If you’re new to the world of veganism or simply looking for delicious plant-based recipes to add to your meal plan, potatoes should definitely be on your grocery list. Not only are they versatile, affordable, and easy to find, but they also offer a variety of health benefits. From creamy mashed potatoes to crispy oven-baked fries and hearty stews, this humble vegetable can be transformed into a myriad of tasty vegan dishes that are sure to satisfy your taste buds.
What Kind of Potatoes Work Best in Vegan Recipes
Potatoes are a popular and versatile vegetable that can be used in a variety of vegan dishes. Different types of potatoes have different textures and flavors, so choosing the best variety depends on the recipe you’re making. Here are some types of potatoes that work best in vegan recipes:
Russet potatoes
Russet potatoes are a high-starch potato with a dry, mealy texture when cooked. They have a neutral flavor that makes them a great option for many vegan recipes, including vegan mashed potatoes, vegan potato soup, and vegan baked potatoes. When cooking with russet potatoes, make sure to peel them first as the skin can be tough and bitter.
Red potatoes
Red potatoes are a waxy potato with a smooth, creamy texture when cooked. They have a slightly sweet flavor and a red skin that adds color to any dish. Red potatoes are great for roasting, boiling, or making vegan potato salad. They hold their shape well when cooked, making them a good option for dishes that require potatoes to be firm and intact.
Yellow potatoes
Yellow potatoes, also known as Yukon Gold potatoes, are a medium-starch potato with a buttery flavor and a creamy texture. They are great for mashing or baking and add a rich, savory flavor to vegan dishes. Yellow potatoes are also good for making vegan potato soup and vegan potato gratin.
Purple potatoes
Purple potatoes are a unique and colorful addition to vegan recipes. They are a low-starch potato with a creamy texture and a slightly sweet, nutty flavor. Purple potatoes are a great option for roasting or boiling, and they add a pop of color to any dish. Try using purple potatoes to make vegan potato salad or vegan mashed potatoes with a twist.
When choosing potatoes for vegan recipes, it’s important to consider the texture and flavor you’re looking for. Use this guide to help you choose the best type of potato for your next vegan dish.
Classic Vegan Potato Recipes You Should Try
From mashed potatoes to potato salads, there are numerous vegan potato recipes that you can recreate at home for a comforting and filling meal. Potatoes are not only versatile but also nutrient-rich, making them an ideal ingredient for vegan meals.
Mashed Potatoes with Vegan Gravy
A classic side dish that is perfect for any vegan meal is mashed potatoes. Vegan mashed potatoes are easy to make and can be paired with a variety of vegan gravy recipes. To make vegan mashed potatoes, boil peeled potatoes until they are soft, then mash with a potato masher or fork and mix in non-dairy milk and vegan butter. To make the gravy, sauté onions and garlic in some oil, add flour and vegetable broth, and stir until thick. Serve the mashed potatoes with a generous drizzle of the gravy.
Roasted Potato Wedges
Roasted potato wedges are a tasty and healthy alternative to French fries. Cut potatoes into wedges and toss in olive oil and seasonings of your choice, such as paprika, garlic powder, and rosemary. Roast in the oven until golden and crispy. Serve as a side dish or snack with vegan ketchup or dip.
Potato Salad with Vegan Mayo
Potato salad is a great addition to any vegan barbecue or picnic. Boil sliced potatoes until tender, then mix with chopped celery, red onion, and vegan mayo. Season with salt, pepper, and dill. Chill in the refrigerator for an hour before serving. You can also add other ingredients like bell peppers or pickles to give the salad extra flavor.
Vegan Shepherd’s Pie
A hearty and comforting vegan meal is shepherd’s pie made with mashed potatoes as a topping. Saute onions, garlic, carrots, and peas in some oil, then add vegetable broth and tomato paste. Cook until the vegetables are tender and the sauce is thick. Spoon into an oven-safe dish and add a layer of mashed potatoes. Bake in the oven until heated through and the mashed potatoes are golden and crispy on top.
Spicy Potato Curry
A delicious vegan curry recipe is spicy potato curry made with diced potatoes and curry spices. Sauté onions and garlic in some oil, then add diced potatoes and curry powder. Stir in coconut milk and simmer until the potatoes are tender. Serve with brown rice or naan bread for a satisfying vegan meal.
