Tasty taters

Everybody gets a potato: 10 ways potato is used around the world

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Potatoes may be native to South America, but since their introduction to Europe by the Spaniards in the 16th century, they have made their way into kitchens around the world and become a staple in numerous cuisines due to their ease of cultivation, nutritional value, and the multitude of ways in which the can be cooked. So, let’s take a look at 10 potato-based dishes from around the world.

Causa Limeña (Perú)

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Causa Limeña (also known simply as Causa) is one of many potato-based dishes found in the birthplace of the potato. It is believed that the name comes from the Quechua word kawsay, which means "life" or "life-giver," due to the importance of the potato in Andean cultures.

Dating back to pre-Spanish times, this mini-casserole is made from layers of mashed potato stuffed with eggs, olives, yellow pepper, avocado, and sometimes tuna, chicken, or other types of meat, and typically served cold, often with a dollop of mayonnaise on top.

Gnocchi (Italy)

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Originally made with just semolina and eggs, this dumpling recipe evolved with the spread of potatoes across Europe, incorporating them as one of its main components. The name comes from the word gnocco, which means "little ball."

Gnocchi are extremely versatile and can be made from various ingredients, but the potato version has become one of the most recognizable and popular across the world.

Funeral Potatoes (U.S.)

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A staple of the American casserole repertoire, funeral potatoes get their name from their frequent appearance at post-funeral dinners, though they are also popular at potlucks and other social gatherings.

A cousin to the potato gratin, funeral potatoes are made with chopped or shredded potatoes, cheese, and pantry staples like onions, sour cream, and cream-based soups. They’re typically topped with crushed potato chips or cornflakes for a signature crunchy finish.

Olivier Salad (Russia)

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This dish is best known around the world as "Russian salad," and is believed to have been created in the 19th century by Russian chef Lucien Olivier.

There are several versions of the recipe, but they all include diced boiled potatoes, carrots, dill pickles, and a mayonnaise-based dressing, with other vegetables and meat cuts being optional.

Samosas (India)

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Samosas, meaning "triangular pastry" in Hindustani and Urdu, are filled pastries eaten in several Asian countries, with variations that include vegetables, meat, cheese, and even sweet fillings.

Indian samosas, in particular, are known for using potatoes as one of their main ingredients, especially in regions with large vegetarian populations. They are typically fried and served with chutney.

Poutine (Canada)

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One of the most recognizable Canadian dishes, poutine originates from the French-speaking region of Quebec, though its exact origins remain unclear. Some say its name comes from Québécois slang, meaning "mess."

The dish consists of French fries topped with fresh cheese curds and brown gravy, usually beef- or chicken-based. It is best prepared just before serving to prevent the curds from drying out and the fries from becoming soggy.

Bhajias (Kenya)

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Potatoes were introduced to Africa in the 19th century—much later than on other continents—but they have still become a staple due to their accessibility and versatility. One example of this is their presence in regional cuisines like that of Kenya.

Bhajias are a popular Kenyan street food, heavily influenced by Indian railroad workers. The name comes from a Hindi word meaning "fried vegetables," which has been adopted into Swahili. They consist of sliced potatoes seasoned with a mix of Kenyan and Indian spices that are then battered and fried.

Kugel (Eastern Europe)

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A traditional Ashkenazi Jewish dish, kugel is eaten in several Eastern European countries such as Lithuania, Poland, Russia, and Ukraine. Its name means "ball" or "sphere" in Yiddish, as kugel was originally baked in a round or ring-shaped form.

Predating the introduction of potatoes, kugel began as a bread-like dish with many variations. One of the most well-known modern versions is potato kugel, made by combining grated potatoes, onions, eggs, flour or matzo meal, oil, and spices, then baking the mixture in a casserole dish.

Gamjajeon (South Korea)

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Jeon is a type of pancake or fritter that is very common in Korean cuisine and popular for its versatility—almost anything can be made into jeon. Potatoes (gamja in Korean) are no exception.

But what makes gamjajeon special is that, unlike most other types of jeon, it doesn’t require a batter to hold the ingredients together. It’s typically made with just grated potatoes, a pinch of salt, and oil, then pan-fried until crisp and golden. It is often served with a dipping sauce made from soy sauce and vinegar.

Patatas bravas (Spain)

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As the introducers of potatoes in Europe, Spanish cuisine has many potato-based dishes, the most famous being the Spanish omelette. However, patatas bravas is also a staple, usually served as a tapa in bars and restaurants. The name means "brave potatoes," referring to the spiciness of the sauce.

