Potatoes are one of the most useful things you can keep in the kitchen. They’re naturally fat-free and sugar-free, they fill everyone up, and they stretch a meal without stretching the budget. If you’re looking for new ways to use them beyond the usual mash and chips, these ten family recipes cover everything from quick weeknight dinners to weekend brunch.
#1. Spanish Tortilla with Paprika and Parsley
Ideal for dinners, lunches and snacks, this Spanish Tortilla with Paprika and Parsley is a great standby for busy days and it’s really quick and easy to make.
Fair warning: it tends to disappear fast once it’s on the table.
#2. Silky Smooth Potato, Ham, Spring Onion and Chive Soup
This Silky Smooth Potato, Ham, Spring Onion and Chive Soup is a cosy, comforting option that works for the whole family, even fussier eaters. It only takes about 20 minutes to make.
It’s worth doubling the ingredients so you have extra to go back for during the week. It also freezes and reheats well, which makes it handy for those evenings when cooking from scratch just isn’t happening.
#3. Poached Salmon & Potato Salad with Crème Fraiche
In as little as 20 minutes, you can put together this Poached Salmon & Potato Salad with Crème Fraiche.
It’s a light, satisfying fish dish that works well for busy weekday evenings — serve it with a few slices of fresh bread.
#4. Pan Seared Cod with Potatoes and Chorizo
This Pan Seared Cod with Potatoes and Chorizo dish is a real winner. The chorizo and paprika bring a rich, smoky flavour that’s especially good on colder evenings. It works just as well with other white fish, such as haddock or sea bass.
#5. Thai Beef and Potato Salad
This Thai Beef and Potato Salad is another great salad option that keeps hunger at bay without a lot of fuss.
It takes only 10 to 15 minutes to prepare and cook, so it’s an easy addition to your weekly dinner rotation.
#6. Easy Tray Baked Lamb Tagine
This Easy Tray Baked Lamb Tagine with potatoes is a quick, almost effortless meal.
It’s handy for a fast evening dinner, or for a relaxed Sunday lunch when a full roast feels like too much effort.
#7. Potato Rosti with Asparagus and Poached Egg
Perfect for a weekend brunch or a simple evening meal, this Potato Rosti with Asparagus and Poached Egg uses minimal ingredients — most of which you probably already have in the cupboard.
#8. Potato and Sage Gnocchi with Pesto
This velvety Potato and Sage Gnocchi with Pesto is a great vegetarian option that should suit the whole family.
It’s surprisingly easy to make from scratch, and it tends to win approval even from picky eaters.
#9. Jerk Potato and Black Bean Curry
Spice things up with this vegetarian Jerk Potato and Black Bean Curry.
It’s a good one to bring out for the curry lovers in the house.
#10. Indian Inspired Potato and Chickpea Masala
This Indian Inspired Potato and Chickpea Masala is another good curry option for cooler evenings. With a cooking time of under 30 minutes, it’s simple to make and a handy alternative to a pricey takeaway.
These recipes were originally developed by Bord Bia and AHDB as part of their “Potatoes: More Than a Bit on the Side” promotional campaign, run on behalf of the potato industries in Great Britain and the Republic of Ireland. The campaign aimed to raise awareness of the nutritional value of potatoes and offer families quick, tasty, and convenient ways to cook with them throughout the week.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are potatoes a budget-friendly choice for family meals?
Yes. Potatoes are naturally filling, versatile, and can form the base of a huge range of meals — from soups and salads to curries and gnocchi — which makes them an easy way to feed a family well without spending a lot.
Can these potato dishes be made ahead or frozen?
Some can. Soups like the potato, ham and chive soup freeze and reheat nicely, making them good for batch cooking. Salads and dishes with poached eggs are best made fresh and eaten on the day.
What’s the quickest recipe here for a busy weeknight?
Several of these dishes come together in 20 minutes or less, including the Spanish tortilla, the salmon and potato salad, and the Thai beef and potato salad — all good options when time is tight.
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If you enjoyed these ideas, you might also like our other family food picks — including easy midweek dinner recipes, budget-friendly lunchbox ideas, and simple recipes to get kids cooking in the kitchen.
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