Celebrate World Nutrition Day With U.S. Potatoes “A World Of Flavours”

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Celebrating the World Nutrition Day that falls on May 28 is so much fun together with Potatoes USA!!

Thanks to the wonderful invitation, I recently went to the TCH Foodworks Culinary Workspace for “A World Of Flavours” cooking event by Potatoes USA, where 20 key Malaysian social media influencers whipped up a repertoire of tantalizing and nutritious dishes using U.S. potatoes as a key ingredient.

I like U.S. potatoes… From appetisers, soups, main dishes to desserts, it is a very versatile ingredient that can inspire a wide repertoire of dishes. In addition, U.S. potatoes are nutrient-dense, provide energy, key vitamins as well as important minerals, and are more energy-packed than any other popular vegetable!!

“One medium U.S. potato provides about 110 calories of easy-to-digest calories, has zero cholesterol, zero sodium and zero fat. U.S. potatoes are also a nutrient dense vegetable making it a healthy food choice to maintain the family’s health,” explained consultant dietitian Indra Balaratnam.

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

At the event, dietitian Indra Balaratnam created four scrumptious and healthy recipes using U.S. potatoes – U.S. Russet Potato Muffins, U.S. Russet Potato Green Apple Kerabu, Tex-Mex Style U.S. Potato Skins, and my personal favourite U.S. Potato Feta and Parsley Croquette. Here’s the recipe :

Ingredients
* 1 large U.S. Russet potato – peeled, boiled, and mashed
* 70 grams feta cheese
* 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
* 2 tablespoons finely chopped English parsley
* 1 ½ to 2 cup corn flakes – crushed into rough crumbs
* 1 egg – lightly beaten
* Spray oil

Methods
1. Boil the U.S. Russet potato in a pot of water till fork tender. Drain it and mash the potato.
2. Stir in the feta cheese and mash it roughly to mix with the mashed potato. Stir in the chopped English parsley and garlic powder. Season with salt and crushed black pepper.
3. Evenly divide the mashed potato mixture into 15 balls. Dip in the beaten egg and coat it with the crushed corn flakes.
4. Spray the potato balls with spray oil. Bake in a 200 degree Celsius oven for 10 minutes until corn flake crumbs are crispy.
5. Serve with honey mustard dressing to elevate the taste.

Nutrition (per ball)
* Calories : 50
* Protein : 2g
* Fat : 1g (18% fat from total calories)
* Carbohydrates : 8g
* Fiber : 1g
* Fat : 1g
* Sodium : 87mg

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.

Indra explained that these dishes are easy to make and are popular with Malaysians as their flavours are appetizing and easily titillate the palates to serve at any family gatherings as well as for quick meals.

All 20 social media influencers put their chef’s hat on and created their own recipes using U.S. potatoes which reflected the versatility, variety of tastes, scrumptiousness, and simplicity in their creations. Our team made the U.S. Potato Golden Balls, which is a delicious appetiser that is crispy on the outside and soft and fluffy inside.

For more information about U.S. Potatoes and recipes, visit www.uspotatogoodness.com.my.

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More photos at FOOD Malaysia facebook page, a Malaysian food and lifestyle blogger since 2010

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