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There are few people in the world that can deny the magic of potatoes. They're incredibly versatile and taste good in almost every way. But if you’re a fan of quick cooking, it’s always handy to have some parboiled or mashed potatoes on hand to create a bevy of delicious dishes that don’t take more than half an hour to put together.
The magic of mashed potatoes lies in its ability to serve as a diverse ingredient in countless culinary creations. With its creamy texture and mild flavour, mashed potatoes provide a versatile base that can be transformed into a wide range of dishes, from comforting classics to innovative creations.
They are a blank canvas for flavours. They readily absorb and enhance the taste of spices, herbs, and other ingredients. Whether you prefer a traditional seasoning of salt and pepper or want to experiment with more exotic flavours, mashed potatoes can accommodate your culinary desires.
Mashed potatoes bring a luscious and velvety texture to dishes. This quality makes them perfect for adding creaminess to soups, stews, and casseroles. Whether you're looking to thicken a sauce or create a smooth and creamy filling, mashed potatoes work wonders, giving dishes a comforting and satisfying mouthfeel.
Video Credits: Joshua Weissman/YouTube
Moreover, mashed potatoes can be a great binding agent in recipes. Their sticky nature makes them excellent for holding together ingredients in dishes such as croquettes, patties, or stuffing mixtures. They add moisture and help ingredients stick together, resulting in deliciously cohesive dishes.
So if you're looking to up your cooking game, potatoes are the perfect place to start! Here are 8 creative and delicious ways to use leftover mashed potatoes:
Potato Croquettes:
Turn leftover mashed potatoes into crispy croquettes. Mix the mashed potatoes with shredded cheese, chopped herbs, and spices. Shape the mixture into small patties or balls, coat them in breadcrumbs, and deep-fry or bake until golden and crispy. These make for a tasty snack or appetiser.
Gnocchi:
Elevate your pasta game with these fluffy mashed potato dumplings. Mix mashed potatoes with flour, eggs, and seasonings to form a dough. Shape the dough into small balls and drop them into simmering broth or soup. Cook until the dumplings are cooked through and tender, then serve them alongside your favourite hearty dish.
Video Credit: Hebbar's Kitchen/YouTube
Aloo Tikki:
Aloo Tikki is a popular street but is just as good when made at home. It consists of mashed potatoes mixed with spices, herbs, and sometimes peas. The mixture is shaped into patties and shallow-fried until crispy. Serve these delicious potato cutlets with chutney or yoghurt for a delightful snack.
Samosa:
Samosas are a guaranteed hit in any Indian home. The mashed potatoes are combined with peas, onions, and a blend of aromatic spices. The filling is then wrapped in a pastry shell and deep-fried until golden brown. Samosas are perfect as appetisers or tea-time snacks.
Aloo Paratha:
Aloo Paratha is a delicious and filling Indian bread stuffed with a spiced mashed potato filling. The mashed potatoes are seasoned with a blend of spices, such as cumin, coriander, and chilli powder, and then stuffed inside a whole wheat dough. The paratha is cooked on a griddle with ghee or oil until golden and served with yoghurt or pickle.
Batata Vada:
Bombay Bonda, also known as Batata Vada, is a popular snack in Mumbai. It consists of mashed potatoes mixed with spices, herbs, and gram flour batter. The mixture is shaped into small balls, dipped in the batter, and deep-fried until golden and crispy. Serve these tasty potato fritters with chutney or sauce.
Potato Latkes:
Add some excitement to your breakfast or brunch by making potato pancakes. Combine mashed potatoes with breadcrumbs, eggs, and seasonings. Form the mixture into patties and pan-fry until crispy and golden brown. Serve them with sour cream or applesauce for a delightful twist.
Potato Soup:
Warm up on a chilly day with a comforting bowl of mashed potato soup. In a pot, combine mashed potatoes, chicken or vegetable broth, milk or cream, and seasonings. Simmer until heated through, and you can add toppings such as shredded cheese, crispy bacon, or green onions for extra flavour.
