“A World Of Flavours” with U.S. Potatoes This World Nutrition Day

There are a lot of myths associated with potatoes that people often thought they are fattening. In fact, potatoes are ZERO Fat, and 1 medium size U.S. Potato provides about 110 calories of easy-to-digest calories, has zero cholesterol and zero sodium. In addition, U.S. Potatoes are rich in Vitamin C (30% daily value) which makes healthier meals and play a key role in supporting the body’s immune system.

From Left to Right: Eddie Saw, Potatoes USA Representative of Malaysia; Tania Lee; Indra Balaratnam; Timothy Harrison, Regional Agricultural Attache, Foreign Agricultural Service, US Embassy Kuala Lumpur

In conjunction with World Nutrition Day that falls on 28 May 2022, U.S. Potatoes has organised a cooking workshop themed “A World Of Flavours” to celebrate it. I’ve teamed up with @MalaysianParenting to prepared the dish named “Local meet Western - Kerabu US Potato” using U.S. potatoes as a key ingredient, at the TCH Foodworks Culinary Workspace in PJ recently.

U.S. Potatoes are so versatile to prepare, they can be mashed or whipped, and served with or without gravy, as a side dish and more! Not only that, according to Consultant Dietitian Indra Balaratnam, U.S. Potatoes are also a nutrient dense vegetable providing energy, key vitamins and minerals; making it a healthy food choice to maintain the family’s health.

1 medium size U.S. Potato contains 26 grams of carbohydrates (9% daily value) to fuel one’s muscles and brain, and protein to aid in building cells and muscles.

Ms Tania Lee, a sports dietitian also shared tips on the benefits of U.S. Potatoes for those leading active, athletic lifestyles. “Potatoes can fuel the body and boost sport performance. Carbohydrates are a key fuel for muscles during exercise and for its recovery after one’s workout session hence it is crucial for optimal physical and mental performance.

“Potatoes have 3 grams of protein per serving which are great building blocks for growth and a key component of muscles, ligaments, and connective tissues. Potassium is a mineral that is an electrolyte for muscles to function well. One U.S. Potato gives you 15% of your daily potassium serving, and that’s more than what a medium banana provides,” explained Tania.

Consultant Dietitian Indra Balaratnam also created four scrumptious yet healthy, and easy to prepare recipes using U.S. Potatoes, namely U.S. Russet Potato Muffins, U.S. Potato Feta & Parsley Croquette, U.S. Russet Potato Green Apple Kerabu, and Texmex Style U.S. Potato Skins.

Check out her recipe on TEXMEX STYLE U.S. POTATO SKINS below;

Recipe Title: TEXMEX STYLE U.S. POTATO SKINS

Description of the recipe: Vegetarian
Recipe by: Indra Balaratnam, Consultant Dietitian
Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 25 minutes
Ready Time: 45 minutes
Potato Type: US Russet
Serves: 4
Prep Method: Panfry, Microwave, Broil/Grill
Course: Side dish, Light meal

Ingredients
2 medium US potatoes – scrub the skin and pat dry
50 grams chopped red onion
1 jalapeño chilli pepper -- seeded and minced
30 grams cherry tomatoes -- diced
1/3 cup canned black beans -- drained and rinsed
1/3 cup frozen corn kernels
2 tsp ground cumin
4 Tablespoons shredded cheddar cheese
4 Tablespoons fat-free sour cream
Salt & black pepper to taste
Finely chopped spring onion

Preparation:
1. Prick 2 medium US Russet Potatoes and microwave on high for 6 minutes. Check for doneness by gently squeezing them. They should be soft to the touch.

2. Preheat the oven grill to 200 degrees Celsius. Slice each potato in half lengthwise. Scoop out potato flesh, leaving a 1/4-inch shell. Set the potatoes flesh aside for later. Place potatoes on a foil-lined baking sheet. Spray with cooking spray and sprinkle with salt. Broil for 5 minutes, or until crisp and golden.

3. Meanwhile, heat the olive oil in a pan. Add chopped onion and jalapeño and cook for 3 minutes.

4. Add the chopped cherry tomatoes, black beans, corn and cumin and cook for 5 more minutes.

5. Mix the cooked bean and corn mixture to the potato flesh. Season with salt and pepper to taste.

6. Remove potatoes from oven, using tongs to carefully flip over. Pack each potato skin with the bean and US Russet potato mixture. Top with shredded cheese, dividing evenly.

7. Return the potatoes into the oven and grill for about 4 minutes, or until the cheese melts slightly. Remove from oven to cool for 10 minutes. Top each with a tablespoon of fat-free sour and sprinkle with finely chopped spring onion.

Nutrition:
Nutrition Information (per serving)
Calories: 283
Protein: 10g
Fat: 8g (24% of fat from total calories)
Carbohydrates: 45
Fiber: 5g
Sodium: 531mg

It is really quick and easy to make! Most importantly, it is very healthy and appertizing, best to serve at any family gatherings as well as for quick meals.

No matter what your tastes, you'll find many more interesting versions of U.S. Potatoes recipes at www.uspotatogoodness.com.my or FaceBook: @My Potatoes USA

Do give the recipe a try. Get your fresh or frozen U.S. Potatoes from the supermarkets near you now.

#worldnutritionday #uspotatoes #uspotatogoodness #potatorecipes #uspotatofuelperformance #healthy