Mar 15, 2012

Rice Is Nice, But Taters Are Greater

I was reading in the latest issue of Louisiana Cookin' Magazine that the average person in the US eats 10 pounds of rice per year.  However the average Louisiana resident eats 50 pounds of rice per year.

Don't look at me.  I didn't do it.
When it comes to rice consumption in Louisiana, I clearly don't do my part.  Sometimes I cook rice for The Boy and The Husband, but make potatoes for me.

I love potatoes.
I mean, just look at these beauties.


Rice doesn't excite me the way potatoes do.  Sure, rice may be the vehicle for gumbos, etouffees, and amazing gravies (all of which I love).  But rice is a taxi.  

Potatoes are Ferraris

This is an easy, fun recipe from my mom.  It starts out with something similar to blackening seasoning.
Let me tell you, blackened potatoes are mighty good.


What's fun about these potatoes is that the paprika and chili powder turn the oil an orangey-red.  As they roast, the potatoes soak up that orangey-red oil and turn that color throughout.  Kinda shocking when you bite into one.


I should've taken a picture of the weird interior color, but I was too busy scarfing them down.



Creole Oven Fries
from my mom

6 large potatoes (about 2-2 1/2 pounds), peeled and cut into 1/2" pieces
1 tsp paprika
1 tsp chili powder
1 tsp Tony's Creole Seasoning
1/4 c olive oil
salt and black pepper

Preheat oven to 400.  Place potatoes in a pot of water.  Bring to a boil and cook until almost tender.  While the potatoes cook, mix the paprika, chili powder, and Tony's together.  Drain the potatoes well.  Spread potatoes on a large baking sheet.  Sprinkle with the seasoning mixture, along with salt and black pepper to taste.  Toss with your hands to coat the potatoes in the seasonings.  Drizzle with olive oil and toss again to coat.  Bake until crisped on the outside, about 40 minutes.  Turn every 10 minutes while baking.


Linking this week with:

Food on Friday: Potatoes @ Carole's Chatter

Nap-Time Creations
Things that make you say:
 Hearth and Soul blog hop at Premeditated LeftoversPermanetPosies.com
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MyMeatlessMondays Gallery of Favorites

19 comments:

  1. I probably eat 50lbs of rice each year... I probaly eat 50lbs of potatoes too. This tater tots look really delicious.

    Cheers.
    Velva

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  2. I like potatoes much better than rice. These look fab!

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  3. We eat rice everyday!! We love rice and we love potatoes! Gosh, I'm not going to think of how much of rice we consume each year!!! :)
    Your potatoes looks delicious, sound really yummy with the spices! Potatoes are a favourite in my house, so this would definitely be a winner!
    Thanks for sharing! Have a great weekend!

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  4. I'll bet the European influence is what ups the rice intake for your state. I grew up with tons of the stuff and love it as much as I do pasta and potatoes. I'm an equal opportunity starch fiend.

    These, look amazing. Must try amazing. Love the fact that the colors soaks all the way through and can't wait to see it for myself!

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  5. I love taters! I also read Louisianna Cooking Magazine. Thanks for sharing with us.

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  6. Rice is a taxi and potatoes are Ferarris - you are too funny! You know what though? I think you're right. I love rice, but really it's just a vehicle for whatever is on top of it. Potatoes have so much more body to them and they hold flavor so well. These look addictive, Michelle. Pinning.

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  7. Potatoes are the fav around our house - even the picky chihuahua loves them!

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  8. I love potatoes too!! These sound wonderful! I may have to try these. Thanks for the great and easy recipe! So glad I found you on voiceBoks! I'm now following and looking forward to more recipes!

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  9. This look delicious! I'm with you on the potato. When you put a bowl of potatoes in from of me, I can't stop myself. But with rice, I'll barely eat 1/4 cup. I use eat rice more like a garnish than an accompaniment.

    Thanks for playing along for Friday Food Fight!

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  10. I am not a rice lover either! I really love potatoes. My son on the other hand is a pasta lover and my husband loves everything lol. These potatoes just entered my heart! They look deliciously crunchy and tasty!

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  11. I'm a potato gal too! They look delicious. New GFC follower from the Things that make you say Mmm...hop. I co-host the Creative Corner Hop every Monday. Feel free to stop by and link up. It will be open all week.

    Sandy
    Cherished Handmade Treasures

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  12. I'm with you! Rice is nice, but potatoes are where it's at! Thanks for the Blackened Taters recipe; sounds perfect for Catfish Friday round our place.

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  13. I love Tony's Creole seasoning! These sound amazingly yummy!

    Mal @ The Chic Geek

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  14. We make something similar, but without the chili and creole seasoning. I'm definitely trying these, they look amazing!

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  15. I can imagine these accompanying every meal of the day - and as a snack in between! Taters are definitely greater! :)

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  16. Good ole Tony's Creole Seasoning! Love the seasoning for this potato fries - spicy and delicious!

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  17. I've pinned these - they look absolutely scrumptious. I don't usually get that excited about potatoes, but these are different. I love them roasted like that, and I love the spices you have used so I know I would enjoy these! (And my husband and son would definitely agree with you about potatoes being Ferraris!)

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  18. I love both rice and potatoes and always looking for new ways to cook them. Thanks for sharing

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  19. Thank you and your Mom for sharing this wonderful recipe.

    http://bestoflongislandandcentralflorida.blogspot.com/2013/09/michelle-moms-creole-oven-fries.html

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Thanks for stopping by! I appreciate your comments.