Potatoes or should I say the dirt-dwelling spuds, always seem to get such a bad rap for being that other “white, high starchy carb” on the “I’m never ever to eat from this list” list.
Potatoes are SO much more then what they are given credit for. I mean some of your fondest memories probably date back to a summer picnic eating hot dogs and French fries?
Okay so maybe not the best example illustrating their high nutritional value but you get where I’m going. Potatoes are quintessentially part of the American fabric and are generally a weekly staple in most households. Spuds usually get overlooked, and for good reason. Potatoes get fried, sometimes fried again, slathered with butter or margarine, and then finally smothered with additional cheese. No wonder a person’s blood sugar and blood pressure spike! Yikes
If you strip away all the fluff and take a closer look at our friendly spud you soon realize the health benefits of potatoes (with the skin on of course)
Here are just a few of the many benefits:
- Help reduce inflammation: Potatoes have high levels of Vitamin C, potassium, and Vitamin B6.
- Help to maintain healthy blood pressure: Potatoes are high in potassium which encourages vasodilation or the widening of blood vessels helping to stabilize blood pressure.
- Heart Health: Potatoes have a significant amount of fiber which help reduce cholesterol in the blood, and they are rich in Vitamin B6 which may reduce levels of homocysteine. High levels of homocysteine are associated with increased risk of stroke and heart attacks.
- Protect against Cancer: Some varieties of potatoes have high levels of carotene and zeaxanthin which help to protect your body from damaging free radicals.
My recipe for seasoned baked potatoes wedges with avocado aioli was a no-brainer for me to make up especially since I wanted to create a sauce that was dairy-free had a creamy consistency and was full of flavor. I have made these for almost every occasion; Super Bowl parties, summer barbeques, Labor Day weekend gatherings, to Holiday parties these wedges are easy to make and have as an appetizer anytime.
Ingredients:
- 5-7 medium to large potatoes
- ¼ teaspoon of salt
- Pepper to taste
- Spray
- Any other additional spices you want
Aioli Dipping Sauce:
- 1-2 Avocados
- 1 medium red onion
- 2 Tablespoons Olive Oil
- ¼ cup lemon juice
- 2 garlic cloves
- Salt to taste
Directions:
- Preheat oven to 400 degrees
- In a blender mix up the avocados, red onions, lemon juice, garlic, and salt
- Spray cookie sheet with cooking spray and slice potatoes into wedges add spices for flavor
- Bake 35-40 minutes until slightly golden and crispy
Guys that is it!
Your appetizers are done!
Enjoy
LEMONBERRY & FIG 