ChefSteps is a team of chefs, writers, and food lovers who develop recipes, techniques, and guides to help people cook better at home.

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Baked, fried, or served as a side, it’s the starch we idolize most.The humble potato has become a pantry staple in homes across the globe—even if it’s just a bag of chips. But the potato was a novelty back in the 16th century, when it arrived in Europe from the Americas via the Spanish (​​potato is derived from the Spanish word patata). By the 18th century, it had emerged as an essential food, with many historians crediting potatoes for ending the famine in northern Europe.Today, we largely take potatoes for granted, but they really are a steadfast and healthy vegetable that’s versatile and absolutely delicious when cooked correctly. Here, we showcase some of our favorite recipes, tips, and tricks to help you get in touch with your roots. As chef Massimo Bottura said once, “Not everyone can be a truffle. Most of us are potatoes. And a potato is a very good thing to be.”