The answer to the question is not determined by calories or carbohydrates, but by how it is cooked.

French fries almost quadruple the calories (290 Kcal/100 grams) compared to the same amount of boiled, baked, or steamed potato (80 Kcal).

Different dishes, prepared in various ways and with the appropriate culinary techniques, diversify the diet and make it more appealing and viable, but not all potato preparations are suitable for all therapeutic diets. Its energetic role is useful for increasing the calories of broths, soups, purees, or salads, focusing on preparing high-calorie dishes for malnourished and anorexic individuals. These options are equally suitable for those who need more energy, such as children and athletes.

Type of preparation (100 grams of potato)	Energy (Kilocalories/100 grams)
Steamed	70 Kcal.
Boiled	80 Kcal.
Baked	101 Kcal.
Sautéed	134 Kcal.
French fries	290 Kcal.
Stews or braised	The energy value will depend on the amount of oil used for stewing
Packaged French fries	538 Kcal.
Steamed, boiled, baked potatoes, seasoned with oil	To the energy value of the cooked potato, add 90 Kcal for each tablespoon of oil used. Thus, 100 g of cooked potato (80Kcal) seasoned with two tablespoons of olive oil (180Kcal) provides 260 Kcal.

Therefore, no food makes you gain or lose weight on its own; it is the totality of foods consumed throughout the day and the dietary habits one has (quantities, cooking methods, types of foods) that results in an overall consumption of more or fewer calories.

Boiled potatoes, as they are, provide few calories compared to other potato preparations, such as frying or in comparison to other foods or dishes commonly found on menus (croquettes, breads, cold cuts, cheeses, sweets, etc.), which are also more energy-dense.

Recommended cooking recipes

We recommend the following cooking recipes that include potatoes, and which are very good for a balanced diet. Take note.

(click on the recipe title to see more details)

Potato Tortilla Tapas

A Spanish snack/appetizer made with potatoes and eggs. It is very easy to prepare and delicious.

Potato Salad with Egg

Delicious recipe for traditional potato salad, prepared with mayonnaise, sour cream, mustard, and pickles.

Mashed Potatoes with Parmesan

This delicious mashed potato with parmesan is a great side dish for a pepper steak.

Potato Gnocchi

Prepare these exquisite potato gnocchi and pair them with your favorite sauce. Once you try this homemade gnocchi recipe, you will never buy them again.

Latkes (Potato Pancakes)

A traditional "Hanukkah" dish, latkes, also known as potato pancakes, serve as the base for any snack.

Leek and Potato Cream

Delicious leek and potato cream with a very smooth consistency.

 

To see more potato recipes, click here.