In yesterday’s post, I shared a roast recipe and suggested that you pair it with your favourite side. Now, potatoes are a common side dish in North America, and they are particularly excellent for a gluten-free diet. However, many people get stuck in a rut and cook them the same way over and over, resulting in boredom and too-much-potato-itis. So, I thought that I would share a few tips to help you spice up this versatile side dish.
Slice it Up
My first recommendation is to buy a mandolin slicer – a horizontal grater that comes with different attachments. You can usually pick up a decent one for around $10. This simple tool will let you easily cut potatoes and other vegetables in different shapes, such as French fries, slices of varying thickness, and julienne strips. I guarantee you’ll feel different about potatoes when they look different!
Even better, you can slice potatoes into French fry shapes and bake them – a much better alternative than fried food.
Spice it Up
Another easy way to change up potatoes is to toss them in 1 tablespoon of oil and then stir in some seasonings. Then, spray a baking sheet with cooking spray, spread the potatoes out, and cook at 425 degrees for 20 to 30 minutes (until potatoes are tender).
My favorite combination is 2 tablespoons of Parmesan cheese, 2 teaspoons of parsley, and one teaspoon each of garlic powder, paprika, and salt. For something different, try barbecue seasoning or herbed olive oil.
The catch here is that some spices (particularly discount brands) have gluten fillers in them. Always read the labels carefully!
Mashing in Style
Likewise, you can try adding different spreads to mashed potatoes. Garlic butter, cream cheese, and sour cream-based dips are all good ways to add some flavour, and are usually gluten-free. Just remember to read the ingredients first!
Less Carbs, More Nutrients
If you’re looking to cut back on carbohydrates, try boiling and mashing only half the amount of potatoes that you normally would. Then, add pureed cauliflower to the potatoes and mix well.
Share your favorite way to enjoy potatoes with us!
Gluten For Punishment 