Potato peel recipe: when they can be eaten and how to use them in the kitchen

Potato peel recipe in the kitchen, food is never wasted and, thanks to a few small tricks, it is often also possible to use food waste to create creative and delicious dishes. Vegetable skins, in particular, are rich in important nutrients, in some cases even in greater quantities than the ingredient itself: this also applies to potato skins. But can you eat potato skins? When is it best to avoid it? Here are some rules to observe for eating potato skins and some useful tips for using them in the kitchen.

In a kitchen that is attentive to sustainability, we try to produce as little waste as possible and to exploit all the ingredients available, in their various parts: so we began to understand that the skins can be eaten, also because they usually maximize the benefits of their foods. This also applies to potatoes, which contain most of the nutrients in the part between pulp and skin: but is it possible to eat potato skins? When does it become dangerous? Here is everything you need to know about potato skins: when they can be eaten, what precautions to take to make them and how to use them in the kitchen in creative and waste-free ways.

Potato peel recipe: when can we eat it?

Potatoes contain a substance called solanine which, when consumed in large quantities, is toxic to humans. It is an alkaloid thanks to which potatoes defend against infections, insects and fungi: potatoes at the right point of ripeness contain a level of solanine ranging from 8 to 25 mg per kg, a quantity that is not harmful to human health. In fact, solanine poisoning only occurs in very high quantities: it would take a man of about 70 kg, over 2 kg of potatoes with a high level of solanine to have a principle of intoxication.

Having said that, however, it is good to remember that sprouted, green, or particularly ripe potatoes (those with wrinkled skin, so to speak) develop a higher quantity of solanine than potatoes at the correct point of ripeness: the potatoes must in fact be harvested from ripe and consumed within 5 months of their harvest.

If you want to eat the peel, therefore, we recommend that you always choose organic potatoes, for two reasons: the first is that you will be sure that no chemical fertilizers or pesticides have been used on those potatoes that would accumulate especially in the peel; the second is that organic potatoes develop a lower level of solanine, about 30% less.

In summary, you can only eat the peel of potatoes when you are sure of certain elements:

• when you are sure that they are in season and harvested for no more than five months: to check it, just read the label that should show these data;
• when you are sure that they have not been chemically treated, better if biological, therefore;
• when the potatoes have been stored away from light and heat sources;
• when they do not have green and/or spoiled parts, shoots or wrinkled skin;

How to use potato peels in cooking

Once you have checked the integrity of your potatoes, you can decide how to use the peel in the kitchen, creating creative and delicious recipes that will surprise your diners. Here are some ideas to experiment with.

Fried potato skins

Potato peel recipe

The simplest way to use potato skins in cooking is to fry them. Fried potato skins, in fact, can become an element of a delicious aperitif or serve as an appetizer. You can fry them as they are, then drain them on absorbent paper, create a tasty batter with water, flour and salt, add your favourite spices, and dip them in before cooking them in plenty of hot oil. Once ready, serve them accompanied with the sauces you love the most.

Baked potato skins

Potato peel recipe

Of course, for those who prefer lighter cooking, potato skins can also be baked in the oven. Remove the peel with a sharp knife or potato peeler, trying to break it as little as possible: in this way, you will get some “ringlets” of peel. Once this is done, place the spirals in an oven already heated to 180 ° C, on a baking sheet covered with parchment paper, and cook the skins for 10 minutes or until they are golden.

Potato peel recipe omelette

Potato peel recipe

In an omelette, you can really put anything, including potato skins. Perfect all-around preparation for when you have few ideas and little time in the kitchen: to make it you just need to lightly fry the potato skins in a pan and then proceed as a normal omelette. If you prefer, you can also add other peels, always frying them first: those of the carrots will be fine, the outer part of the leek coarsely chopped, onion scraps.

Potato peel recipe in a pan

Potato peel recipe

You can make a tasty side dish with potato skins in a few minutes, simply by cooking them in a pan: an ideal preparation to accompany meat dishes, such as a chicken salad or baked chicken legs. To make this fast side dish, just sauté a finely chopped onion in a pan, then add the potato skins, adding salt and finishing with spices or aromatic herbs; then blend with white wine over high heat and then lower the heat, cooking with the lid on for another 10 minutes at the most.

Potato peel recipe boats

Potato peel recipe

A recipe to be made with new potatoes or classic potatoes. If you have to use the pulp for some other recipe, boil them with all the peel and then dig them: once you have done this you can use the hollowed out potatoes as you do with baked potatoes, that is, stuff them with the ingredients you prefer. It is a delicious appetizer and very simple to make: it will be enough to put the boats of potato skins in the oven for 5 minutes with the grill on to complete the preparation.

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