Potato cakes

Potato cakes

　　The scientific name for potatoes is Solanum tuberosum, commonly known as potatoes. Traditional Chinese medicine considers potatoes to be neutral in nature, with effects that harmonize the stomach, regulate the middle energizer, strengthen the spleen, and benefit qi. They are suitable for treating gastric and duodenal ulcers, chronic stomach pain, habitual constipation, and skin eczema. Potatoes are washed, boiled, peeled, mashed into a paste, mixed with an appropriate amount of flour to form a batter, scooped into spoon-shaped molds, soaked in hot oil until golden brown and set, then removed to form small, spoon-like cakes with thinner edges and slightly thicker centers. These are sprinkled with salt and pepper, as well as chili powder, resulting in a deliciously fragrant, mildly spicy taste with hints of Sichuan peppercorn. This is the common street snack known as potato cakes, often found at food stalls around Kunming. (Kunming)