When it comes to food prep, I’ve noticed that there are certain things that are verboten in the foodie scene. Some of them, such as chopping when a recipe calls for mincing, make sense. Others? Well, I can understand the subtleties, but I’m not 100 percent sold on their veracity or demands.
One of the more eyebrow-raising things I’ve heard dealt with people microwaving potatoes. I’ve heard people claim that it reduces nutrients or makes them less flavorful. Scientifically speaking, the nutrient issue isn’t correct. But flavor-wise? Well…nah. I call bullshit.
Why It Doesn’t Matter
It is absolutely true that some vegetables and fruits lose nutrition when they are microwaved, but potatoes are not one of those vegetables. .A potato isn’t exactly known for being a vegetable rich in vitamins sensitive to heat or radiation.
It’s known for being filling, fiber-rich, and chock-full of starch that helps us feel fuller faster. Radiation (in microwave amounts) will not make all that fiber dissolve or mutate. It will just heat up the fiber and starch to the point of softening the veggie’s texture—just like you would experience when you’re eating a regular baked potato.
Yes, I Want Convenience!
I’m going to be blunt. I love to eat good food, but I don’t always enjoy cooking for half an hour straight. I’m a busy person. Not everyone has time or interest in doing everything the old fashioned way.
Putting a potto in the microwave isn’t a major culinary sin. It turns a 30-minute baking session into a 5-minute nuking session. And, if you want extra convenience, you can even get entire kits that give you decadent potato dishes, like the ones from The Little Potato Company.
Sometimes, I Just Want A Darned Spud
When it comes to food, there are specialty meals I want to eat as a treat, and then there are meals that are just quick fixes. When it comes to matters like Steak Diane, or beef bourguignon, I’ll always be willing to put in some extra work and time to make them taste phenomenal.
Potatoes aren’t exactly a meal or side dish that’s hard to mess up. It’s also a type of side dish (or meal, if you love baked potatoes with toppings that is meant to be easy, quick, and simple. Going the quick route isn’t a sin if you’re cooking for a busy Thursday night and just want some good ol’ comfort food.
Can I get an amen, please?
