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The three most grown crops in the world are wheat, rice and corn. Just what you would expect. And the fourth? Potatoes. Yes, potatoes.

This book is a world-tour explanation of why potatoes are so popular. Truly a universal food. The author is not from Idaho. Raghavan Iyer was born and raised in India, though he does now live in Minneapolis. Author of the fabulous 600 Curries, Iyer gives us two view of potatoes in this book: by component of the meal and by location in the world.

The chapters here cover the components of the meal:

  • Munchies, Morsels, Tidbits and Finger Foods
  • Savory Soups and Stuffing Salads
  • Entrée, Mains and Full Plate
  • Small Plates and Side Dishes
  • Sweet, Desserts and Grand Finales [yes, dessert, relax]

We surely know about potatoes as starters. Who can eat just one chip? But here there are more complex, and more satisfying ideas:

Smashed potatoes with cinnamon malt vinegar

Ecuadorian Filled Potato Cakes with Peanut Sauce

Potato-Stuffed Gourgeres

There are Super Bowl ideas aplenty just in that chapter. Moving on through the book, you’ll encounter:

Mojito Pomegranate Salad

Potato Gratin with Vanilla Caramelized Onions

Russian Potato Salad

Canadian Lamb-Potato Tourtiere

Moroccan Potato Stew with Saffron Biscuits

Vegetable Filled Potato Knishes

Indian Roasted Potatoes with Spinach Sauce

These are relatively easy dishes to prepare, but there will be some time and certainly lots of ingredients. Take that Russian Potato Salad. No peas, here, by the way. But you’ll need radishes, cucumber, scallion, capers, dill, chives, anchovy, Worcestershire, and cayenne. It’s beautiful to behold, and, and I’m going to post the recipe tonight!

Smashed is a smashing book, filled with some old friends in new dressing — like that potato salad. And then dishes you may have not discovered before. The Canadian Lamb-Potato Tourtiere is a hearty dish with pastry crust, meat, potatoes and an explosion of flavor. It’s considered a national treasure up North. Try it once and you’ll understand. That may be just the perfect description of Smashed Mashed Boiled and Baked. You’ll gain an understand and very elevated respect for the “simple” potato. The potato world is a grand journey and this is best possible guidebook for you.