Healthy and Nutritious Vegan Potato Recipes
Potatoes, with their nutritious value and delicious taste, are a popular ingredient in vegan recipes. They provide a good source of complex carbohydrates and fiber, which makes them a great food for sustained energy and good digestion. Additionally, they contain essential minerals and vitamins such as potassium, vitamin C, and vitamin B6. Here are some healthy and nutritious vegan potato recipes to try out:
Vegan Potato Curry
This vegan potato curry recipe is a great way to enjoy the benefits of potatoes and other healthy vegan ingredients. The recipe is easy to make and can be customized to suit your taste and dietary preferences. Here are the ingredients you need:
- 2 large potatoes, chopped
- 1 onion, chopped
- 1 can of coconut milk
- 1 can of chickpeas
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 tsp of turmeric
- 1 tsp of cumin
- 1 tsp of paprika
- 1 tsp of salt
- 1 tbsp of vegetable oil
Steps:
- Heat vegetable oil in a pan and sauté chopped onions and minced garlic cloves until fragrant.
- Add chopped potatoes and stir for a few minutes until slightly brown.
- Add turmeric, cumin, paprika, and salt and mix well.
- Add a can of coconut milk and a can of chickpeas and let it simmer until potatoes are tender.
- Serve with cooked rice or flatbread.
Baked Potato Wedges
Baked potato wedges are a perfect snack or side dish for a vegan meal. These potato wedges are crispy on the outside and tender on the inside. Here’s what you need:
- 3 large potatoes, cut into wedges
- 1 tbsp of olive oil
- 1 tsp of salt
- 1 tsp of paprika
- 1 tsp of dried oregano
- ½ tsp of garlic powder
Steps:
- Preheat the oven to 425°F (218°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine potato wedges, olive oil, salt, paprika, dried oregano, and garlic powder. Mix well until potatoes are evenly coated.
- Arrange wedges on the lined baking sheet in a single layer without overlapping.
- Bake for 25-30 minutes or until potatoes are golden brown and crispy on the outside and tender on the inside.
- Serve hot with your favorite dipping sauce.
Sweet Potato and Lentil Soup
This sweet potato and lentil soup is filling, comforting, and perfect for a cozy night in. The combination of sweet potatoes and lentils creates a balance of fiber and protein that will keep you full for a long time. Here are the ingredients you need:
- 2 sweet potatoes, peeled and chopped
- 1 onion, chopped
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 can of lentils, drained and rinsed
- 4 cups of vegetable broth
- 1 tsp of cumin
- 1 tsp of cinnamon
- 1 tsp of salt
- 1 tbsp of olive oil
Steps:
- Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add chopped onions and minced garlic cloves and cook until fragrant.
- Add cumin and cinnamon to the pot and stir until combined.
- Add chopped sweet potatoes and vegetable broth and let it simmer for 20 minutes or until sweet potatoes are tender.
- Add the drained and rinsed lentils and salt to the pot and stir well. Let it simmer for another 10 minutes.
- Blend the soup until smooth and creamy, and serve hot with toppings of your choice.
Vegan Potato Recipes from Around the World
Potatoes are a versatile vegetable used in various cuisines around the world. Here are some vegan potato recipes from different regions:
Irish Colcannon
A traditional Irish dish, Colcannon is a comforting and hearty blend of mashed potatoes with kale or cabbage. This vegan version uses vegetable broth, vegan butter, non-dairy milk, garlic, and green onions to flavor the mashed potatoes. The addition of kale or cabbage adds a nutrient boost to the dish, making it a perfect one-pot meal for a chilly day.
Indian Aloo Gobi
Aloo Gobi is a popular Indian dish consisting of potatoes and cauliflower cooked in a blend of aromatic spices. The vegan version of this dish can be made using vegetable oil, cumin seeds, ginger, garlic, onion, tomato, turmeric, coriander powder, and garam masala. This dish is perfect to serve with naan bread or rice, making it a filling and satisfying dinner.
American Potato Salad
Potato salad is a classic American summer dish that can be made in many different ways. The vegan version of this recipe uses vegan mayo, Dijon mustard, apple cider vinegar, dill, and celery to create a tangy and flavorful dressing. The potatoes are boiled until tender and combined with the dressing, creating a creamy and delicious salad that’s perfect for picnics and barbecues.
Peruvian Causa Rellena
Causa Rellena is a popular Peruvian dish consisting of mashed potatoes layered with a filling of your choice. The vegan version of this recipe uses avocado, tomato, onion, and corn as the filling, creating a colorful and nutritious dish. The mashed potatoes are mixed with lime juice, cilantro, and chili pepper to add a burst of flavor to the dish. It’s a perfect dish to impress your guests as an appetizer or main course.
