Baked, roasted, mashed, shredded, fried — no matter how you eat potatoes, enjoying some starchy spuds is a cause for celebration. On Aug. 19, 2024, embrace these potato-centric dishes as you celebrate National Potato Day.
Few ingredients are as versatile — and as delicious — as the potato. From humble origins, potatoes have become a staple in cuisines around the world. Potatoes are often affordable and, with a mild taste, they adapt well to every flavor. Whether you like your potatoes with toppings or on their own with a pinch of salt, these potato dishes and recipes are worth a try this year.
A spud history
Today, the potato is the fifth most valuable crop worldwide, according to The Smithsonian. It’s also the fifth largest crop by production volume. But this international popularity is relatively recent in human history.
The potato first grew in the Andes Mountains in South America where it was a staple in Incan culture. When European explorers arrived after Columbus in 1492, they carried potatoes back to Europe and beyond to Asia and Africa.
Potatoes yield much more than grain, making them an important crop in Medieval times when famine was common. However, Europeans were slow to incorporate potatoes into their diets. In the mid-1700s, Marie Antoinette, King Louis and the French aristocracy wore potato blossoms as accessories, trying to tempt French citizens to embrace this new produce.
Potatoes eventually caught on. They are now grown globally and the Farmers’ Almanac estimates that the average American eats 120 pounds annually. The most popular use for potatoes? Data from the USDA shows that 50% of all U.S. potatoes are made into frozen french fries, most of which go to restaurants. While french fries are delectable, they are only the start of potato dishes you can indulge in on National Potato Day.
Potato varieties around the world
Potatoes come in hundreds of varieties and cultures around the world use them in thousands of ways. Over 100 varieties of potatoes are sold in the U.S. alone, according to the Washington State Potato Commission. The Peruvian mountains where potatoes originated are home to over 4,000 varieties of potatoes.
How to use different potato varieties
With all of these varieties, different cultures have created unique dishes that rely on local potatoes. Russet potatoes, recognizable by their oval shape and rough brown skin, are among the most common. Hearty and affordable, starchy russets are staples for fries, potato chips and baked potatoes. They also work well with Irish potato dishes like colcannon.
Yellow potatoes, such as Yukon golds, have softer skin, smoother texture and buttery flavor. These potatoes are ideal for mashing, frying or even a roasted potato salad. They are also a great addition to Indian dishes, such as Aloo gobi or vegetable korma.
Red potatoes are waxy which helps them hold their shape during cooking. With a thin skin and sweeter flavor, they are great for roasting and eating on their own. They’re also good for smashed potatoes, salads and stews. Purple potatoes are more earthy in flavor. Their vibrant color stands out in salads or as a side dish.
Despite the name, sweet potatoes are not true potatoes but rather a distant relative. However, sweet potatoes are nearly as versatile as the common potato. They are also packed with Vitamin A and antioxidants for nutrient-rich sweet potato fries, mashed sweet potatoes and more.
Delicious ways to celebrate National Potato Day
A National Potato Day celebration requires all your favorite dishes and sampling a few new ones. A bag of potato chips or your favorite fast-food fries is a satisfying way to enjoy potatoes. For french fries, you can choose from steak, curly, waffle, shoestring or tater tots.
But don’t forget about breakfast where hashbrowns or breakfast potatoes can be a savory start to the day. For lunch and dinner, classic dishes like mashed potatoes, potato salad, potato soup or roasted potatoes are tasty options.
International dishes can bring more exciting flavors. Samosas from India, the Middle East and Africa combine spiced mashed potatoes in pastry. Gnocchi from Italy is a hearty pasta dish. Au gratin from France is a casserole of sliced potatoes, cream and cheese. Central and Eastern European cultures often incorporate potato dumplings into their dishes, such as knödel. Jewish latkes, made from shredded potatoes, is a typical Hanukkah dish served with applesauce and sour cream.
For an easy potato dish, try air fryer baked potatoes that you can customize with toppings for a delicious meal all on its own, or serve as a side dish. Potatoes are guaranteed to pair well with everything.
Potatoes are even good in desserts and bread. Potato bread, potato candy and potato donuts, also called spudnuts, can complete a potato celebration.
From french fries to korma: Cook up potatoes for National Potato Day
Humble in appearance, the potato has rightfully earned its place as one of America’s most popular vegetables. On National Potato Day, celebrate this versatile food for every snack and meal of the day. A simple baked potato, mashed potatoes or french fries are all a classic showcase for potatoes. This holiday is also the perfect excuse to try a new recipe and experience new potato-based flavors.
Kristen Wood is a photographer, food writer, recipe developer and creator of MOON and spoon and yum. She is also the author of Vegetarian Family Cookbook, Fermented Hot Sauce Cookbook and Hot Sauce Cookbook for Beginners. Her work has been featured in various online and print publications, including NBC, Seattle Times, Elle, Martha Stewart, Forbes, Chicago Sun-Times and more.