Simpler than mashed, Stewed Potatoes boast a creamy, slightly peppery flavor and a starchy texture that makes you want seconds.
Growing up, stewed potatoes weren’t much of a thing in my family. It’s the type of dish you’d see in a Dickensian miniseries on the BBC or Masterpiece Theater. They’re not much to look at either. Stewed potatoes are like mashed potatoes’ chunky cousin. Don’t let the aesthetics stop you, though, because stewed potatoes are unequivocally delicious.
When I make stewed potatoes, I like to imagine myself in a pub you’d find in Lord of the Rings or something, drinking a pint and sinking my teeth into a hunk of meat or cheese. Okay, I’m weird, but aren’t we all? I guess what I’m trying to convey is that stewed potatoes are an excellent comfort food, perfect for anyone, from Middle Earth to Milwaukee.
Even better, stewed potatoes don’t take much effort. There’s no whipping or mashing, just some simmering time on the stove. In roughly half an hour, you’ll have deliciously buttery and tender potatoes. Dress them up with a gravy, or simply season them with salt and pepper. Either way, they’re perfect for nights when you don’t feel like making a big fuss.
Are Stewed Potatoes Healthy?
On the plus side, potatoes provide you with potassium and vitamin C. On the downside, most of these nutrients are found in the skin, which must be peeled for this recipe. You’ll still get a decent dose of carbs (if your diet allows) and some fiber. One little trick is to partially peel the potatoes, so you can get some extra nutrients while still enjoying a tender spud.
If you’re dairy-free or want to lighten things up, swap the butter with olive oil or a vegan butter. Personally, I’d go for the olive oil. It’s not processed like most vegan butters, and features unsaturated fats.
The Difference Between Mashed And Stewed Potatoes
Mashed potatoes definitely garner more attention than the stewed variety. But I’d argue that both are equally tasty. In fact, it wouldn’t take much to turn those beautifully tender stewed potatoes into your favorite mash—they’re that soft. However, as far as differences go, it all comes down to the method and ingredients. For mashed potatoes, you add cream or milk in addition to the butter. And of course, mashed potatoes need to be, you guessed it, mashed.
On the other hand, stewed potatoes aren’t mashed and keep their shape. That said, they’re quite tender and flaky. They have a rustic look to them and taste even more starchy, like any potato would if it weren’t mashed with milk and butter. While neither is empirically better than the other, both have their own culinary vibe.
How Do I Store Leftovers?
After they cool, store your potatoes in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 4 days. Reheat in your microwave with a splash of water or broth so they retain their tender texture.
Serving Suggestions
There are so many great pairings for stewed potatoes! For a simple but fancy meal, serve the potatoes alongside a Roasted Chicken or Air-Fryer Steak. And if you’re expecting guests, up your dinner game with Rosemary Steak or Salmon And Asparagus. Also, why not add a few more sides? Garlic Brussels Sprouts and a cup of Cream Of Mushroom Soup are sure crowd-pleasers.
Ingredients
- 4 medium russet potatoes peeled and cut into 1-inch pieces
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 1 teaspoon salt plus more, to taste
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper plus more, to taste
Instructions
- Place the cut potatoes in a medium-sized pot and cover them with water, ensuring the water level is just above the potatoes.
- Cook the potatoes over medium heat, uncovered, for about 25 minutes, or until they are tender and can be easily pierced with a fork.
- Remove the pot from heat, drain, and stir in the butter, salt, and pepper until the potatoes are well-coated and the butter is melted. Adjust seasoning to taste.
Nutrition Info:
Nutrition information are estimates only and may vary based on the specific brands, ingredients, and portion sizes you use. This data is provided for informational purposes only.
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