Use it all … potatoes
The current situation that we all find ourselves in has highlighted many things - toilet paper is more precious than gold, working from home with kids is hard, and with limited shopping trips we need to make use of everything and waste as little as possible. So we’re going to help you out by showing you ways to reduce your leftovers and we’re starting with potatoes.
From buttery mash to crisp, crunchy chips, potatoes are endlessly versatile and one of our go to foods. Yet despite their popularity, potatoes are the third most wasted food in Australia behind bread and milk. So, we’ve put together some tips and tricks to help you use up your spuds and reduce wasted food and money.
Storage
To get the longest life out of your potatoes you need to ensure that you’re storing them correctly. Potatoes should be stored unwashed in a dry, dark place, like a kitchen cupboard or pantry. Keep them cool and well ventilated as heat and light decrease their shelf life. Don’t keep potatoes and onion together, as the gases they each release cause the other to spoil.
You can freeze them
If you have more potatoes than you can eat, you can freeze them. Yes, really! Freezing raw potatoes makes them mushy so parboil them first and then freeze them uncovered on a tray until they are solid. Then transfer to a freezer bag. You can also freeze leftover mashed potato.
Sprouty bits
Look, they may not be pretty but the little sprouts that grow out of potatoes are absolutely fine. All you need to do is chop them off and the potato is fine to eat.
Ways to use leftover potatoes
Got leftover mash? Stir some pesto into cold mashed potato and shape into balls around cubes of your favourite cheese (we like mozzarella). Dip into beaten egg, coat with breadcrumbs, drizzle with oil and bake in the oven for 20 minutes or until golden brown.
Boiled too many potatoes? Make up an herby potato salad by mixing crème fraiche, lemon zest, chopped spring onions and herbs like basil, mint or dill together. Chop the potatoes into bite-sized pieces and add to the herby dressing, coating the potatoes well. Serve with your favourite protein as a delicious side dish.
If you have leftover roast potatoes you can make a delicious meal of Patatas Bravas. Combine garlic, onion and olive oil in a pan over medium heat and sauté for 5 minutes. Add in half a tablespoon of hot smoked paprika, a tablespoon of flour, a third of a cup of white wine and a tablespoon of tomato paste. The sauce will thicken quickly so keep stirring constantly. Season with salt to taste. Drizzle sauce over roasted potatoes and enjoy.
