Pan Crisped Potatoes Mark Bittman Recipes

PAN-CRISPED POTATOES (MARK BITTMAN)

Steps:

• Bring the potatoes to a boil in salted water to cover, then lower the heat to simmer until nearly tender, 10-15 minutes; drain well.
• Heat the oil over med-high heat in a 12-inch nonstick skillet for 3-4 minutes.
• You can use more oil for crisper potatoes or less oil to cut the fat.
• Add in the potatoes along with a healthy sprinkling of salt and pepper and cook, tossing and stirring from time to time (not constantly), until they are nicely browned all over, 10-20 minutes.
• Add in the garlic and continue to cook for 5 minutes more, stirring frequently.
• Taste and adjust seasoning if necessary, then serve.

SIMPLE BRAISED POTATOES

Steps:

• Scrub the potatoes, then cut potatoes into 1-inch chunks.
• Heat 3 tablespoons butter in a deep skillet or broad pot over medium-high heat. Add potatoes, onions, garlic, a sprig of thyme or rosemary, and salt and pepper. Cook, stirring, until potatoes begin to turn golden, 10 minutes.
• Add good stock to barely cover the potatoes (about 2 cups). Bring to a boil, reduce heat and simmer, stirring occasionally, until potatoes are tender and liquid is reduced, about 30 minutes.
• Season to taste with salt and pepper, then serve garnished with thyme or rosemary.

EXTRA-CRISPY PARMESAN-CRUSTED ROASTED POTATOES

Steps:

• Adjust oven rack to center position and heat to 425 degrees, or 400 degrees if using convection. (Convection is recommended, if available.) Combine potato chunks, 2 quarts water, baking soda and salt in a large saucepan.
• Cut a 10-by-10-inch square out of cheesecloth and place bay leaves, peppercorns, garlic cloves and herb sprigs in the center. Gather up the corners of the cloth into a pouch, and tie off with butcher's twine. Add bundle to the pot with potatoes, and set over high heat. Bring to a boil, and cook until you can poke a knife into a larger chunk of potato without any resistance, about 10 minutes after the water comes to a boil.
• Drain potatoes in a colander and discard aromatic bundle. Line a 13-by-18-inch rimmed aluminum baking sheet with parchment paper.
• Transfer potatoes to a large bowl. Add melted butter and Parmesan. Season lightly with salt and pepper. Toss and fold with a rubber spatula until Parmesan, butter and starch form a slurry over the surface of the potatoes, about 30 seconds. Transfer potatoes to the prepared baking sheet and spread out so they are mostly separated from one another. (At this point, they can be allowed to cool, then transferred to a sealed container and stored in the refrigerator until ready to roast.)
• Transfer baking sheet to oven and roast potatoes until pale golden brown and sizzling on the bottom, about 20 minutes. Flip potatoes using a thin metal spatula and continue roasting until crisp and blond-gold on most sides, about 15 to 20 minutes longer. (Check frequently toward the end, and don't allow the potatoes to cook beyond a deep gold, or they will turn bitter.)
• Remove potatoes from oven and allow to cool for 5 minutes on the pan before transferring to a serving platter.

LATKES

Steps:

• To the grated potatoes, add 1 grated onion, 2 lightly beaten eggs and 2 tablespoons breadcrumbs (or matzo meal); substitute neutral oil for butter. (Be liberal with the oil.)
• Spoon the mixture into the oil to form pancakes; fry until brown and crisp on both sides.
• Serve with sour cream and applesauce.

POTATO PANCAKES, VERSION II

Steps:

• Grate the potatoes by hand or with the grating disk of a food processor; drain very briefly, pressing lightly. Mix in salt.
• Heat the oil or butter over medium heat, preferably in a large, seasoned cast-iron or non-stick skillet. Drop potatoes in by large spoonfuls, flattening the pancakes with the back of the spoon. Don't try to turn them until they're brown and crisp on the first side.
• Turn and continue cooking until brown and crisp on the second side, about 6 to 8 minutes total. Or put the whole batch of potatoes in the pan at once; when the underside is brown (it will take 10 to 15 minutes), slide the pancake out onto a plate. Cover with another plate, then invert the two plates. Return to the pan, uncooked side down, and finish cooking. Serve hot or at room temperature.

PAN-CRISPED POTATOES

Steps:

• Bring the potatoes to a boil in salted water to cover, then lower the heat to simmer until nearly tender, 10 to 15 minutes. Drain well.
• Heat the oil over medium-high heat in a 12-inch nonstick skillet for 3 or 4 minutes. You can use more oil for crisper potatoes or less oil to cut the fat. (You can also use butter or a combination if you prefer.) Add the potatoes along with a healthy sprinkling of salt and pepper and cook, tossing and stirring from time to time (not constantly), until they are nicely browned all over, 10 to 20 minutes.
• Add the garlic and continue to cook for 5 minutes more, stirring frequently. Taste and adjust the seasoning if necessary, then serve.