Potatoes are one of the most popular vegetables in the world. Some people don’t eat any other vegetables besides potatoes. If you find yourself in that category, I suggest you branch out and try some other veggies. There is a world of nutrition you are missing out on!

It is not wrong to eat potatoes, because they contain vitamins, minerals, and other beneficial nutrients. Unfortunately, potatoes are most commonly fried. This adds unhealthy fats and calories. Moreover, the most nutritious part of the potato — the skin — is usually removed. In order to retain their greatest nutritional value, potatoes are best baked or boiled, and served with the skins on.

If possible, get organic potatoes, to avoid pesticide residues in the skin. Wash them thoroughly. If you use non-organic potatoes, carefully peel off the top layer of skin and discard.

If you want to make mashed potatoes, but are bothered by the appearance of the skins in the finished dish, use white potatoes, and scrub them with a plastic dish scrubber or a brush to remove some of the skin. Try to leave most of the nutritious part intact. Rinse well, then boil and mash. This will eliminate a lot of the "look" of the skin, but will give you most of the benefits, since these are found in the area just under the skin.

To reduce the "need" for butter or margarine, cook the potatoes in chicken or vegetable broth to add flavor with a minimum of calories. Mash the potatoes, adding a bit of olive oil for additional health benefits.

Mashed Potatoes

6 medium red or white potatoes
2 cups chicken or vegetable broth
1/4 cup powdered milk
1 Tbs butter, margarine, or olive oil
Salt and pepper (to taste)

Scrub potatoes, leaving most of the peel intact. Rinse well.
Cut potatoes into 1/2" slices.
Put potato slices into a pot.
Add broth, and bring to boil.
Turn heat to medium simmer (some bubbling).
Cover, and cook until potatoes are tender (15 - 20 minutes or so).
Drain off most of the broth (reserve for soup course!).
Mash potatoes, adding milk powder, salt, and pepper.
Put into a serving bowl, and drizzle with olive oil or melted butter.
Serve.

6 servings.

Potato Soup

Follow above recipe, but do not drain off broth.
Mix powdered milk, salt, and pepper, into the potatoes and broth right in the pot. Omit olive oil or butter drizzle.
Serve in bowls, with a sprinkle of paprika on top.