Potatoes never really get the recognition they deserve, do they? They’re small and rather plain to look at. After all, they basically just start out as oddly shaped red, gold, or brown masses. In their raw form, they have almost no scent and very little flavor. Whereas other vegetables and aromatics, like parsnips, carrots, onions, broccoli, and asparagus, have distinct smells and flavors all their own, potatoes are just mild-mannered, unassuming tubers at first glance.
Putting Potatoes in the Spotlight
All that being said, potatoes can also be the highlight of almost any meal if you take them in the right direction. Because of their low solo flavor profile, they take on other flavors quite nicely. They also have a texture all their own that’s the perfect complement to a variety of other entrees and side dishes. That places them among the most versatile vegetables in your kitchen. Whether you make an incredible batch of hash browns for breakfast or brunch or use potatoes in a big pot of corn chowder, you can’t go wrong. Of course, garlic mashed potatoes are always a crowd-pleaser.
What Makes Potatoes So Wonderful?
At this point, you may be wondering just what makes potatoes so wonderful. We’ve already mentioned that they’re a bit bland on their own, and they’re not particularly pretty when they first pop out of the ground. With that being the case, what makes them so worthy of attention? Well, their previously mentioned versatility is certainly one of their strong suits.
Boiling them and mashing them with mouth-watering garlic, mounds of butter, and just the right touch of cream or milk truly brings them out of their shell. That rendition of them alone works beautifully with an array of dishes from seared lamb chops and baked pork chops to roasted duck and fried chicken. Still, that’s only one of their best features.
Nutritional Value
Contrary to popular belief, potatoes actually have quite a bit of nutritional value. They contain potassium, which is an essential nutrient and the body’s main electrolyte. It contributes to heart and muscle health and helps the nerves to function properly. It also helps the body to regulate its fluid levels. That, in turn, aids in preventing muscle cramps and dehydration. Without adequate potassium levels, people can experience fatigue, nausea, weakness, heart palpitations, and many other problems.
Potatoes also provide Vitamin C. You’re probably well aware that this vitamin is essential for immunity. It helps you ward off illnesses and speeds up the wound healing process. Vitamin C is also essential for producing collagen. That compound is crucial for tendon, ligament, and cartilage health. It also helps fight skin sagging to keep you looking younger. Collagen keeps your blood vessels strong and flexible too. Potatoes are helpful sources of antioxidants and other nutrients as well.
Additionally, potatoes are great sources of carbohydrates. Those are the body’s main source of fuel. When you eat potatoes, your body breaks them down into glucose to use for energy. That energy is essential for your entire body as well as your brain. Without it, you’ll find yourself in an ongoing state of brain fog. Potatoes are also high in fiber, so they can foster digestive health.
They also give you a certain amount of protein. Though they’re relatively low in protein when compared to other foods, they provide high-quality protein to help your body rebuild muscles and bones. Keep in mind that the majority of nutrients in potatoes, with the exception of carbohydrates, is found in their peels. It’s best to leave those on if you want to reap their full rewards.
Adding Garlic to the Mix
When you add garlic to potatoes, it only compounds their advantages. Garlic is renowned for its health benefits. Like potatoes, it’s a terrific source of vitamin C. It’ll boost your immune system and help keep you from getting sick. Eating garlic can reduce cholesterol levels and keep your heart healthier too. It’ll aid in lowering your blood pressure as well.
Garlic’s antioxidants work alongside the potassium in potatoes to promote brain health. They can keep your brain on its toes and reduce your risk of developing dementia. Furthermore, garlic can protect your body against damage caused by heavy metals. It’ll work with the protein in potatoes and other foods to keep toxins at bay. Those are only a few of its potential benefits. Besides all that, it tastes amazing and blends beautifully with potatoes and butter.
Making Potatoes a Regular Part of Your Menu
With all that being the case, there’s no reason not to make potatoes a regular part of your menu. Mashed potatoes with garlic go well with an endless array of dishes, so they’re most likely a perfect fit for your meal routines. They’re a comfort food, and they give your family and guests a silky, flavorful, satisfying side dish to look forward to. They can stand on their own, but they can also do so much more.
Mashed potatoes make a wonderful bed for proteins and vegetables. It has long been said that presentation is everything, and potatoes can help with that. Their milky coloring and the hues of their peels provide a lovely contrast to make other foods pop. If you want to top them with a smooth, sumptuous gravy, that’ll make them even tastier. They can even be used as dips for their fellow veggies. That’s especially helpful if you have children who don’t particularly care for broccoli or brussels sprouts. Those are only a few of the possibilities.
Getting a Healthy and Flavorful Boost from Potatoes
Despite being among the meekest members of your kitchen repertoire, potatoes have quite a bit to offer. Though they should be eaten in moderation, they can certainly give you a healthy boost. They provide fuel for your brain and body, and they can hold their own against any other foods they’re served with. They fill people’s plates and their bellies while warming their hearts. Whether you serve them as part of a meat-and-three or as a gorgeous second layer for a shepherd’s pie, they’re sure to please.
