Posted on Friday, April 4, 2025

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by AMAC, D.J. Wilson

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This easy-to-prepare recipe is the perfect accompaniment to a main meat dish such as a beef roast, baked chicken, or pork tenderloin. The addition of Rosemary, an herb native to the Mediterranean, not only adds flavor but also boosts manganese, an essential nutrient for metabolic health.

Ingredients:

• 2 lbs. red potatoes, skin on and cut into 1” squares
• 3 Tablespoons extra virgin olive oil (or enough to lightly coat potatoes)
• 2 teaspoons garlic powder
• 3 Tablespoons finely chopped rosemary
• Salt and pepper to taste
• A sprinkle of paprika

Directions:

Soak the cut potatoes in cool water for 30 minutes to remove some starch. Drain and pat them dry. Preheat oven to 350°F. In a large mixing bowl combine the cut potatoes, olive oil, garlic powder and rosemary. Season with some salt and pepper. Put the oil-coated potatoes in a large 9” x 13” baking dish. Lightly sprinkle with paprika. Roast the potatoes in the oven, stirring occasionally, for 45 to 50 minutes, until potatoes are fork tender and golden brown.

A chef’s note…

This recipe calls for the use of red potatoes as nutrition varies per potato type. Per healthline.com, “Red potatoes have a higher nutritional content and more fiber than Russet potatoes.” How they are prepared also matters. Cooks should opt for healthier cooking methods such as baking them versus deep frying. Additionally, keeping the skin on helps to maintain fiber and mineral content.

And now, some spuds history…

Potatoes are a starchy root vegetable that serve as an important part of the human diet. Per Study.com, potatoes likely originated in the Andes Mountains of South America. It is believed that the Incas in Peru were the first to cultivate potatoes around 8,000 to 5,000 B.C. These popular underground tubers played a significant role in history, helping to sustain populations through periods of food scarcity. Thanks to Spanish conquistadors, the potato made its way to Europe where it thrived as a food staple during the 18^th century due to its ease in growing. The potato would also reach Ireland. Tragically, from 1845 to 1852, The Great Famine occurred there due to an unfortunate potato blight. The English and other countries also acquired potatoes, making spuds a global agricultural staple. Today, the demand for potatoes in the diet remains high. Potatoes, also known as spuds, are a healthy food. Many people are pleasantly surprised to learn that potatoes contain virtually no fat or cholesterol, plus they are chock full of nutrients including potassium, folate, vitamins C and B6, and other beneficial B vitamins. Potatoes are also a great source of fiber, keeping people feeling fuller for longer periods of time.

Disclosure: This article is purely informational and is not intended as an historical, health, or nutrition guide.