Mr. Potato Head is Hot Again: Potato Inspiration

Pull your hand out of the chip bag and enjoy potatoes in a healthy, unique new light. According to the United States Potato Board (USPB) (yes, it exists), it is time to rethink the potato. The USPB  is hard at work reminding shoppers of the health benefits of the vegetable while offering more suggestions on how to cook with potatoes in a healthy way beyond the typical mashing and baking.

The spud has been avoided because it has a bad rap for being a weight gain culprit or because the veggie seems like a boring addition to your meal. Research by the potato experts (yes, these exist too) shows that potatoes are one of the most nutrient-dense vegetables available because they are potassium dense, rich in vitamin C, high in fiber and low in fat, sodium and cholesterol. Potatoes become the victim vegetable when ordered fully loaded, deep fried and highly salted in chip form. When prepared in a healthy way, potatoes are a superstar starch that can assist in your overall dieting goals.

Get potato happy and healthy again by starting with this inspired spin on a baked potato. Are you drooling already?

Ingredients
6 Medium Size Potatoes
2 – 3 Cloves Garlic, thinly sliced
2 Tbs Olive Oil
2 Tbs Butter
Freshly Ground Black Pepper

Method
Preheat the oven to 425˚F. Put the potato on a chopping board, flat side down. Start from one end of the potato, cut almost all the way through, at about 3 to 4 mm intervals.
Arrange the potatoes in a baking tray and insert the garlic in between the slits. Scatter some butter on top of each potato. Then drizzle the olive oil and sprinkle some sea salt and freshly ground black pepper.

Bake the potatoes for about 40 minutes or until the potatoes turn crispy and the flesh is soft.

Sweet potato fan? Try the same technique with your favorite sweet potato toppings like a sprinkle of cinnamon and sugar.

Recipe and image courtesy of  Sea Salt With Food