Description
Silky French fondant potatoes deliver golden-brown perfection with crispy exteriors and luxurious buttery centers. Culinary magic happens when simple ingredients elevate humble potatoes into an elegant side dish you’ll crave at every meal.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Ingredients:
- 3 large russet potatoes
- 1/2 cup (120 ml) chicken broth
Fat and Seasoning:
- 2 tablespoons (30 ml) vegetable oil
- 3 tablespoons (45 ml) butter
- Salt
- Black pepper
Herbs:
- 4 sprigs thyme
Instructions
- Transform russet potatoes into elegant cylindrical shapes by trimming ends and sides, creating uniform barrel-like pieces.
- Immerse potato cylinders in chilled water for 5 minutes to remove excess starch, then thoroughly pat dry with clean kitchen towels.
- Heat olive oil in heavy cast-iron skillet until shimmering, carefully place potatoes cut-side down and sear for 5-6 minutes without moving, developing deep golden-brown crust.
- Gently turn potatoes, sprinkle with kosher salt and cracked black pepper, then add unsalted butter and fresh thyme sprigs around edges.
- Allow butter to foam and bubble, continuously spooning melted butter over potato surfaces to enhance flavor and color.
- Pour chicken or vegetable broth into skillet, ensuring liquid reaches halfway up potato sides without submerging completely.
- Transfer skillet to preheated 425°F oven, roasting for 25-30 minutes until potatoes become fork-tender with caramelized exterior.
- Remove from oven, let potatoes rest for 3-4 minutes to redistribute internal moisture.
- Transfer to serving platter, drizzle remaining pan juices and herbs over potatoes, presenting a luxurious golden-brown side dish.
Notes
- Soak potatoes in cold water to remove excess starch, ensuring a crispier exterior and fluffier interior when cooked.
- Pat potatoes completely dry before searing to achieve a beautiful golden-brown crust without steaming.
- Use clarified butter or duck fat for an extra layer of rich flavor and enhanced browning potential.
- Choose waxy potato varieties like Yukon Gold or Charlotte for the best texture and consistent cooking results.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 45-50 minutes
- Category: Dinner, Appetizer, Snacks
- Method: Roasting
- Cuisine: French
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 4
- Calories: 220 kcal
- Sugar: 1 g
- Sodium: 150 mg
- Fat: 11 g
- Saturated Fat: 5 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 28 g
- Fiber: 3 g
- Protein: 3 g
- Cholesterol: 15 mg