Hello Foodie Friends, as the leaves begin to change and the air turns crisper, September brings with it not only the promise of fall but also the celebration of National Potato Month. These humble tubers have been a staple in diets worldwide for centuries, and it’s only fitting that we set aside a month to honor their versatility, comfort, and culinary magic.
Today, I’ll share some interesting facts about potatoes, and the perfect wine, beer, and cocktail pairing for 5 different preparations with potatoes. I hope that you will join us in honoring this humble tuber and enjoy its many benefits. So, let’s peel back the layers and explore why potatoes deserve their own month of recognition.
Potatoes, originally cultivated by indigenous communities in the Andes Mountains of South America, have a rich history dating back over 7,000 years. They were introduced to Europe in the late 16th century, forever altering the course of global cuisine. Today, potatoes are a crucial part of countless dishes, from mashed potatoes to french fries, gnocchi to potato salad.
One of the most remarkable qualities of potatoes is their incredible versatility. These starchy gems can be transformed into a wide array of dishes to suit nearly any palate.
Here are just a few ways you can enjoy potatoes and the perfect wine, beer and cocktail pairing for each preparation:
Mashed Potatoes
Creamy, rich, and comforting, mashed potatoes are a classic side dish that pairs perfectly with everything from roast chicken to Thanksgiving turkey. Here are some perfect wine, beer and cocktail pairing options for mashed potatoes: Chardonnay: A classic choice for mashed potatoes, especially if they are made with butter and cream. Chardonnay’s buttery and oaky flavors complement the richness of the potatoes. Pinot Noir: If you’re serving mashed potatoes with a lighter dish, such as roast chicken or turkey, Pinot Noir can be an excellent choice. Its red fruit flavors and gentle tannins won’t overwhelm the dish’s creaminess. Cream Ale: A cream ale is a light and mildly sweet beer with a clean, crisp finish. Its smooth and slightly malty character complements the creamy texture of mashed potatoes. Pilsner: For a clean and refreshing option, a crisp and lightly hopped pilsner can provide a nice contrast to the creamy nature of mashed potatoes. It’s an excellent choice if you’re serving a dish with seafood. Classic Martini: A well-made martini, with its clean and crisp profile, can serve as an elegant companion to mashed potatoes. The gin or vodka provides a refreshing contrast to the richness of the potatoes. Daiquiri: The bright and citrusy notes in a classic daiquiri can work well with mashed potatoes, especially if your meal features seafood or a lighter protein.
French Fries
Whether you prefer them thin and crispy or thick and fluffy, french fries are a guilty pleasure that few can resist. Here are some perfect wine, beer and cocktail pairing options for French fries: Champagne or Sparkling Wine: The effervescence and acidity of Champagne or sparkling wine can provide a delightful contrast to the saltiness and fried nature of French fries. It’s a classic and upscale pairing that can elevate the enjoyment of this beloved snack. Sauvignon Blanc: A crisp and zesty Sauvignon Blanc can be an excellent choice to pair with French fries. Its acidity and herbaceous notes can cut through the richness of the fries and refresh your palate. Pale Lager: A light and crisp pale lager is a classic choice to pair with French fries. Its clean, refreshing taste provides a great contrast to the saltiness of the fries, making for a refreshing and enjoyable combination. Stout: If you enjoy dark beers, a stout can be a unique pairing choice. The roasted malt flavors in a stout can provide a robust and satisfying contrast to the crispy fries. Classic Margarita: The tangy and citrusy notes of a classic margarita can provide a refreshing contrast to the saltiness of French fries. The combination of tequila, lime juice, and orange liqueur can be a delightful pairing. Sangria: A fruity and refreshing sangria, with its wine, brandy, and various fruits, can provide a pleasant contrast to the savory and salty fries.
