutes or until the potatoes and cheese on top turn golden brown.
baby potato salad for picnics
The next time you're heading to a picnic with your family, prepare a delicious baby potato salad as a side to complement your sandwiches! Boil whole red or brown baby potatoes in salted water until they soften. As they boil, prepare your favourite homemade dressing. Once the potatoes have cooled, slice them in half and combine them with a bit of homemade dressing in a large bowl. Finally, add as many or as little fresh herbs (dill, parsley, chives) as you like or even some chunks of pickles, celery, or scallions to enhance the flavour!
Quick homemade creamy dressing: In a small bowl, combine a bit of mayonnaise with sour cream and add a little bit of fresh or dry dill. Season with salt and pepper and you're all set!
Elevated mashed potatoes
If you've got a nice cut of meat, you can't go wrong serving it with these elevated mashed potatoes. You'll need yellow potatoes, fresh cream, a clove of garlic, a bit of butter, and parmesan cheese. Start by peeling the potatoes then cut them into large chunks and boil them in salted water until they're very soft. Then get mashing. Add a chopped garlic clove, a spoonful of butter, and about ¼ cup of cream if you want your mashed potatoes to be creamy. Finally, add some shredded parmesan and season with salt and pepper. The best thing about this recipe is that you can modify it to your tastes. Like sharp cheddar? Use that instead of parmesan. Picked some fresh herbs from your garden? Use them too! Leftover veggies sitting in the fridge? Add some carrots or cauliflower to your mashed potatoes! You can even use sweet potatoes instead of yellow potatoes. The taste will be different but still as delicious.
Quick cheesy potatoes
Perfect for those who can't get enough of cheese, this side dish can be quickly whipped up and cooked in the microwave. You'll need large Russet potatoes and shredded cheddar cheese. Wash the potatoes and make a few thin incisions crosswise into them but make sure not to go all the way through. Fill each incision with cheese. You can also add herbs such as oregano, thyme, chives, or rosemary. Or even bacon! After placing the potatoes in a microwave-safe dish, drizzle some olive oil on top and bake in the microwave for 8 to 12 minutes. How much time it will need will depend on your microwave and the size of the potatoes. Start with 8 minutes then check to see if the potatoes have softened and the cheese has melted. If not, add some more time. You can also use other kinds of cheese such as mozzarella, parmesan, Emmental, cheese curds, or other varieties of cheddar.
Potatoes for every taste
A potato is a low-cost vegetable that is a crowd favourite. Don't forget to check your flyer for maximum savings the next time you shop for groceries!
