5 Healthy Potato Recipes
By Brandi Goodman
National Potato Month is coming up in September. Start finding recipes now that you can enjoy. Many healthy meal choices exist that allow you to enjoy potatoes in a nutritional way without them being cut into fries or baked and loaded with toppings galore.
Oven Roasted Potatoes
Make a chicken breast or other meat of choice for the main entree and oven roasted potatoes for the side. This meal will pack lots of protein and nutrients. Drizzle olive oil over the potatoes before sprinkling on rosemary, garlic, and pepper. Avoid salt to keep the sodium content low.
Mashed Potatoes Made With Yogurt
Mashed potatoes made with heavy cream or butter are full of fat. Substitute with yogurt instead and you can continue to enjoy this favorite potato side dish. It may have a bit of a tangy flavor if left plain, but you can add garlic, pepper, onions, or other seasonings to combat this.
Potato Salad (With No Mayonnaise)
Most people know that mayonnaise is a key ingredient to the typical potato salad you see at picnics and family gatherings. This is not the healthiest way to enjoy potatoes in the slightest. Create a potato salad with no mayonnaise and you'll cut down the fat content significantly, as well as reduce calories. A garden fresh potato salad is one option. Season with olive oil, red wine vinegar, fresh basil, parsley, and pepper. Add in grape tomatoes and fresh green beans to add color and flavor as well as egg slices for protein.
Roasted Potatoes
Use an oil with unsaturated fat, such as olive oil, and add in seasonings and you'll have roasted potatoes with a crispy shell that are great for a side dish. Pair them with a meat for a protein-packed meal or enjoy them as the main entree with a side salad and fruit.
Sweet Potato Hash
Of course one of the easiest ways to make a potato dish healthier is to substitute them for sweet potatoes. Sweet potatoes are lower on the glycemic index and have more fiber. They also have stronger antioxidants. A sweet potato hash is one great option. Sweet potatoes, peppers, onion, garlic, and oil should be tossed together on a pan. Scatter rosemary and chopped bacon on top. Simply bake and add with eggs for a nutritional and delicious breakfast.
Potatoes offer potassium, Vitamin C, Vitamin B6, fiber, and antioxidants. They're a worthwhile food to add to your regular menu. Enjoy them during Potato Month and every month thereafter as a healthy and nutritious snack or meal.
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