Overview
Potatoes are tubers from the nightshade family and rank among the most widely used vegetables in the kitchen, prized for their remarkable versatility.
They are always cooked before eating and come in a variety of types.
These include:
- yellow-fleshed: perfect for roasting, pan-frying, or boiling;
- white-fleshed: ideal for making gnocchi and creamy mash;
- red-skinned: excellent for frying, yet equally delicious when baked.
There are also new potatoes, harvested before they fully mature, known for their delicate skin and soft, sweet flesh. They also have a distinct seasonality.
This humble vegetable is typically harvested in the autumn and can be stored throughout the colder months until the following spring.
Potatoes are available year-round in most markets.
Nutritional Benefits
Potatoes are rich in starch, which explains their higher calorie content compared to many other vegetables.
They also provide sodium, potassium, magnesium, calcium, and iron, along with a fair amount of vitamins B1, B2, B3, B6, and C.
Buying Tips
Choose potatoes that feel firm, dense, and reasonably heavy, avoiding any with signs of sprouting or bruising.
Storage
Store potatoes at room temperature in a cool, dry spot for around 2-3 weeks.
It’s important to check regularly for any sprouting.
Cooked potatoes can be kept in the fridge for up to 2 days, well covered.
Never refrigerate raw potatoes, as the cold causes them to deteriorate.
The starch converts to sugar at low temperatures, leading to an unappealing look and altered flavour.
Culinary Uses
Potatoes are a staple in Sicilian cooking, featuring in a wealth of delicious recipes.
For example, classic dishes include roast chicken with potatoes and potato arancini – those irresistible fried rice balls with a potato twist.
Potatoes can be prepared in many ways:
- steamed: cook with the skin on for about 45 minutes;
- boiled: simmer in plenty of salted water with the skin on for around 35 minutes;
- other methods: roasted, pan-fried, fried, or stewed. They also make a superb base for gnocchi, frittatas, and countless other recipes.