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Today is National Potato Day and what better way to celebrate than with a collection of my favorite healthy potato recipes!
A couple of days ago, my sister asked me to name the vegetable I like the best. Without a doubt, the simple, earthy potato tops my list. I’m grateful for potatoes, actually. They are foundational to my plant based lifestyle.
Potatoes often get a bad rap, blamed for all kinds of health disorders from inflammation to diabetes to cancer, and labeled as a low nutritional food.
Not true!
The entire potato is edible, with the skin high in nutrients. Because they develop underground, potatoes draw trace minerals from the earth. They provide potassium, B6 and amino acids…in particular Lysine in its bioactive form. Lysine fights against cancers, viruses such as Epstein-Barr and shingles, liver disease and inflammation.
Potatoes strengthen the kidneys and liver, soothe over excited nerves and help the digestive system heal from Crohn’s, irritable bowel syndrome and ulcers. This antiviral, antifungal and antibacterial vegetable relieves stress, supports the brain and helps us feel centered and grounded.
National Potato Day
Celebrated annually on August 19, National Potato Day recognizes the importance of this versatile and tasty vegetable. Mashed, baked, fried or steamed, potatoes truly are a mainstay of the American diet.
The Incas in Peru first cultivated this vegetable, as early as 8000 BC. Spanish conquistadors carried potatoes from Peru to Europe in 1536. By the early 1800s French fries appeared in the US and NASA and the University of Wisconsin partnered to make potatoes the first vegetable grown in space in 1995.
Currently, more than 4000 varieties of potatoes exist. And potatoes grow in all 50 states, making it easy to enjoy a potato recipe on this special day.
In honor of the day, below are some of my favorite healthy potato recipes. Click on the links for the full recipes.
Simple Potatoes
Most often I enjoy a simple baked potato, without dairy products such as butter or sour cream. I use plant based butter if desired. Combined with simple grains such as brown rice, legumes or an assortment of fresh or cooked veggies, a potato bowl is nutritional and satisfying.
It’s also easy to cube potatoes, leaving the skin on, and steam them for four minutes in the instant pot. I season with sprinkles of garlic powder, onion powder, sea salt and black pepper.
Oven Roasted Potatoes
Another easy favorite is oven roasted potatoes.
Crispy on the outside and yet tender inside, these potatoes make a great side dish or meatless main meal. Eat alone or create a veggie bowl featuring the oven roasted potatoes and other cooked veggies, a salad or raw veggies such as sliced tomatoes and cucumbers.
Deviled Potatoes
These tasty bites offer a great alternative to deviled eggs.
This fun recipe makes a great snack or a satisfying meal! I love the little kick of added mustard. And no silverware needed. Pick these deviled potatoes up with your fingers and eat them!
Dairy Free Potato Soup
I grew up loving my mother’s homemade potato soup. Fortunately, it’s easy to create a dairy free version to enjoy today.
This savory soup, adapted from my mom’s recipe and a vegan one I found, is full of other hearty vegetables. The broth gains richness from an easy to make cashew sauce.
Nachos Style Potatoes
This amazing recipe, from Anthony William, substitutes baked potato “chips” for corn chips. It features a wonderful garlic aioli! Nachos style potatoes make the perfect lunch or weekend dinner.
Aloo Matar
This fragrant, delicious meal is a Punjabi dish from India. It features potatoes and peas in a spiced tomato base. I absolutely LOVE this quick and easy recipe.
I even adapted it to create a flavorful aloo matar soup.
Potato and Herb Salad
This fresh take on traditional potato salad comes from Anthony William as well. It features herbs such as chives, parsley, dill and cilantro. It’s the perfect meal for the end of summer.
Shepherd’s Pie
This incredible one dish meal features lentils and vegetables in rich broth, topped with dairy free mashed potatoes. It’s just right for a chilly fall evening.
Lentils, Potatoes and Brown Rice
This instant pot recipe combines the goodness of lentils and brown rice with cubed potatoes. I love this homey meal, seasoned with thyme, rosemary and garlic.
Madras Curried Lentils and Potatoes
And finally, this is one of my all time favorite meals.
This flavorful but not too spicy curry is the perfect make ahead meal that simmers in the slow cooker all day. The tantalizing aroma makes me smile in anticipation!
Healthy Potato Recipes for Every Day
For National Potato Day…or every day…these potato recipes are sure to please.
Watch this blog for new potato recipes. I’m always looking for fresh healthy ways to prepare my favorite veggie.
What about you? Do you have a potato recipe you prepare again and again?
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