New Red Potatoes Love it Simple!

Fresh potatoes right out of the ground is such a treat this time of year. Potatoes are superfood.  We take them for granted in two ways; first,  we  usually add things that make them unhealthy, like cream and harmful frying oils.  Second, we are lucky to have them available year round because they are an excellent storage crop. But this time of year, when they are freshly dug out of the ground, they have a crispness and freshness that takes them to a whole new level. So let’s vow to each other not to take them for granted anymore.

“The entire potato, inside and out, is valuable and beneficial for your health: potato plants draw some of the highest concentration of macro and trace minerals from the earth. Potatoes are also high in potassium and rich in vitamin B6, as well as a fantastic source of amino acids, especially lysine in its bioactive form. Lysine is a powerful weapon against viruses such as Epstein-Barr and shingles that are behind rheumatoid arthritis, joint pain, autoimmune disease, and more. Potatoes also contain tyrosine, a chemical needed to produce thyroid hormones. Potatoes are antiviral, antifungal, and antibacterial, with nutritional cofactors and coenzymes plus bioactive compounds to help keep you healthy and assist you with stress.  Potatoes can help heal digestive conditions. Soothing to the intestinal linings because they are gentle on the nerves inside the lining—they’re non abrasive—potatoes assimilate and digest easily, even with some of the worst digestive issues.” Anthony William, medicalmedium.com 

Nicoise Salad is a great dish to make the most of the current season’s produce. Nicoise Salad hails from Nice, France, in Provence and usually contains fresh tuna as the protein as well as anchovies. Since I am not a fish person, I use grilled chicken instead. Nicoise Salad is a composed salad served cold or at room temperature with the following ingredients: boiled potatoes dressed with a vinaigrette of white wine, olive oil and shallots while hot, steamed green beans, tomatoes, hard boiled eggs quartered, olives, cucumbers, optional capers, and a dressing of white wine vinegar, Dijon mustard, lemon juice and olive oil. Lay this all on an untraditional bed of fresh spinach to really make the most of what’s in season. 

Boiled or steamed potatoes followed by a drizzle of the best quality olive oil and tossed with chopped scallions, green garlic and a squeeze of lemon juice is surprisingly satisfying and super, super healthy! Enjoy!

Market go-alongs: green beans, scallions, green garlic,fresh herbs, lettuce, peas, spinach, broccoli, onions