First cultivated by Andean civilisations thousands of years ago, potatoes are now grown, eaten and loved in virtually every country. It’s unsurprising as potatoes are affordable, accessible, easy to cook, and extremely versatile. They’re also filling, comforting and so pleasing in flavour that they match with almost any kind of ingredient, herb or spice.
Potatoes are incredibly versatile. We might know them best mashed and served as a fluffy layer topping on a shepherd’s pie, as part of a Sunday roast or in a barbecue side salad, but they are used in an enormously diverse range of recipes.
“The potato is part of our culture like no other food, inextricably linked to Ireland’s story and part of who we are,” says Lisa Kennedy who works in her family-owned business K&K Produce. The company specialise in growing, producing and sourcing fresh potatoes, fruit and vegetables in Ireland for over 40 years. Working closely with some of Irelands largest potato growers to ensure they source top quality potatoes from field to fork, Kennedy’s goal is “to ensure that we consistently deliver the best potatoes possible.” Rooster potatoes are the most popular variety in Ireland, according to Kennedy, and are known for their excellent taste and cooking versatility, accounting for nearly 70 per cent of all packed potatoes sold.
“The industry works tirelessly with growers to bring new season potato varieties, such as Early Premiere and Queens, to market,” she says. “These potatoes are primarily grown in the southeast, offering fresh, high-quality options to customers.”
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Potatoes are an endlessly versatile ingredient and also a great source of nutrition. “Potatoes are an excellent source of natural energy,” explains Kennedy, “they contain dietary fibre, Vitamin C and potassium, all while being both fat-free and gluten-free. They provide sustained energy, making them ideal to fuel sports and athletic performance or simply getting through a busy workday. Plus, they help you feel fuller for longer, reducing the urge to snack between meals. In fact, potatoes are among the most satisfying foods that you can include in your diet – and they are the ultimate comfort food in the Irish climate.”
In terms of cooking, potatoes are a vehicle for carrying other food flavours within recipes. Potato leftovers from the fridge are the ultimate convenience food and just plain delicious. With potatoes, the possibilities are only limited by your imagination. Try out fibre rich skins-and-all roasted new potatoes or indulge yourself in utterly delicious dauphinoise potatoes. Or try out a tasty budget-friendly dinner of simple baked potatoes or add them to a comforting soup. Potatoes can be fancied up to Michelin star standards or simplified down to a bag of crisps. The truth is, a potato can be anything you want it to be.
“Having a bag of potatoes at home means you have the starting point for any meal, whether it’s breakfast, lunch, dinner, or tea,” says Kennedy. “Plus, they are affordable: a 7.5kg bag can feed a family for just over €1 a day.”
“Potatoes are the unsung heroes in many kitchens, including my own” she adds. “I’ve always loved potatoes – whether they’re simply mashed with butter, roasted, chipped or served as wedges. But after a long workday, when it’s time to feed my family, I rely on the slow cooker. In the morning, I add potatoes, a mix of vegetables, meat and seasonings. By dinnertime, we have a warm, hearty, and delicious meal ready to go. It feels great to serve something so nutritious and comforting with minimal effort.”
Cooking with potatoes has never been easier. “The air fryer has completely transformed how people, including myself, use potatoes in everyday meals,” says Kennedy. “When I want a quick and simple potato dish, it’s effortless to toss in sliced, chipped or wedged potatoes. They cook in about the same time it takes to prepare the rest of the meal, making it easy to have a balanced, wholesome meal ready in just 10-15 minutes. Plus, it’s much more cost-effective than other cooking methods.”
If you’re planning to improve your potato game and need some dinner inspiration or a crowd-pleasing dish for your next party, check out potato.ie.
Here you will find a wide range of tasty, healthy and adventurous potato-inspired recipes. In the coming year, the Bord Bia run website will feature 365 recipes – one recipe for every day of the year. Many of these recipes focus on slicing or cubing potatoes for quick and easy cooking, while the wide choice of recipes further highlights potatoes as a true world food. “There’s a fantastic Massaman curry recipe there and as a lover of Thai cuisine, it’s one of my favourites,” Kennedy says. “It’s absolutely delicious!”
Click here to discover more than 340 delicious potato recipes from all around the world, brought to you by Bord Bia’s Potatoes, Prepare to be Surprised campaign which is co-funded by the EU. For delicious and exciting potato recipe inspiration, follow @potatosurprise.eu
