A-peeling potato recipes for the winter season

Potatos!

Photo: The spuds that spruce up cold winter nights.

The spuds that spruce up cold winter nights. Photo courtesy of Meghna Singh.

Winter is the season of cozy evenings, warm blankets, and hearty meals that offer comfort against the chill. While winter treats like hot chocolate and soup might take the spotlight, the humble potato is still in the background of kitchens worldwide. Whether mashed, scalloped, fried, or baked, this versatile veggie shines in dishes to bring warmth during the colder months. Let’s take a journey through three iconic potato-based dishes that are perfect for crunching on frosty winter days!

Scalloped Potatoes 

Scalloped potatoes, known for their thinly sliced layers baked in between layers of cream and cheese, are a staple on many American holiday tables. Though its exact origins remain a mystery, the dish became prominent in Western Europe before traveling across the Atlantic to North America. Over time, it found a spot in American Christmas dinners, famed for its melt-in-your-mouth quality and buttery taste. 

The soft, velvety layers are formed by baking sliced potatoes (hence the name “scalloped”) in a mixture of heavy cream and seasonings, often topped with a golden crust of cheese. There are many variations of the dish, ranging from classic recipes to those featuring bold twists like garlic, thyme, or even bacon. No matter the variant, you can’t go wrong with its gooey goodness and its unapologetic indulgence in saturated fats.

Craving the creamy flavor yourself? Try this scalloped potato recipe for an easy addition to your winter dishes. For an extra-decadent twist, sprinkle some grated sharp cheddar or Le Gruyère cheese on top before baking. 

Sweet Potato Pie 

Sweet potato pie has long been associated with holiday gatherings in the American South. The dish is believed to have roots in African-American culinary traditions, where sweet potatoes or yams were often substituted for the pumpkins used in European pies. Over the centuries, families have passed down sweet potato pie recipes like prized heirlooms, maintaining the dish’s enduring place on dinner tables during holidays like Thanksgiving and Christmas. 

Despite the name, sweet potatoes aren’t technically potatoes in a strictly botanical sense (they’re distant relatives). Still, their creamy consistency and naturally sweet flavor make them ideal for holiday baking. Rich with cinnamon, nutmeg, and a touch of brown sugar, sweet potato pie provides a homey taste that keeps people coming back for seconds. 

Interested in whipping one up for your own kitchen table? Check out this recipe to experience the warm, custard-like goodness for yourself. 

Potato Latkes 

When discussing potato dishes for the holidays, it’s impossible to skip over latkes. These crispy, golden-brown pancakes are a staple during Hanukkah, the Jewish Festival of Lights. The tradition of frying foods in oil during Hanukkah symbolizes the miracle of the temple menorah oil lasting for eight days, as opposed to the original one. While variations of fried pancakes have existed for centuries, the potato latke we know today became popular in Eastern Europe in the mid-19th century, as potatoes became widely available and affordable.

Latkes typically feature grated potatoes, onions, eggs, and a sprinkle of flour for binding, all fried in oil to crunchy perfection. Some people prefer a coarsely-grated latke with pronounced crispy edges, while others opt for a smoother, more pancake-like texture. Whatever style you choose, don’t forget the finishing touches! Applesauce and sour cream are classic accompaniments. This traditional latke recipe can help guide you in crafting your batch of delectable holiday treats. 

The power of the potato

From the creamy deliciousness of scalloped potatoes to the warm sweetness of pie and the crispy delight of latkes, these dishes exemplify the comfort and warmth potatoes provide for the winter season. Perfect for a snowy evening or a cozy dinner with friends, the versatility of potato dishes reminds us that sometimes the best winter meals start with simple ingredients. So, as the winter season continues, try out one of these recipes and enjoy the satisfying taste of the potato.

Bon appétit!