Everything you need to know to prepare potatoes at home professionally

Homemade potatoes, crispy on the outside, soft on the inside, golden as you like, with a delicious flavour: if you are a potato lover, this article is for you! We present you with the best recipes and reveal the best tips and tricks to make homemade potatoes a success, in your own version.

1. The secret to successful homemade potatoes: choosing the right potatoes

Starchy vs. Waxy Potatoes:

All potatoes contain starch, but some are considered more “starchy” or “mealy” than others. Rough skinned or Idaho potatoes are “starchy” and tend to lose their shape and absorb more moisture during cooking. Red skinned and baby potatoes have a “waxy” starch that helps them hold their shape during cooking. However, they don’t absorb as much moisture as rough skinned potatoes. That’s why it’s important to choose the right potatoes for the right recipe.
Rough skinned potatoes are called starchy because they contain more of a certain type of starch that causes them to cook up drier and more fluffy. That’s why they’re ideal for soaking up butter and broth when baked or mashed. But that same fluffy texture can make them fall apart in stews.

Boiled and Baby Potatoes:

Boiled and baby potatoes are called waxy because they hold their shape when cooked. The potatoes are firm rather than fluffy, and they can hold up to moisture in soups and casseroles without falling apart.

The potatoes you use make all the difference: 

You don’t always have to use one type of potato over another. For example, you might prefer to use a starchy potato instead of a waxy one in your potato salad because you like the way it soaks up the sauce. Or you might like the way a starchy potato breaks down and adds thickness to your soup. But knowing how different types of potatoes behave can help you control the outcome and make you a more successful cook.

How many potatoes per person or per serving of potatoes?

For an adult serving with the gourmet option, count on about 150 grams to 200 grams of potatoes, or about 3 to 4 per person.

2. Prepare homemade potatoes properly

Step 1: Cut the potatoes.

To prepare beautiful, even potatoes, start by washing the potatoes. You can leave the skin on for a rustic effect, or you can peel them, if you prefer!

Start by cutting them in half lengthwise. Then cut each potato half in half again: you have quarters. You can cut these quarters in half again if you like.

Step 2: season the potatoes!

A few ingredients and a few minutes are enough to make delicious potatoes, here are some of the aromatics often used to prepare homemade potatoes:

Red pepper

Herbes de Provence

Curry

Salt and pepper

Garlic granules

- Mix a tablespoon or two of the spices of your choice and a tablespoon of olive oil in a plate. Add a little flour to prevent the potatoes from sticking, or breadcrumbs to make them more crunchy.

- Add the potato pieces to the plate and mix well. You can also put the potatoes and spices in an airtight container and shake them to coat the potatoes well.

Step 3: cook the potatoes!

To cook potatoes, you have several solutions according to your desire

Frying pan: Brown the potatoes on all sides in a hot frying pan with a little oil, or cook the potatoes in frying oil for a few minutes.

Oven: Our favorite cooking method! Place the potatoes on a baking sheet in the oven or in a large dish and bake for 30 to 40 minutes at 180 degrees Celsius. Watch the cooking process carefully when they turn golden, they are ready.

3. Sauces to accompany potatoes

Some ideas for homemade sauces for potatoes

Mayonnaise with eggs:

Beat the egg in an electric mixer, then add vinegar, lemon juice and salt

While whisking, add the crushed garlic, then gradually pour in the vegetable oil while continuing to whisk until you get a thick consistency, then store the mixture in the refrigerator and serve with the potatoes.

Cream cheese sauce and chives:

• 2 tablespoons unsalted butter,
• 1 tablespoon grated garlic,
• Half a tablespoon cornstarch
• A quarter cup of milk,
• 1 tablespoon sugar,
• 1 teaspoon salt,
• 4 slices of slice cheese (square cheese, sandwich cheese)

-Bring a frying pan and put it on medium heat, then add the butter and let it melt well.

-Add the grated garlic and stir the ingredients well

-Add the cornstarch and stir again, then add the milk, sugar and salt and stir well.

-Add the slice cheese and stir well until the cheese melts and the consistency thickens.

-Pour the sauce into a small serving dish and leave to cool slightly. Serve with French fries

Barbecue Sauce:

• Ketchup - 1 cup
• Honey - 1/2 cup
• Barbecue seasoning - 1 tablespoon
• Onion - 1 piece.
• Garlic - 3 cloves
• Salt to taste
• Pepper to taste

-Over medium heat, rub the honey until it melts.

-Add the chopped onion and garlic. Prepare them until they are translucent.

-Add the ketchup and barbecue seasoning. Mix well.

-Add salt and pepper to taste.

-Slow down the heat and cook the sauce for 10-15 minutes until it thickens.

-This honey barbecue sauce will be a perfect addition to any grilled food or even pizza. Try it and you won't regret it!

Calories

As for the calories in 100 potatoes, it is estimated at approximately 75 calories, in addition to 1.5 grams of fiber, and 18 grams of carbohydrates. Potatoes contribute to a number of health benefits, including the following:

-Providing the body with a good percentage of potassium, which is important for the health of muscles and nerves.

-Preventing some health problems because they contain    antioxidants.

-Regulating blood sugar levels, because potatoes have a low glycemic index.

-Enhancing the health of the immune system