SAEDNEWS: In Iran, where bread is a staple and meals are often enjoyed with it, we turn to potatoes to explore how this tasty root vegetable can be used in quick, bread-friendly dishes.
According to the Saed News Cooking Service, ever since Naser al-Din Shah Qajar introduced potatoes to Iran, this versatile ingredient was initially reserved for royal meals, considered a luxury for the wealthy. However, it quickly became popular among the public and is now an indispensable part of Iranian cuisine. Here’s a curated list of six quick bread-based potato dishes, complete with ingredients and step-by-step instructions.
A classic French-inspired dish, chicken and potato gratin layers simple ingredients like chicken, potatoes, cheese, and white sauce, baked until golden and crispy. Ingredients below serve 4–6 people (adjust as needed):
Ingredients:
Cooked shredded chicken: 2 cups
Medium potatoes: 3
Mozzarella cheese: 2 cups
Milk: 1 cup
Cream: ½ cup
Butter: 2 tbsp
Flour: 1 tbsp
Onion: 1
Garlic: 2 cloves
Salt and pepper: to taste
Thyme: ½ tsp
Nutmeg: a pinch (optional)
Instructions:
Boil chicken with salt and pepper, then shred.
Melt butter in a pan, sauté onion and garlic until golden. Add flour and cook briefly.
Stir in milk and cream until thickened. Season with salt, pepper, thyme, and nutmeg.
Boil sliced potatoes for about 5 minutes until partially cooked.
Layer potatoes, sauce, chicken, and cheese in a baking dish; repeat until all ingredients are used.
Top with cheese and bake at 180°C (356°F) for 30 minutes until golden.
A traditional Iranian dish, potato kuku is quick, easy, and perfect for light meals. It can be pan-fried or baked. Serves 4–6.
Ingredients:
Medium potatoes: 4
Eggs: 3
Small onion: 1
Salt, pepper, turmeric: to taste
Garlic or garlic powder: 1 clove
Herbs (parsley or dill): optional
Oil: for frying
Instructions:
Boil and grate potatoes after cooling.
Grate the onion, squeeze excess water, and mix with potatoes.
Beat eggs and combine with potato mixture.
Season with salt, pepper, turmeric, and garlic; add herbs if desired.
Fry in oil over medium heat until both sides are golden.
Tips: Add ground meat, peas, or grated carrots for new flavors. For a healthier version, bake at 180°C (356°F) for 20–30 minutes.
A nutritious traditional dish, lentils with potatoes is high in fiber and plant-based protein, ideal for breakfast, lunch, or light dinner.
Ingredients:
Lentils: 1 cup
Medium potato: 1
Medium onion: 1
Garlic: 2 cloves
Tomato paste: 1 tbsp
Salt, pepper, turmeric: to taste
Oil: 2 tbsp
Water: 4–5 cups
Lemon juice or vinegar: optional
Instructions:
Soak lentils for 30 minutes, drain.
Sauté onion (and garlic if using) in oil until golden.
Add lentils and sauté for a few minutes; season with turmeric and pepper.
Add water, simmer 30–45 minutes until lentils are tender.
Add diced potato and cook until soft.
Stir in sautéed tomato paste, adjust seasoning, and add lemon juice or vinegar if desired.
Tip: Carrots or fresh tomatoes can be added for extra flavor and nutrients.
A hearty and simple dish, beans and potatoes make a nutritious meal suitable for lunch or dinner. Serves 4–6.
Ingredients:
Soaked pinto or red beans: 1 cup
Medium potatoes: 2
Medium onion: 1
Garlic: 2 cloves (optional)
Tomato paste: 1–2 tbsp
Salt, pepper, turmeric: to taste
Oil: 2 tbsp
Water: 4 cups
Lemon juice or vinegar: optional
Instructions:
Soak beans overnight, drain.
Sauté onion (and garlic) until golden.
Add beans, turmeric, pepper, and sauté briefly. Add water and cook about 1 hour.
Add diced potatoes and simmer until soft.
Stir in sautéed tomato paste and adjust seasoning.
Perfect for colder months, this creamy potato soup is comforting, easy to make, and versatile.
Ingredients:
Medium potatoes: 3
Medium onion: 1
Garlic: 2 cloves (optional)
Butter or olive oil: 2 tbsp
Chicken or vegetable broth: 4 cups
Cream: ½ cup (optional)
Salt, pepper: to taste
Turmeric: ½ tsp (optional)
Fresh parsley or dried dill: for garnish
Instructions:
Sauté onion (and garlic) in butter or oil until golden.
Add diced potatoes and sauté a few minutes.
Add broth, seasonings, and simmer 20–30 minutes until potatoes are soft.
Blend until smooth; stir in cream if desired.
Garnish with parsley or dill.
Tip: Add carrots, celery, mushrooms, or corn for added flavor.
A popular cold salad, Olivier combines potatoes, chicken or ham, eggs, pickles, and mayonnaise, perfect for parties or as a side dish.
Ingredients:
Medium potatoes: 3
Chicken breast or ham: 200g
Eggs: 3
Pickles: 5–6
Peas: ½ cup
Carrot: 1 medium (optional)
Mayonnaise: 1 cup
Lemon juice or vinegar: 1 tbsp
Salt, pepper, mustard powder: to taste
Olives or cherry tomatoes: optional
Instructions:
Boil and dice potatoes; cook chicken or use ham.
Mix potatoes, protein, eggs, pickles, peas, and carrot in a bowl.
Add mayonnaise, lemon juice, and seasonings; mix well.
Garnish before serving.
Tip: Add corn, bell pepper, or olives for extra texture and flavor. Mix yogurt with mayonnaise for a lighter version.
Potatoes are not only delicious but also highly nutritious. Rich in complex carbohydrates, they provide lasting energy and promote satiety. Their fiber content aids digestion and blood sugar control, while vitamin C supports immunity and skin health. Potassium helps regulate blood pressure and heart function. Boiled or steamed potatoes can even assist in weight management.
With these six quick bread-based potato recipes, you can enjoy diverse flavors while benefiting from the nutrition of this versatile vegetable. Try incorporating potatoes into your meals for both taste and health, and share your favorite new recipes with others!
