Passion for Potatoes

It is hard to imagine a world without potatoes, so much a part of our staple diet they have become since they were first brought to our shores in the 16th century. Today, with over 4,000 varieties available, it is no longer a simple question of buying simply reds or whites… more a choice that features such inspiring names as the waxy Pink Fir Apple, floury Yukon Gold and exotic purpleblack truffle potatoes.

In his book A Passion for Potatoes, award-winning chef Paul Gayler asks that we pick our potatoes judiciously, matching the right variety to suit the preferred method of cooking. His 150 recipes are a tribute to the adaptability, enduring popularity and versatility of this king of The humble potato can be endlessly reinvented for breakfast, lunch, dinner, even teatime – without losing its essential character vegetables. They include how to make the perfect mash, irresistible sautés, the ultimate baked potato – and there are sweet ideas too. Here, to tempt you to be a little more adventurous when you cook potatoes, are six of the best. All the recipes serve 4 people.