Gnocchi
These soft, pillowy potato dumplings are a delicacy in Italian cuisine, typically served with a variety of delicious sauces. Here are some perfect wine, beer and cocktail pairing options for Gnocchi: Pinot Grigio: A light and crisp Pinot Grigio is a versatile choice that pairs well with various gnocchi dishes. It’s refreshing acidity complements the delicate flavors of the dumplings, making it an excellent match for simple butter and sage sauces or lighter cream-based sauces. Chardonnay: If your gnocchi dish features a creamy sauce, such as Alfredo or a rich cheese sauce, a lightly oaked Chardonnay can provide a complementary touch of buttery richness. Amber Ale: The malty sweetness and moderate hop bitterness of an amber ale can complement the flavors of gnocchi with a tomato-based sauce or roasted vegetables. Pilsner: A crisp and clean pilsner can provide a refreshing contrast to gnocchi dishes with a garlic and herb butter sauce or seafood-based sauces. Martini: A classic martini, whether made with gin or vodka, can be a sophisticated choice for gnocchi. Its clean and crisp profile complements the delicate flavors of the dumplings, making it an excellent match for dishes with light cream or herb-based sauces. Negroni: The bittersweet and herbal notes of a Negroni can be a great match for gnocchi dishes with tomato-based sauces, such as pesto or marinara. The cocktail’s complexity adds depth to the pairing.
Potato Salad
A summer picnic favorite, potato salad combines boiled potatoes with a tangy dressing and various add-ins like bacon, eggs, and herbs. Here are some perfect wine, beer and cocktail pairing options for potato salad: Sauvignon Blanc: A crisp and zesty Sauvignon Blanc pairs beautifully with potato salad. Its bright acidity and citrusy notes can complement the tangy flavors of the salad dressing and fresh herbs. Rosé: A dry rosé, with its refreshing and fruity notes, can be a delightful match for potato salad, especially during warm weather or outdoor gatherings. Pale Ale: If your potato salad features a bit of heat from ingredients like mustard or hot sauce, a Pale Ale with moderate hop bitterness can provide a pleasant contrast. Amber Ale: The malty sweetness and mild bitterness of an amber ale can complement the flavors of potato salad, particularly if it includes roasted vegetables or a light vinaigrette. Classic Gin and Tonic: The crisp and refreshing nature of a gin and tonic can provide a nice contrast to the creaminess of potato salad. The gin’s botanicals and the tonic’s effervescence can cut through the richness of the dish. Bloody Mary: A Bloody Mary’s savory and spicy flavors can work well with potato salad, particularly if your salad features pickles, olives, or a bit of heat. The cocktail’s complexity can add depth to the pairing.
Scalloped Potatoes
Layers of thinly sliced potatoes baked in a creamy sauce and topped with cheese – it’s comfort food at its finest. Here are some perfect wine, beer and cocktail pairing options for scalloped potatoes: Chardonnay: A classic choice for scalloped potatoes, Chardonnay’s buttery and creamy notes complement the richness of the dish. Sauvignon Blanc: A crisp and acidic Sauvignon Blanc can provide a refreshing contrast to the creaminess of scalloped potatoes. Its citrusy and herbal flavors can cut through the richness. Cream Ale: A cream ale is a light and slightly sweet beer with a clean, crisp finish. Its smooth character complements the creamy texture of scalloped potatoes without overwhelming the dish. Porter: A porter’s roasted malt flavors and hints of chocolate and coffee can provide a robust contrast to the creamy layers of scalloped potatoes. It’s a good choice for those who enjoy dark beers. Whiskey Sour: The sweet and sour flavors of a whiskey sour can pair well with scalloped potatoes. The cocktail’s acidity can cut through the creaminess, balancing the flavors. Old Fashioned: If you prefer a more robust cocktail, an Old Fashioned made with bourbon or rye whiskey can be an excellent choice. The cocktail’s depth and bittersweet notes can complement the dish.
As National Potato Month unfolds, take a moment to appreciate these unassuming vegetables that have played such a significant role in global cuisine. Whether you enjoy them mashed, fried, baked, or in any other form, potatoes have earned their place as a beloved and versatile ingredient in kitchens worldwide. So, this September, let’s raise a fork to the humble potato and all the delicious possibilities it brings to our plates!
Until we eat (and drink) again…
I send you Delicious Wishes, xo
Denise