The dish consists of cubed fried potatoes served warm with a spicy brava sauce made from paprika, cayenne, and olive oil, thickened with a cornstarch slurry. In some regions of Spain, tomato is also added to the sauce.

Stay on course

Never get lost again: 10 survival and navigation hacks

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Who hasn’t lost their bearings, at least momentarily, during a hike through unfamiliar terrain? Whether in the wilderness or the urban jungle, even seasoned explorers can sometimes get turned around. With the right tips, though, you can confidently stay on course. Here we’ve gathered some of the most practical advice, from natural navigation techniques to modern tech tools, to ensure you avoid walking in circles on your next adventure. Stay calm, stay prepared, and enjoy the journey!

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You can use the sun's position to easily determine your general direction. The sun rises in the east and sets in the west, and, in the Northern Hemisphere, travels slightly southward throughout the day.

Observing its position can give you a rough sense of cardinal directions. At midday, the sun is due south. You can also use a watch as an improvised compass: point the hour hand at the sun and halfway between that and 12 o'clock gives you south.

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Lost after dark? Let the night sky guide you! In the Northern Hemisphere, find Polaris (North Star) by locating the Big Dipper; the two stars at the end of its "bowl" point directly to Polaris.

In the Southern Hemisphere, use the Southern Cross constellation to locate the south. This method has been trusted by travelers for centuries, especially among sailors and desert nomads, when maps weren’t an option.

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Always plan ahead. This advice goes beyond just avoiding getting lost —it can help you navigate and stay out of trouble in many situations. Always carry a physical map when traveling, especially in remote areas. Familiarize yourself with key landmarks and, if possible, mark your path as you go.

By plotting points and taking note of terrain features, you'll improve your chances of retracing your steps or finding alternative routes if needed. Digital maps are also great but remember that they can often fail without service, and you won’t be able to access them if your battery dies.

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Learn to recognize your surroundings. During a challenging hike, it can be tempting to focus solely on the ground beneath your feet, but looking up and taking in your environment can be lifesaving. Pay attention to prominent features such as mountains, rivers, or unique buildings.

Of course, cities are easier to navigate with distinct landmarks like skyscrapers or monuments, while in the wilderness, a unique tree or ridge line can anchor your route. These can serve as reliable waypoints for orientation, so always note their relative position as you travel. As a bonus, you’ll get to enjoy the scenery more!

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Compasses are timeless tools for finding your way, reliable even in the thickest of fogs. Learn to read one properly, aligning the needle to the north and following your desired bearing. When paired with a map, you’ll find that it’s quite hard to get lost!

Modern versions often include features like altimeters or GPS connectivity, but even the most basic model will help you stay on track and find your way with confidence.

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Obviously, if you have access to more modern technology than a humble compass, make the most of it! Today, anyone can have a reasonably reliable GPS system on their phone, helping pinpoint your location with precision within seconds.

Before heading out, familiarize yourself with the features of these systems and test them in familiar areas. Most of these services also allow downloading offline maps for areas with no signal. However, if you are going to rely on electronic devices, remember to keep them charged and carry a backup battery or solar charger for extended trips.

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Remember Hansel and Gretel? They were onto something—though, as the story shows, literal breadcrumbs aren’t the best choice. When navigating forests, deserts, or areas with few landmarks, leaving your own markers is a smart idea.

Use stacked rocks, tied ribbons, or scratched arrows to mark your path. This technique is especially helpful for retracing your steps or guiding search parties to your location. However, try to remove these markers when you return. Leaving them behind can confuse future hikers and may harm the environment by disturbing the soil and increasing erosion.

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Let the land guide you. Although this might sound a bit like a New Age slogan, it couldn’t be more true. Landscapes naturally funnel movement—valleys lead to rivers, and trails often follow ridges.

Learn to spot the patterns, like streams flowing downhill or human paths converging at logical points. This skill reduces wandering and ensures you're headed toward areas of interest or civilization.

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When in doubt, follow your nose! Meaning, of course, that your instincts are often more reliable than you might think. Also, try to remain calm—panic almost always leads to poor decisions.

If disoriented, stop, take deep breaths, and assess. Use tools like maps, compasses, or apps to determine your next move logically. Being mindful of your surroundings improves focus, allowing you to correct mistakes before they escalate.

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If all else fails, and you are utterly and completely lost, your best course of action is to stay in place and signal for help. You can use mirrors, whistles, or bright clothing to attract attention.

Three of any signal—three blasts, flashes, or fires—is the universal distress signal. Helicopters or rescue teams often spot reflected light or vibrant colors from far distances, boosting your chances of being found.