The Potato

The potato is one of the main staples in the United States.  It is a root that is native to the Americas and the secret additional part of the Three Sisters plus one,  maize, beans, squash, and potatoes.  Generally when you think of Native American food you think of the Three Sisters, Maize, (Corn), Beans, and Squash of all kinds, but what is left out that actually occupies a greater portion of the pot is the potato.  

The potato wasn't actually a staple in Ireland until the English brought it back from the Americas.  The English couldn't figure the potato out and gave it to the Irish in hopes of getting rid of a problem, the potato.  The Irish figured it out and the rest is legend.  Ireland became so enthralled with the potato that several excellent dishes were developed and the potato for many generations became the main crop of the Misty Isle.  This is one of the main causes of the potato blight.  Over planting, and poor farming technique.  Pretty soon, no potatoes which cost many lives and started a migration that eventually lead to the fact that there are more Irish folks in the United States than there are in Ireland.  Followed the potato home.

Potatoes are fun food.  You can do so much with a potato, and create many wonderful dishes of goodness.  One of my favorites is a potato hash that I've mastered through practice and taste testing.  Take 6 or 7 potatoes, peel them and chop them into bite sized chunks and place in a preheated frying pan with good slab of butter.  Add a few dashes of Garlic salt, Basil, Kosher salt, and Black Pepper, and let begin to brown.  Chop up a couple of large white or yellow onions and add to the potatoes.  Let cook together.  When the spuds start to brown add a chopped up Kielbasa, of your own choice and cover.  This takes about 45 minutes to cook.  The last few minutes uncover to let brown more and release the steam.  Serve with salsa or ketchup or whatever catches your fancy.  Eatem up yum.  

Potatoes are also very good for you.  The Starch in a potato helps to regulate cholesterol levels, it helps maintain proper sugar absorption, and helps keep caloric regulation normal.  However, that's not an excuse to over indulge in the potato because to much of a good thing is no longer a good thing, ya know Vern.  

So to you I say during the Native American Heritage Month, enjoy your potatoes, with a good helping of the Three Sisters, Maize, Beans, and Squash, your health and your bod will appreciate you.

Peace and Balance,

John