Different types of potatoes, for different dishes: recipes for boiled potato pancakes, potato salad and stuffed potatoes

Lithuanian potatoes – all year

Potatoes are often referred to as the queen of traditional Lithuanian cuisine, whose gastronomic tradition, according to historians, dates back to the 18th century. Currently, according to the Ministry of Agriculture, there are around 100 kilograms of potatoes per capita per year.

Vaida Budrienė, communication manager for retail chain Iki, says potato sales confirm the often-heard claim that Lithuanians can eat potatoes all year round.

“Our data shows that Lithuanian potato sales are at a similar level throughout the year, and we see the peak of purchases from the first frosts until spring, slightly less than those bought in summer. Residents will most likely choose lighter foods during the hot season and save potato dishes for the colder seasons, ”says V. Budrienė.

He also points out that buyers are of Lithuanian origin when choosing potatoes.

“It is very important for people that the potatoes they buy are of the highest quality and freshness, and the Lithuanian origin is a guarantee for them. As the potatoes sold in the shops are supplied only by farmers in our country, buyers can choose from the types offered without doubting that they will receive a quality product at an affordable price, ”says V. Budrienė.

According to her, the Iki stores sell a total of 4 types of potatoes: of the former, “Solist” and “Vineta”, of the latter, “Soraya” and “Laura”.

A long-known vegetable: new flavor combinations

Didžkukuliai, more often called zeppelins, kugelis, Samogitian pancakes, are the main Lithuanian dishes, without which a weekend visit to grandparents or a visit to a traditional food restaurant is often unimaginable. Potatoes: although it is not the main ingredient, but it is a necessary ingredient to eat such common dishes as cold borscht or pigeons.

According to V. Juodkazienė, although Lithuanian potatoes are inseparable from traditional cuisine, their use is much wider than it seems at first glance.

“Although part of the Lithuanian weekend lunch cannot be imagined without zeppelins or Samogitian pancakes, of course there are people who are no longer surprised by these dishes. However, Lithuanian potatoes and the dishes that can be prepared with them offer a much wider variety. For a healthy and nutritious lunch, for example, you can serve baked potatoes with cottage cheese or fresh vegetables. Or maybe you would like to season veggie pancakes with fresh potatoes? The variety of healthy, low-calorie recipes can also surprise a professional cook, ”says V. Juodkazienė.

The food expert offers to try 3 dishes with Lithuanian potatoes.

Boiled potato pancakes with vegetables

Will need:

• 800 g of boiled potatoes
• 100g cheese
• 70 g of flour
• 200 g of broccoli
• 1 egg
• 1 carrot
• 1 onion
• 2 cloves of garlic
• Salt pepper

preparation:

Crush the potatoes in a mortar and grate the cheese. Slice the broccoli and blanch, then chop. Grate the carrot and onion. In a separate pot, mix the potatoes with the cheese, the grated carrot, the beaten egg, the vegetables, the finely chopped garlic and the onion. Spice with salt and pepper. Bake in a pan heated in oil.

Potato salad with cereal curd

Will need:

• 1 kg of potatoes
• 500 g of cereal curd
• 1 handful of capers
• 5 basil leaves
• 2 cloves of garlic
• 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
• Salt pepper

preparation:

Cut the boiled potatoes and let cool. Mix the curd, herbs and spices for the sauce. Add the potatoes to the sauce and season with salt and pepper. Serve the potato salad made with your favorite vegetables.

Potatoes stuffed with ham

Will need:

• 4 larger potatoes
• 100 g of hot smoked ham
• 1 carrot
• 1 onion
• 50 g of fermented cheese to taste
• 2 tablespoons tomato sauce
• Petroleum
• Salt pepper

preparation:

Cook the peeled potatoes for about 25-30 minutes. When they have cooled, cut them in half, peel the pulp with a spoon. Put it in a separate bowl and mash it with a fork. Finely chop the onion and grate the carrot. Sauté the onion and carrot in a frying pan heated in oil. Cut the ham into cubes and grate the cheese. Mix fried vegetables with mashed potatoes, ham, tomato sauce, cheese. Bake the stuffed potatoes in a preheated 190 degree oven for 15 minutes.