Using Potatoes as a Substitute in Vegan Dishes
Potatoes are a versatile vegetable that can be used in a variety of vegan dishes. They can replace meat, cheese, and other animal products in many recipes, adding bulk, flavor, and texture to your meal. Besides being delicious, potatoes are also packed with nutrients such as fiber, potassium, and vitamin C. Here are five ways to incorporate potatoes into your vegan cooking:
1. Potatoes as a Meat Substitute
Many vegan recipes use meat substitutes such as tofu or tempeh, but potatoes can also serve as a great alternative. For example, you can make potato tacos by cooking diced potatoes with spices and wrapping them in tortillas with your favorite toppings. You can also use mashed potatoes as a filling for vegan shepherd’s pie or as a base for vegan meatballs.
2. Potatoes in Vegan Cheese
Potatoes can be used as a base for making creamy and cheesy vegan sauces. Boil or roast potatoes and blend them with nutritional yeast, plant milk, and spices to create a delicious and healthy cheese sauce. This sauce can be poured over pasta, vegetables, or used as a dip for chips or crackers.
3. Potatoes in Vegan Soups and Stews
Potatoes can be added to plant-based soups and stews to make them heartier and more filling. They can also help thicken the broth. For example, try adding diced potatoes to your vegan chili or vegetable soup.
4. Potatoes in Vegan Salads
Potatoes can also be used to create hearty and filling vegan salads. For instance, you can make a potato salad with diced potatoes, vegan mayo, mustard, diced pickles, and herbs. Roasted potato wedges can also be added to green salads for extra texture and flavor.
5. Potatoes in Vegan Breakfast Dishes
Potatoes can be used in vegan breakfast dishes such as hash browns, potato pancakes, or vegan breakfast burritos. For example, you can shred potatoes and mix them with onion and spices to make crispy vegan hash browns. Alternatively, you can make vegan breakfast burritos by filling tortillas with potatoes, scrambled tofu, and veggies.
FAQs about Vegan Recipes with Potatoes
Potatoes are a versatile and nutritious ingredient that can be used in a wide range of vegan recipes. Here are some FAQs about vegan potato recipes:
Are all potato recipes vegan?
Not all potato recipes are vegan, as many dishes include ingredients such as dairy or meat-based products. However, there are plenty of vegan potato recipes available that use plant-based ingredients. Being aware of what substitutes can be used for non-vegan ingredients, such as using plant-based milks instead of dairy, can help transform a traditional potato recipe into a vegan one.
Can I use sweet potatoes in vegan potato recipes?
Absolutely! Sweet potatoes are a great addition to vegan potato recipes. They are particularly useful when creating vegan variations of classic dishes like potato gratin or potato salad. Sweet potatoes have a slightly different flavor profile than regular potatoes, so experimenting with spices and herbs can enhance their natural sweetness. Sweet potatoes are also a great source of dietary fiber and vitamins A and C.
How do I make crispy vegan potato dishes?
There are several ways to make crispy vegan potato dishes. One way to achieve crispy potatoes is by using an air fryer, which circulates hot air around the potatoes to create an even crisp. Another way is to use a baking sheet and lightly coat the potatoes in oil, then bake in the oven until they are golden and crispy. To ensure crispiness, it’s important to cut the potatoes into uniform sizes so they cook evenly. Additionally, tossing the potatoes in cornstarch or arrowroot powder before cooking can result in extra crispiness.
How can I make vegan potato dishes more flavorful?
- Experiment with different spices and herbs
- Add a plant-based cheese like nutritional yeast or vegan cheese shreds
- Try using different types of plant-based milks, like coconut milk or almond milk, in creamy potato dishes
- Add roasted garlic or caramelized onions to bring out a deeper flavor profile
- Make a garlic herb oil to drizzle over roasted potatoes for an extra burst of flavor
What are some easy vegan potato recipes?
| Recipe | Description | Link |
|---|---|---|
| Vegan Potato Soup | A cozy and satisfying soup that combines potatoes with plant-based milk for creaminess | https://www.theedgyveg.com/2020/09/04/vegan-potato-soup-recipe/ |
| Vegan Potato Salad | A classic side dish made vegan with dairy-free mayo and fresh herbs | https://minimalistbaker.com/easy-vegan-potato-salad/ |
| Vegan Potato Gratin | A decadent and creamy dish made with layers of thinly sliced potatoes and a cheesy cashew sauce | https://www.lazycatkitchen.com/vegan-potato-gratin-with-cashew-cream/ |
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