POTATOES U.S.A. IN CEBU

November 28, 2019. U.S. POTATOES held an event in The Suite Room here in Ayala Center Cebu. Aside from learning new potato recipes, I was able to gain new knowledge, about their many nutritious benefits, clarifying my previous misconceptions about potatoes.

Most of us think the "potato" is not a "healthy" vegetable, and that it contributes to weight gain. But from the very informative talk by the Potatoes USA-Philippines Country Representative, Ms. Reji Retugal, I learned that potatoes are an excellent source of Vitamin C, and that it has a good amount of Vitamin B6, Potassium, Protein, Fiber and Complex Carbohydrates. 

I always thought that bananas are the best Potassium source but, a medium-sized skin-on potato actually has more Potassium than a medium-sized banana. Also, potatoes have no fat, no sodium and no cholesterol. The potato only has 110 calories and is very filling. It gets a bad rap from being a "fattening" food because of all the other ingredients we add to it, like too much oil, salt and toppings.

After the presentation, a cooking demonstration was led by Chef Sidney Uy, and a food tasting followed afterwards. In the cooking demo, we were shown how simple potatoes can be prepared and how it can even be incorporated in desserts!

What amazed me the most are U.S. DEHYDRATED POTATOES. It is made of premium potatoes and is more lightweight, and compact. The most common use for is for making mashed potatoes, but beyond that, you can explore and create creamier soups, sauces and stews. For moms like me, I’m excited to make potato pancakes or waffles, potato croquettes, and see how my toddler will love it! All these potato dishes we can now create more often at home without stocking up on heavy and bulky potatoes in the kitchen. One kilo of U.S. Dehydrated Potatoes rehydrates to as much as five kilos. This is definitely the reason why U.S. Dehydrated Potatoes is largely used by caterers, restaurants, delis, institutions, bakeries, coffee shops and snack manufacturers. U.S. Dehydrated Potatoes come in powder, dices, shreds and flakes form, which may be easily stored in the pantry for a longer period of time, than fresh potatoes.

Here are some of the potato dishes prepared by Chef Sidney:

U.S. Potato Crusted Salmon with Truffle Potato Sauce and Fruit Salsa

U.S. Potato Pudding

U.S. Mashed Potato Truffle

And of course, I wouldn’t want my family to miss out! Here’s something I prepared, cooking with Dehydrated Potatoes, at home. This is how I prepared dinner for them.

Ingredients:

FOR THE PORKCHOP

• 6 pcs pork chops
• 1/2 cup soy sauce
• 1/4 tsp pepper
• Calamansi
• 4 cloves garlic
• Flour to coat
• Canola oil

FOR THE MASHED POTATO

• 1 and 1/2 cups of water
• 1/2 tsp salt
• 1/2 cup cold Milk
• 2 tablespoons of Unsalted Butter
• 1 and 1/3 cups U.S. Dehydrated Potato Flakes

Instructions:

FOR THE PORKCHOP

• Pat the chops dry after washing and season with pepper to taste.
• Put chops in a bowl and add soy sauce, garlic and squeeze the calamansi. 
• Massage the marinade into the meat and cover. Keep in the refrigerator for 30 minutes to 2 hours.
• Over medium-high heat, heat Canola oil.
• Coat with flour and pan-fry the chops on one side first until nicely seared. 
• Turn to the other side for another 1-2 minutes or until golden brown on both sides.
• Remove from heat and set aside on top of a paper towel for oil to drain.

FOR THE MASHED POTATO

• Heat water until it is boiling.
• Add butter and salt
• Remove mixture from heat and add cold milk
• Stir in the potato flakes gently. Do not whip.
• Allow it to sit for 2-3 minutes, to thicken before serving alongside the pork chops.
• Enjoy!

Porkchop with U.S. Mashed Potato

Good news is that U.S. Potato products (frozen, fresh and dehydrated) are available in grocery stores nationwide. If you can't find any dehy in any supermarkets, check out bakery supply stores or message the Potatoes USA-Philippines on Facebook.

Visit the Potato Goodness and Potatoes USA websites for more information on US potatoes.