A time-saving kitchen hack: Preserve your potatoes in jars

Potatoes are the staple of many Polish dishes. They are filling, nutritious, and incredibly versatile. However, their preparation can be time-consuming, involving boiling, peeling, and sometimes even cutting them—all tasks that take a significant amount of time. But what if I told you there's a way to have ready potatoes always at hand? All you need to do is prepare them properly and jar them.

Potatoes are featured in our meals almost daily and are served in various forms—mashed, baked, fried, or classically boiled. However, their preparation requires time, which is not always available. Fortunately, a simple trick allows you to save time in the kitchen while still enjoying delicious potatoes for many months. The key to success is... potatoes in jars! This method is popular among experienced chefs and homemakers. This technique makes preparing dinner quick and easy, and tasty potatoes are always at hand.

The method of preparing potatoes in jars is simple but offers many benefits. Potatoes packed in jars and pasteurised, similar to pickled cucumbers or other preserves, can be stored long without losing flavour and nutritional value. This method of storing vegetables is becoming increasingly popular, especially among people who want to save time on cooking. Thanks to this process, the potatoes are ready to use whenever needed.

Here’s a simple way to prepare potatoes in jars:

Ingredients:          

• potatoes,
• salt,
• water.

Preparation:              

1. Peeling and cutting: Start by thoroughly washing and peeling the potatoes. Then cut them into cubes or thin slices, depending on your preference. The cut potatoes can be soaked in cold water with a little salt for a while—this will help them maintain a better flavour and texture during long-term storage.
2. Pasteurisation: After about 20 minutes, drain the potatoes and transfer them to previously sterilised, clean jars. Ensure the jars are tightly sealed, then place them in a large pot of water. Pasteurise the jars on low heat for about 1 and a half hours. Pasteurisation will keep the potatoes fresh for a long time without losing nutritional value.
3. Additional vegetables: Want to enrich your supplies? You can add other vegetables, such as carrots, parsley, or celery, to the jars with potatoes. These prepared vegetables will be an ideal addition to many dishes and serve wonderfully as a base for salads, soups, or casseroles.
4. Storage: Store the ready jars with potatoes in a cool, dry place like a pantry. Properly prepared supplies can last several months without losing their taste.

You can add various spices, herbs, or other vegetables such as carrots, parsley, or celery to the jars with potatoes. This way, everyone can find something they like. You can also experiment with different types of potatoes, such as new potatoes or sweet potatoes.