Meet Our Newest Contest Winner

We requested for our group’s finest winter potato recipe, and also you all delivered. From creamy and comforting gratins to elegant potato-stuffed pastries (shout out to our runner-up, Bevi’s Every part Baked Potato Puff Pastries), selecting only one was not a simple process. After a number of rounds of recipe testing, narrowing down the finalists, and asking our group to vote, we lastly have a winner: ‘World Well-known’ Mahogany Potatoes by Lisanne Weinberg, recognized on our web site as creamtea.

To have a good time the event, we chatted with the recipe developer about this successful potato dish—and why it has resonated with so many residence cooks over time.

The recipe has been on our web site for over a decade. Why do you assume it is had such endurance and continues to resonate with readers?

Initially, let me say that I am completely delighted with the “endurance” of this recipe! I consider the recipe resonates with readers due to the ease-to-deliciousness ratio. You merely place potatoes cut-side down in a single layer in an oiled pan and place it in a scorching oven. Then loosen up, learn a novel, knit, or prep your principal dish. Simply earlier than they’re accomplished, cube the onion, then add to the new potatoes and toss with a great deal of salt and the lemon juice. With a aspect salad and a principal, you’ve got bought a whole meal with minimal effort. They’re nice for any vacation when you could have different extra complicated dishes to take care of.

Within the years that you just’ve been making these potatoes, are there any variations you’ve tried? Would you advocate any of them?

So far as alterations to the unique recipe, at instances I’ve seasoned the pan with my favourite spice mix after pouring within the oil. However I at all times return to the unique methodology; it is simply that good that it wants no tampering.

What’s crucial factor to bear in mind when making this recipe for the primary time?

Be affected person! You need these potatoes very, very well-browned. The Maillard response is an ingredient in itself, so it is essential to attend for a great, darkish crisp that provides such a mysteriously good taste to this dish. They need to be roasted in a single layer and are finest in cast-iron, however a roasting pan works completely effectively. Though potatoes will elevate from the pan with the nudge of a knife when cooked via, they’ll must brown additional to be at optimum taste. Add the remaining components as quickly because the potatoes are well-done and whereas scorching.

What do you advocate serving these potatoes with?

I usually serve them as a aspect to roasted rooster or beef, because the acid from the potatoes cuts the richness; for a meat-free meal, I’ve additionally served them with a roasted vegetable dinner (the latter prepped and cooked individually). They’re nice alongside fish or an omelet crammed with smoked salmon and yogurt. Nonetheless you serve them, I hope you may take pleasure in them as a lot as we do.

Are you able to share somewhat bit about your background and what conjures up you as a house prepare dinner?

As is true for a lot of residence cooks, my mom’s method to cooking was influential for me. She was an experimental prepare dinner for her time, within the ‘60s and ‘70s after I was rising up. She most well-liked easy, but flavorful dishes. Later, my school roommate and finest pal taught me a factor or two about fantastic cooking and taste. We each wanted to eat, so we wanted to prepare dinner!