The World in Potato Dishes

3. Pommes Anna – France

Leave it to the French to make the potato a gorgeous work of art.

Pommes Anna is a classic French dish that consists of layered potato slices cooked in a great deal of melted butter. The potatoes are salted, peppered, and layered in a cooking pan in an intricate floral design before being placed in the oven until a heavenly golden brown. The dish is said to have been invented during the era of Napoleon III.

Enjoy this buttery snack with a glass of red wine to truly enjoy the beauty and showmanship of the meal.

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2. Patatnik – Bulgaria

A dish commonly found near Bulgaria’s Rhodope Mountains, patatnik consists of grated potatoes, onions, salt, and a special regional mint called gyosum. Patatnik is special because it is cooked over a slow fire. Found in many restaurants in Bulgaria, the dish is often served with the addition of white cheese or an egg, but lots of Bulgarians like the traditional taste of peppers with their patatnik instead.

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1. Nikujaga – Japan

Invented by chefs in the Imperial Japanese Navy during the latter half of the 19^th century, nikujaga is a Japanese dish consisting of ground beef or pork, potatoes, and onions in a stew of sweetened soy sauce and mixed vegetables. The potatoes in this dish truly complement the other ingredients, sucking up most of the flavor as the meal is boiled.

Nikujaga can easily be made in the homes of many Japanese families, often served during the winter to keep tummies warm and full. Enjoy nikujaga with a bowl of steaming white rice and you’ve got yourself a simple and healthy dish!

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