Wednesday, January 25, 2006

Drunken Potatoes

I am a big fan of Jill Dupleix and her no-nonsense style. Her recipes are about simple food using very clever tricks as it says in one of her books. I always go for her books when I want food that looks and tastes special but at the same time I don't want to spend hours cooking. One of my latest discoveries is 'the drunken potato'recipe. The poor things are oven cooked soaked in wine. And how wonderful they taste. The recipe is in her book 'very simple food'- she is modest too. I served these potatoes with grilled beef and loved the combination.

3 large long potatoes around 750g
2 tbsp extra virgin olive oil
sea salt
freshly ground black pepper
250ml dry white wine
1 tbsp thyme sprigs

Heat the oven to 200oC/fan oven 180oC /Gas 5. Peel the potatoes and finely slice crosswise.I used a mandolin for that as I couldn't achieve the same result only with a knife. Must improve the knife cutting techinique. Toss the potato slices in a bowl with the olive oil, sea salt and pepper. Lightly oil a baking tray or oven proof dish and scatter the potatoes loosely over the base. It is vital that you choose a dish that is large enough so that your potato slices don't get crammed. Pour over the white wine and scatter with the thyme.

Bake for 30 minutes, during which time the wine will boil and bubble away, and the potatoes will crisp to a beautiful golden crunch. Keep an eye on them during the last few minutes after the wine has evaporated, as they can over-crisp.The slices in the corners might get scorched, but it's worth the sacrifice - indeed.

Pour a lovely glass of wine and enjoy your meal.

7 comments:

Anonymous said...

at last! In english!
Thanks for the rec on Jill D; I will add her to the list.
S

Valentina said...

Please do. She is great.
; o )

chockylit said...

The result looks amazing. I am definitely trying this the next time I grill some meat. Thanks!

Pille said...

I love potato gratins, but I've never seen one made with wine - I usually go for the cream and loads of garlic combio. There's a good idea for next time!
Lovely pic!

Karen said...

You'll have to work more writing two blogs but I think that it is a great idea!

Valentina said...

Chockylit, how lovely to receive your visit. These potatoes were a lovely surprise.If you end up making them I hope that you like them as much as I did.

Pille, it is a rather unusual way of preparing them.HOpe you like them!

Karen, it is great fun and I am glad that now my non-portuguese speaking friends and blogalites can have a snoop as well.

Pille said...

Hi Valentina - I tried this last night, and loved it! Such an unusal flavoured potato dish, a definite keeper!
Thanks for the recipe!