Food processors are versatile machines that are incredible acquisition for just about any kitchen. Their uses are so many and diverse, and this is likely why they are called food processors. The truth is, there are many food preparation activities that are not everyone’s cup of tea, and grating vegetables is easily one of them. Seeing as food processors are known for accomplishing a myriad of tasks, it is easy to wonder whether or not they can grate potatoes, and how exactly you can go about it.
You can actually grate your potatoes in a food processor, and to do so, you would have to place them in the machine and process them using the pulse function until they look well grated. You have to, however, prepare the potatoes and food processor as well, making sure that you are using the right blade attachment, and that your potatoes are well prepared and in the right size.
Below is a step-by step procedure on how to prep your potatoes and shred/ grate them in a food processor.
Step 1: Prepare the potatoes
Before proceeding to grate them in a food processor, you have to make sure that your potatoes are ready. For starters, you need to clean them, making sure that they are devoid of soil particles, small insects and the likes. You also have to make sure that the batch of potatoes you intend to use is fresh, and that none of them have gone bad.
Clean them by running them through clean water and gently scrubbing them to make sure that their surfaces are all clean. Once they have been clean, place them on a drip rack that will allow them to dry. It is important to make sure that you process your potatoes after they are dry.
If you have overly large potatoes, cut them up into chunks that will fit into the food processor.
Step 2: Prepare the food processor
As your potatoes are drying, get your food processor and make sure that every part is clean. To shred your potatoes, you need to use the right grating blade. Make sure that that is well attached and secured. Place it on the working surface, close to a power outlet.
Step 3: Grate the potatoes
Once the potatoes are dry, connect the food processor to the power source. Place the potatoes inside, one by one, and allow them to get grated. Push them into the food processor using the processor’s lid, and make sure not to have your fingers near the blade.
Step 4: Clean the potatoes
Once you have grated all your potatoes in the food processor, make sure to turn the machine off and to disconnect it from the power source. Remove your grated potatoes and place them into a container. Once placed into the container, proceed to wash them with clean water, repeating the cycle until the water remains clear and all the cloudiness is gone.
Why should you wash your grated potatoes?
Potatoes essentially have a lot of starch in them. Grating them means that you expose loads of this starch, and this is why you need to rinse it out. When cleaned, you end up with clean shredded potatoes that are easy to cook.
After you have rinsed out the grated potatoes, strain them using a cheese cloth to make sure that they do not have excess water inside. Also, remember to clean your food processor before stashing it back into the cabinet.
When cleaning the shredding blade, make sure to be very careful, as it can easily cut you. Make sure that no potato bits are left as these could rot and ruin the blade.
Must you peel your potatoes before shredding them?
Well, this is largely a matter pf personal preference. You can peel them before grating them using a potato peeler. However, experts have proven that potato skins have a higher concentration of fiber and minerals, meaning that they are healthy. It is recommended that you keep the potato skins on as they will make your dish healthier.
Can I grate potatoes any other way?
If you do not have a food processor, you do not have to worry about getting your potatoes grated. You can use a regular grater, but you have to use manual energy to achieve your grates. Ideally, you would still have to clean your potatoes, but you do not have to chop them up into smaller pieces. However, to make them easier to grate, and to reduce the fatigue that your hands would have to sustain, it would be ideal to cut them into smaller pieces.
You can also use a blender, but you would need to be very keen when using it. this is largely because blenders work extremely fast, and they are also not made to handle grating. However, once you put in your potatoes, push the start button for only 5 seconds and stop. If they are still too chunky, press the button for another 5 seconds, and you have your potato blends.
Finally, you can use a mandolin to get your potatoes grated. However, you have to make sure that you have a julienne attachment. It works extremely well, and demands a lot less energy than a manual grater. You also will be in a position to grate your potatoes a lot faster than you would on a regular grater.
The Best Potto Varieties for Grating
Potato Variety | Common Name | Main Features |
|---|---|---|
Russet | Idaho potatoes | Thick skin, very starchy |
Round | Irish potatoes | Thin skins, maintain integrity |
Yukon Gold | N/A | High starch and moisture content |
Conclusion
Shredded potatoes make an extremely delicious addition to various foods, but grating them can be something of a tall order when you do not have the right tools. A food processor makes an ideal gadget to use for this activity, largely because it works extremely fast, and it also comes with a blade that is specifically designed for the job. In case you do not have one, though, you can use any of the methods outlined above.
