Potato has to be the most humble but most important part of any kitchen. Like a adarsh TV-waali-bahu potato lives in the kitchen, ready to satiate everyone’s hunger. It also helps to alleviate bad mood, provide the comfort of serotonin with its various fried or deep fried forms (Oh my fries!). A house without potatoes is quite unheard of.

It has quietly shaped our meals and our memories in the most comforting of ways. This unassuming root has fed empires, survived famines, and found its way into nearly every culture and cuisine on Earth. And somehow, it never demands praise. It simply waits, reliable and nourishing, to be peeled, boiled, mashed, fried, baked, or added to other vegetables (aloo parwal anyone?) into something that tastes like home.

I love potato in all its glory. I am a Bihari so aloo chokha is among my favourite. Rice, dal and some chokha with mango pickle and my lunch is all set. And of course, aloo ka bhujiya. Before we knew french fries, we had aloo ka bhujiya. Peel and cut potatoes in thin pieces, fry them in oil with some green chillies, turmeric powder and salt. Voila! The perfect food is ready to be had with chapati, paratha or rice.

Then there is our amazingly tasty aloo ke parathe. Make it for breakfast, lunch or dinner. Nobody ever complains. It is a no fuss meal which is loved by all, goes well in lunch boxes too and always fills us with contentment. If you are too diet conscious, go easy on the ghee. Personally, I think it tastes good without ghee too.

French fries. The beautiful, long, yellow sticks of deep fried potatoes with just a little extra salt and ketchup on the side. Who can say no to that? Fries bring instant calm to the overwhelmed mind; always helps in managing PMS and is there for you like a good friend.

Also, we have our aloo chaat. The quintessential Indian street food that does not need any introduction. Aloo chaat, aloo tikki, samosa, are some of the most wonderful street foods that boast of the lovely taste of potatoes. Just writing about them has me craving for these items. Who doesn’t love one or two crispy samosas along with chutney and chai.

Maybe I should have some samosas now or should I indulge in chips to enjoy the rains. What about you?