By Euden Valdez

FOR designated campsite cooks, dishes they prepare and serve may already be repetitious. Adobo, sinigang, tinola? We’ve all had them. While sustenance is what’s required after a long and tiring hike, there’s nothing wrong with a little indulgence, especially when it can be easily prepared.

The secret to achieving this is potatoes! Well, dehydrated ones to be exact, which are now available in the market thanks to Potatoes USA-Philippines.

What exactly are US dehydrated potatoes (US dehy)? 

​US dehy are potatoes grown and harvested in the US, and then processed under stringent standards of the US Department of Agriculture. Lightweight, compact and versatile, US dehy potatoes are the perfect ingredient for mountaineers and outdoor enthusiasts who carry heavy equipment and packs during multi-day expeditions.

Both hikers and their cooks will be surprised to know that as little as one kilo of US dehy rehydrates to as much as five kilos. This means the less and lighter US dehy can yield more its weight. There’s also no need to wash, peel and boil US dehy, saving the cooks precious time during preparation and cooking.

READ ALSO: Here are 4 Reasons to Carry Potatoes on Your Next Climb

More importantly, US dehy packs the nutrients of fresh potatoes, which are needed for recovery of strength and energy for the next leg of a hike.

Lastly, when it comes to actual cooking, US dehy introduces something fancy—perhaps never-before eaten—at mountain campsites.

For starters, it can be made into differently flavored mashed potatoes with the use of various cheeses, seasonings and spices. Mashed potatoes can perfectly substitute rice, as well as complement meat dishes—think barbecued ribs or chicken and pork adobo.

This is just the beginning of fancier yet easier dinners on top of the mountain, under the stars, and with the company of friends.
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Here are three simple recipes campsite cooks can recreate: 

Mashed Potatoes with Caramelized Onions

Simple yet sure to delight.
Ingredients:

• 2 cups instant mashed potatoes, prepared
• 4 Tablespoons butter
• 2 onions, finely sliced
• 1 Tablespoon sugar

Prep Time: 10 minutes; Cook Time: 15 minutes
View complete recipe here: https://www.potatogoodness.com/recipes/mashed-potatoes-caramelized-onions

Cheesy Mashed Potatoes with Bacon and Broccoli

Cheese hits the mark! 
Ingredients:

• 8 ounces bacon cooked and chopped
• 2 cups chopped broccoli
• 2 Tablespoons butter
• 6 ounces cheddar cheese divided

Prep Time: 15 minutes; Cook Time: 25 minutes
View complete recipe here: https://www.potatogoodness.com/recipes/cheesy-mashed-potatoes-bacon-broccoli

Potatoes Verde

Perfect, healthy pairing to meat dishes. 
Ingredients:

• 1 cup green salsa
• 1 can (14 oz.) chicken broth
• 1 cup finely chopped onion
• 3 cups prepared mashed potatoes

Prep Time: 30 minutes; Cook Time: 15 minutes
View complete recipe here: https://www.potatogoodness.com/recipes/potatoes-verde

BONUS RECIPE

Zesty Mashed Potato Snackers

Ideal food for trail.
Ingredients:

• 3/4 cup dehydrated potato flakes
• 1 ¼ cups vegetable broth
• 1/2 Tablespoons coconut oil
• ¼ Tablespoons salt

Prep Time: 5 minutes; Cook Time: 5 minutes
View complete recipe here: https://www.potatogoodness.com/recipes/zesty-mashed-potato-snackers

You can get in touch with our local Potatoes USA-Philippines office at +632-5348534 or info@synergyasia.biz. For more information on US potatoes, visit www.potatogoodness.com or like and follow Potatoes USA-Philippines on Facebook at www.facebook.com/PotatoesUSAPhilippines.

(This post is in partnership with Potatoes USA-Philippines.)