Discover Purple Potatoes Best Way to Cook

Want to make purple potatoes taste even better? Different cooking methods produce different results, and finding the right one can better showcase their natural sweetness.

What is the best way to cook purple potatoes?

There are several great ways to cook purple potatoes, and you can choose one based on your needs:

Air frying: Cut purple potatoes into chunks, toss them with a little cooking oil and salt, and place them in the air fryer. Set it to 200°C (390°F) and cook for 20 to 25 minutes. The result is crispy on the outside and tender on the inside. It’s simple and delicious.

Steaming: Wash whole purple potatoes thoroughly and steam them for 15 to 20 minutes. This method preserves the potatoes’ natural color and nutrients, making them perfect for salads or eating as-is.

Oven roasting: If you’re making a large batch, the oven is a convenient choice. Cut the potatoes into pieces, drizzle with oil, and sprinkle with salt and spices. Roast at 200°C for 30 to 40 minutes. The outside will turn golden and crispy, while the inside stays soft and fluffy.

Boiling and mashing: Boil the potatoes until soft, then mash them and mix in butter, cream, and salt. The result is creamy and smooth, ideal as a side dish.

Stir-frying: Slice or dice the potatoes and stir-fry them with garlic, onions, and spices. The aroma is irresistible, and they pair well with rice or other main dishes.

If you want to enjoy the pure taste of purple potatoes, steaming or air frying are the best methods. For something more creative, try combining them with spices and other ingredients to make casseroles or salads for a flavorful twist.

Where can I buy purple potatoes?

Purple potatoes aren’t hard to find, especially in autumn, which is their peak season. Here are a few places to check:

Farmers' markets: Autumn is a great time to visit farmers' markets, which are perfect for buying fresh purple potatoes. Plus, purchasing here supports local farmers—a win-win.

Grocery stores: Most large supermarkets carry purple potatoes year-round. You’ll typically find them in the produce section alongside other potatoes and root vegetables.

Organic stores: Specialty organic shops or health food markets often stock purple potatoes. These stores usually offer a good variety and high-quality options.

Online platforms: If you can’t find purple potatoes locally, try shopping online. Many e-commerce platforms provide local farm-to-table delivery services, making it super convenient.

What seasonings go best with purple potatoes?

Here are some common pairings:

Simple flavors: Salt, black pepper, and olive oil are the classic trio. These bring out the natural aroma of purple potatoes, keeping it simple yet delicious.

Herbs: Rosemary, thyme, parsley, or dill pair wonderfully with roasted purple potatoes. Adding these during roasting gives the dish a fresh, herbal note and enhances its flavor.

Creamy ingredients: Butter, cream, Parmesan cheese, or yogurt make purple potatoes rich and creamy. These are particularly great for mashed potatoes or casseroles.

Spices: Cumin, chili powder, garlic powder, or smoked paprika are fantastic for seasoning roasted or stir-fried potatoes. They add depth and enhance the overall taste.

Asian-inspired flavors: Soy sauce, sesame oil, minced garlic, and scallions create a savory and flavorful profile, perfect for salads or side dishes.

Are purple potatoes good for making soup?

Purple potatoes are excellent for soups. Cut them into chunks before adding them to your dish—they pair well with many types of soups:

Creamy soup: Cook purple potatoes with onions and carrots, then blend into a creamy consistency. Add cream and butter for a rich, smooth texture and fantastic flavor.

Vegetable broth: Combine purple potatoes with carrots, broccoli, and tomatoes for a refreshing vegetable soup. The vibrant purple hue makes the dish visually appealing.

Meat stews: Add purple potatoes to beef, lamb, or chicken stews. They absorb the savory flavors of the meat while contributing a natural sweetness, enhancing the soup’s overall taste.

One tip: if cooked for too long, purple potatoes may lose their bright color or dissolve into the broth. To maintain their vivid purple, add them during the last 10–15 minutes of cooking.

What Dishes Pair Well with Purple Potatoes?

Green Vegetables: Broccoli, asparagus, spinach, or kale make excellent companions to purple potatoes. Their vibrant green contrasts beautifully with the purple hue, creating visually appealing and nutrient-rich dishes.

Root Vegetables: Carrots, pumpkin, or beets pair wonderfully when roasted or stewed with purple potatoes. This combination offers a variety of textures and enhances the overall sweetness and flavor.

Protein-Rich Foods: Purple potatoes are a perfect side dish for roasted chicken, steak, or baked fish, offering a delicate texture. They also work well with fried eggs or tofu for a balanced and nutritious meal.

Soups: Add purple potatoes to creamy soups, chicken broth, or vegetable chowders. They enrich the texture and deepen the flavor.

Grains and Legumes: Combine purple potatoes with quinoa, brown rice, or lentils in salads for a healthy and satisfying dish with great chewiness.

Purple potatoes are versatile and pair well with both Western-style dishes and Asian flavors. Try stir-frying them with garlic or braising them with soy sauce to explore unique and delightful combinations.

How to make purple potato mash?

Ingredients: You will need 500g purple potatoes, 20g butter, 50ml milk, and salt and black pepper as needed.

Steps:

Prepare the Potatoes: Wash the purple potatoes thoroughly, peel them, and cut them into small chunks. This helps them cook faster.

Cook the Potatoes: Put the potato chunks into a pot of cold water, add a pinch of salt, and turn on the heat. Once the water boils, reduce to medium heat and continue cooking for 10 to 15 minutes. Test with a fork; if it goes through easily, the potatoes are done.

Mash the Potatoes: Drain the cooked potatoes and, while still hot, use a potato masher or fork to mash them. Ensure no large pieces remain.

Season and Mix: Add the butter and stir until it melts. Gradually add warm milk while stirring, until the mashed potatoes reach your desired level of smoothness.

Add Salt and Pepper: Adjust the taste by adding the right amount of salt and black pepper, then mix well. Your purple mashed potatoes are ready to serve.

Tips: If you want an even smoother texture, pass the mashed potatoes through a sieve. For more flavor, try adding Parmesan cheese or garlic powder.