Why would you want to ferment potatoes in the first place? Because, unfortunately, the starch in potatoes is really not all that easy to digest for many folks. Especially these days with so many people suffering from digestive complaints of all kinds, starch can be a real pain – literally! Potatoes are also nightshade vegetables, and fermenting them can help ease the issue of eating them for people who are sensitive.
The problem is with the starch molecule itself. Each starch molecule is comprised of hundreds of monosugars connected in long, branch-like strands.
It takes much digestive work to break down the starch molecule and, as a result, much of it goes undigested in most cases. For those with an imbalanced gut, the undigested starch is the perfect food for pathogens and they grow and produce toxins which cause a variety of unpleasant symptoms in susceptible individuals.
Easy to Digest Fermented Potatoes
If you enjoy potatoes but find that they trigger digestive or autoimmune symptoms, it might be worth it for you to try your hand at fermented potatoes.
In addition, if you are coming off the GAPS
We like fermented potatoes in our home to simply add that probiotic element to a meal of primarily cooked foods. Adding enzyme rich, live food to your meals is nothing short of miraculous for boosting immunity and improving nutrient absorption.
If you’ve been wanting to make a fermented dish at home for the first time, this would be an easy and delicious one to start with!
Fermented Potatoes Recipe
This recipe for fermented potatoes made with white or sweet potatoes are an enzyme and probiotic-rich side dish that adds resistant starch that is more easily digested and shown to reduce belly fat.
Ingredients
- 4 cups white potatoes preferably organic
- 2 cups whole milk yogurt plain, preferably organic
- 1 Tbl sea salt
Instructions
Peel the potatoes. This greatly reduces the chances for fermentation mold. Bake or boil potatoes and then mash them in a large glass bowl. Do not microwave.
With a handheld mixer or food processor, blend well with yogurt and sea salt.
Cover with a clean, cotton cloth and secure with a rubber band. Leave the covered bowl on the counter for 2 days and then refrigerate.
Fermented potatoes will last about a month in the refrigerator.
Serve fermented potatoes with steak as an enzyme rich side dish or with any meal where potatoes work well.
Fermented potatoes may be slightly warmed on the stove before serving, but take care not to warm them too much or enzymes and probiotics will be lost.
Recipe Notes
Yukon Gold potatoes make for the tastiest dish! Sweet potatoes may be substituted for the white potatoes if desired.
Store bought or homemade kefir may be substituted for the yogurt. Coconut kefir may also be used for a dairy free version.
Fermented Potatoes Video Demo
The video demonstration below shows how to make fermented potatoes using the Nourishing Traditions
Sarah, The Healthy Home Economist
Sarah Pope has been a Health and Nutrition Educator since 2002. Her work is dedicated to helping families effectively incorporate the principles of ancestral diets within the modern household. She is a sought after lecturer around the world for conferences, summits, and podcasts.
Her work has been covered by major media including USA Today, ABC, NBC, and many others.
Animal Fats a Source of Toxins?
Is it possible to exchange the yogurt for kefir?
You can do this, but kefir is much more watery than yogurt. It is also more sour. I do not think it would work favorably with the rest of the ingredients.
Is the salt really necessary as you’ve boiled it in salt water?
Yes, the salt is necessary for the fermentation.