The potato is a widely consumed tuber worldwide.
The potato is a tuber that has its origin in South America but is currently grown in various regions of the planet. Solanum tuberosum (scientific name for potato) is one of the most important foods for humanity.
The potato tuber , which grows underground, houses the plant 's nutrients. Although the characteristics change depending on the variety in question, potatoes - also known as potatoes - are generally grown in sandy soil that has a good level of humus.
Potatoes have vitamin C, phosphorus, calcium , magnesium, potassium and other components that are essential in the human diet . That is why its consumption is very popular in a large number of countries.
Potato consumption
The forms of consumption are very diverse. For example, potatoes can be boiled in water and salt to be consumed directly in this way or to mash once boiled and puree . With mashed potatoes you can also make croquettes, sandwiches, soufflés and puddings.
French fries , also known as French fries , are usually the chosen accompaniment to many dishes, although they are also consumed as an appetizer. In this case, the potato is peeled, cut into sticks and fried in plenty of oil . When they are golden brown, remove them from the oil, dry them with absorbent paper and add a little salt.
The combination of fried potatoes, eggs and other ingredients (such as bacon or onion, for example) allows you to create the famous potato omelet . Strict vegetarians do not consume any products of animal origin, but that does not prevent them from making delicious potato omelettes , since the only main ingredient they refuse to use is the egg, and they can replace it with a mixture of water and chickpea flour, among other possibilities.
It should also be noted that the potato can be fermented to obtain vodka and other alcoholic beverages.
Gnocchi can be made with potatoes.
The gnocchi
Another very popular meal that includes potatoes as an essential component is gnocchi . In this case, a simple recipe requires the following ingredients, thinking about a serving for two people: one large potato or two medium ones; 1/4 flour; spices to taste, including coarse and fine salt; and olive lard (also called butter).
Preparing gnocchi is quick and easy. First of all, the potatoes must be washed, peeled and boiled until they can be pierced with a fork; It is important to add a tablespoon of coarse salt to the water (some people prefer to do it from the beginning, while others say it is convenient once the boil starts). When the potatoes are cooked, they should be removed from the heat and placed in a suitable container for preparing the dough, such as a bowl.
To make the dough, you should start by mashing the potatoes together with a generous tablespoon of olive butter and the desired spices, such as fine salt, parsley, oregano and pepper powder. Once a dough is obtained, water and flour are added so that little by little it becomes a mixture similar to that used for pizza . The most recommended thing is to knead on a counter, previously placing a layer of flour to prevent the bun from sticking; This allows you to use both hands and achieve better consistency.
When the dough is no longer sticky but has become malleable and elastic, it is time to cut it into small buns and begin to stretch them until they form long cylindrical strips, which, in turn, must be cut into small pieces that will finally be , potato gnocchi. As a last optional step, to make the presentation more pleasant and professional, you can pass each gnocchi through a fork so that the typical "channels" are formed that give it that unmistakable appearance .