Versatile Potatoes

Potato is the most popular and versatile vegetable ever.

There is a good reason why potatoes are one of the most popular vegetables in the home garden. They're very easy to grow, and they taste better!
According to sources, Potatoes were first cultivated by the Inca Indians in Peru, in about 200 B.C.
In 1537, the Spanish Conquistadors discovered the potatoes and brought them back to Europe on their return trip. The first potatoes arrived in North America in 1621.
Today, potatoes are one of the largest food crops in the world, with the United States alone growing about 35 billion pounds of potatoes every year.

Potatoes require a lot of sun to grow but they are very adaptive in nature.They need light, loose,well moisturised soil , not soggy or wet.
They grow well in temparatures between 40degrees F - 50 degrees F.
It is recommended that new Potato plants are grown from Certified Potato seeds. Certified seed potatoes are disease free, and have been selected to give you the best results with the highest yields. Certified seed potatoes are available at most quality nurseries and garden centers.

Traditionally they are grown in rows. Generally the plants are ready to yield within 2-3 months.The top of the plant dies out and we need to leave the potatoes in the ground for 2-3 weeks after that and then it is ready for harvesting.

A good compost and peat is necessary for a good yield. .

Cold climate gardeners need to plant potatoes in mid to late spring. Warm climates do best planting potatoes in either late summer or late winter, so the plants aren't trying to grow during the hottest months.
They can be grown easily in large containers, taking care not to overwater the plants .I have tried growing potatoes and it is very easy to do so. The only requirement is to find a sunny spot and water the plant regularly not letting it dry out completely. It does not require much attention .

Potatoes are relatively inexpensive and they were vital to survival in cooler climates with severe winters. They keep well when properly stored
Potatoes are known as Energy food..
Potatoes are a versatile vegetable taking on several textures and flavors depending on how they are prepared. They are boiled and served in stews, mashed and served with gravy, pan fried with onions, French fried, baked- the things one can do with potatoes !

I am sharing 2 tasty recipes made with Boiled Potatoes. Both the recipes are very refreshing and are ideal to be served during hot summer months. They go well with any kind of food. They can also be served as individual dishes with a soup..

Potato Salad

Boiled Potatoes 3-4

Yogurt 1 large cup

Chopped onions

Chopped Coriander leaves

Salt and Pepper to taste

Oil

Jeera ( Cumin) 1 tea spoonful

Method

Cut the potatoes into fair sized pieces. Heat some oil in a pan and add the cumin ( Jeera) seeds.

When the seeds splutter add the chopped onions and fry for while. Add turmeric powder and mix well. Add the potatoes and toss. Add salt and the coriander leaves and mix well. Take the potatoes off the stove and cool to room temperature.

Whip the yogurt with salt and pepper and when the potatoes are cool, arrange them on a shallow dish and pour the yogurt over the potato pieces and sprinkle some fresh coriander leaves and more pepper or red chilly powder if needed. This is an excellent dish to be served on a hot summer's day. Goes well as a side dish with Baked Fish and Pulaos or even Fried rice.

Potato Salad - 2

Potatoes 3 boiled and cut into small pieces

Carrot 1 grated

Capcicum 1 finely sliced

Tomato 1 finely sliced

Handful of Peanuts lightly toasted

Salt

Red Chilly Powder according to taste

Coriander leaves

Lime juice 1 table spoon

Mix all the above ingredients , toss taking care not to mash the potatoes. Finally add some chopped coriander leaves.

I serve this dish with Rice and Dhal and it tastes great as a side dish.This salad also tastes good as a snack ..It tastes yummy served on toasted crisp bread and is ideal for making sandwiches too..

Summary: They taste scrumptious prepared just about any way you choose.