Potato soups are hearty and satisfying.
Unlike creamy potato soups, chinese potato soups tend to be clear broth with potato in chunks or small cubes.
In 2005, the origin of potatoes was finally determined through genetic analysis to be Southern Peru. It is a relatively new produce in China, believed to be imported in by returned migrants from Southeast Asia.
Potato contains proteins and a wide range of minerals. It can be made into a variety of food items. Fries, chips, potato starch powder, potato starch threads (potato vermicelli). It can even be made into liquor or animal feed.
Raw potato contains a type of toxin but it can be removed with cooking. If stored potato is exposed to sunlight it may turn green and increase the amount of toxin in the potato. Be careful when preparing green potatoes.
Moderate consumption of potato has some health benefits. A Japanese study discovered that a weekly diet of 5-6 potatoes can reduce the risk of stroke by 40%.
It might come as a surprise but potato can be used as part of a weight loss diet. Many people think that potato is very starchy and will cause weight gain. In fact only 20% of a potato is starch and it has only 0.1% fat. It is high in dietary fibre and bulk up after consumption.
However, this is not a reason to think that eating french fries can help to lose weight. Frying the potato increase the fat content. So, to consume potato for weight loss, eat and drink it in chinese soups. It is commonly combined with carrots and onions to form a wholesome trinity.
Photo source: Dr.Hemmert at flickr
Potato soup recipes
Potato soup with pork ribs and carrot
This is a potato soup recipe with pork ribs and carrot. It is a super yummy and healthy chinese soup. I like to drink this soup whenever I am feeling tired.
Astragalus vegetable soup
This is a recipe for astragalus vegetable soup. Besides astragalus, it has broccoli, carrot, corn, and potato.
Borscht soup - Hong Kong style
Peel the potato, carrot and onion, cut into bite-sized pieces; Wash the tomato and cut into pieces; Place the potato, carrot, and beef pieces in a pot.
