The humble potato has taken quite a bashing over the last few years. Cast out by carb phobics or sidelined by whole grains, poor potatoes have become a missing ingredient. However, potatoes are making a comeback, and for good reason. Naturally fat, sugar and gluten free and a great source of vitamin C, potassium and fibre, potatoes pack an awesome nutritional punch. They’re also affordable, versatile and locally grown, not to mention absolutely delicious! The range of British grown varieties are impressive, there’s no limit to the ways you can incorporate them into your diet in a really healthy way.
Remember, we do need carbohydrates in our diet, especially those of us that are active. Potatoes are an excellent choice due to their versatility, taste and nutritional profile. Plus, if you have little ones (and sometimes bigger fussy husbands!), you’ll find they love potatoes! Rather than pasta, which is a processed food, potatoes are whole and natural and can be a superfood in their own right when prepared healthily. Gone are the days when potatoes just meant chips or baked and slathered in butter.
I was asked to create a delicious recipe using potatoes for the Potatoes: More than a bit on the side campaign. I was spoiled for choice, I love potatoes fried up in a hash and topped with a fried egg, in a thick frittata or in a salad. Recently my favourite way to eat them has been adding them to a curry, which might sound a bit strange, but think of dishes like bombay potatoes. It just works!
This recipe is really straight forward with minimal ingredients and could easily be prepared for a tasty week night meal. I choose lovely little Anya potatoes for this, but any potato would work well, new potatoes and jersey royals would be perfect.
It’s very family friendly and brilliant if you’re on a budget as well. Any leftovers keep in the fridge well for a few days.
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The lentils are thick and creamy, and served along with the roast cauliflower, there’s no need for additional rice. For a one pot meal, just add the cauliflower straight to the pan with the lentils.
More lovely potato recipes can be found on the Potatoes: More than a bit on the side Great Britain website and the Potatoes: More than a bit on the side Irish website.
Are you a potato fan? Have you ever avoided potatoes? Have I convinced you to give them ago again?
I love adding potatoes to curry, have been eating that a lot lately. This looks yummy.
Thanks Lauren, they are delicious in curries aren’t they :-)
I tend to avoid white potatoes – although I do sometimes have fries when I’m at a restaurant! This looks so good – I need to try roasted cauliflower! x
Oh yes definitely try the roasted cauli it’s lovely!
It feels like years since I stopped buying white potatoes but I would still buy a ready made jacket potato from a cafe once in a while. However, it’s only recently that I decided to buy potatoes again, organic ones, and that’s because I wanted to make a traditional Slovenian dish which requires potatoes. Now I am starting to think that it’s nothing wrong with eating potatoes once in a while as part of a healthy and balanced diet, as long as you don’t fry them, they can still be part of your meal. I like a combination of potatoes and lentils in your recipe here, great idea which I really want to try.
You’re absolutely right Petra, they certainly can be eaten as part of an over all healthy diet. They really do go well with the lentils too!
Ah the poor potato. So unloved now! Almost as bad as bread ;-) I don’t mind potatoes at all. I do prefer sweet because they have more flavour and that lovely soft texture though. But I do love new potatoes, chopped and roasted, sprinkled with salt. And wedges with ketchup…mmmmmm.
Lol, yep the demon bread! Wedges with ketchup are so good!
Is it possible to substitute the potato with sweet potato??
Yes absolutely! I’d peel the sweet potato before chopping it up – it would taste delicious :-)