A Delicious Potato Recipe Round-up Inspired By The Martian

Posted by Danielle Mohlman

Dust off those spacesuits, it’s time blast off in your own personal spaceship to see The Martian. We all know that Mark Watney is the greatest botanist on Mars.  Okay, so he's also the only botanist on Mars, but does that really make it less impressive? If you’re a true Martian fan you know what Astronaut Watney is growing in his crew’s abandoned habitat (that’s Hab for those in the know): Potatoes. Kilograms and kilograms of potatoes.

To celebrate the movie’s theatrical landing, here are four delicious potato recipes guaranteed to impress your inner Astronaut Watney.


(Photo credit: BudgetBytes)

Spinach and Feta Mashed Potatoes (from Budget Bytes)

It’s Thanksgiving year-round when you add greens to your mashed potatoes. This recipe from Beth Moncel at Budget Bytes is the perfect balance of potato and spinach – with feta to pull the whole recipe together. I could write an aria about how delicious feta is and I’m willing to bet that the promise of cheese was part of what kept Astronaut Watney warm at night. Well, that and NASA-grade tarp. Get recipe here.

 


Photo credit: Cookie and Katie

Crispy Baked Sweet Potato Fries (from Cookie and Kate)

Sure, Watney didn’t have access to sweet potatoes. But imagine if he did! I’ve tried tons of recipes for oven baked sweet potato fries and this one is by far the best. It’s a perfect blend of crispy and spicy while still tasting like the delicious orange potatoes I love. I like to use a healthy amount of cumin and black pepper before throwing them in the oven. Eat these with your favorite burger or as a side to some delicious fish tacos. Or by themselves in outer space. Get recipe here.

 


Photo Credit from Martha Stewart

Smashed Parsnips and Potatoes With Thyme (from Martha Stewart)

This is recipe is a big hit in my house and if we ever have Astronaut Watney over, I’m sure he’ll agree. We usually serve this with a Brussels sprouts main course, but this side would pair well with pretty much anything your heart desires. Bonus: you get to stump the cashier at checkout by putting a few parsnips in your grocery basket. Get recipe here.

 


Photo Credit from The New York Times

Seared Broccoli and Potato Soup (from The New York Times)

If soup is more your speed, give this recipe a try. This creamy broccoli and potato soup is perfect for cold Autumn nights (or cold days on Mars). Grab a few slices of a crusty baguette and you have yourself a meal. Get recipe here.