Roasted Italian Potatoes

Potatoes have been cultivated for thousands of years in Peru, and valued for their healing properties. Potatoes are a good source of many healthful nutrients, including fiber, and copper. Copper is needed for energy and collagen production, iron release, and as an antioxidant to strengthen the immune system. Potatoes are a natural source of lipoic acid, vitamin C and vitamin B6, which are all are necessary fuel (co-factors) for a multitude of enzymatic reactions that are needed in the body. Recent research by scientists in the UK has found a substance called kukoamines in potatoes. Kukoamines and lipoic acid are natural blood pressure lowering compounds. Potatoes also contain vitamin B3, B5, potassium,and manganese.1 medium potato contains 75 percent of your daily needs for copper. Onions contain quercetin which is a potent anti-oxidant. The quercetin in onions does not degrade with heat in soups; it is only transferred into the broth. Onions are also a good source of chromium which is useful for a healthy blood sugar balance. Cold cooked potatoes have a lower glycemic index than hot potatoes and do not spike blood sugar the same as hot potatoes. Cold potatoes also have the effect of lowering triglycerides, while hot potatoes raise them, so cooking, cooling and reheating potatoes is always a great idea. Garlic is anti – inflammatory and reduces the risk of cancer with regular consumption. Garlic aids in stabilizing blood sugar and helps to prevent the increase of fat cells. To get the maximum benefit from garlic allow the garlic to sit for 5-10 minutes after chopping or crushing for their beneficial enzymes to fully activate.

Cooking these potatoes in better, adds nots of great flavour. Olive oil is a healthy mono-saturated fat, that helps your body absorb more of the nutrients from the vegetables. Olive oils mono-saturated fat is considered to be heart healthy. Research has shown that components in olive oil reduce the risk of cancer of the breast, respiratory and digestive tract. This is a great company or family dish. Serve as is, or with sour cream or even ketchup.

Roasted Italian Potatoes

3 – 4 pounds of potatoes, peeled and

chopped

2 tablespoons melted butter

1 teaspoon Italian seasoning

1/2 teaspoon onion powder

1/2 teaspoon garlic powder

1/4 cup or more of chopped onion

6 – 12 cloves of garlic, peeled and

chopped

Pepper to shake on

Sea salt to shake on

1 tablespoon olive oil

Peel and chop the potatoes into chunks, enough to cover the bottom of a 9 x 13” baking pan. Preheat the oven to 350 degrees. Add the potatoes and all the remaining ingredients, except the olive oil, and stir to coat all the potatoes. Cover with foil or a sheet pan and bake until tender, about 40 – 45 minutes. The time will vary based on the size of the potato chunks. Smaller chunks will cook faster and larger chunks will take longer. Taste and sprinkle with more sea salt if needed, and drizzle on the olive oil.