Master Recipe
Sautéed Potatoes
serves 3 to 4
NOTE: The potatoes must be cooked in a pan large enough to hold
them in a single layer. A 12-inch skillet will do the job. Use a
spatula to turn the potatoes as they cook. Work gently so that you
don't break the crisp crust that forms on the side cooking against
the pan bottom.
11/4 pounds Yukon Gold potatoes, scrubbed and cut into 1/2-inch cubes
11/4 teaspoons salt
11/2 tablespoons corn oil
11/2 tablespoons unsalted butter
1/8 teaspoon ground black pepper
INSTRUCTIONS:
1. Place potatoes in 6-quart pot; cover with water and add 1 teaspoon salt. Bring to a boil over medium-high heat. As soon as water begins to boil, drain potatoes well.
2. Heat oil and butter in heavy-bottomed large skillet over medium-high heat until butter foams. Add potatoes and shake pan so that potatoes form a single layer. When potatoes are golden brown on bottom (after about 4 minutes), carefully use a wooden spatula to turn them. Continue cooking potatoes, turning them three or four more times, until nicely browned on all sides, about 15 to 20 minutes in total. Season with remaining 1/4 teaspoon salt and pepper to taste and stir. Serve immediately or keep warm in preheated 300-degree oven for up to 20 minutes.
VARIATIONS:
Sautéed Potatoes with Rosemary and Garlic
Replace corn oil and butter with 3 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil. When potatoes are browned on all sides, add 2 teaspoons chopped fresh rosemary and 1 teaspoon minced garlic. Cook for another 2 to 3 minutes over low heat, shaking pan frequently to coat potatoes with rosemary and garlic and to cook garlic. Season with salt and pepper and serve.
Home Fries
While potatoes are being blanched, heat 1 tablespoon corn oil in large, heavy-bottomed skillet. Add 1 medium onion, chopped fine, and sauté over medium-high heat until lightly browned, 8 to 10 minutes. Scrape onions into bowl. Add 11/2 tablespoons oil and 11/2 tablespoons butter to empty pan as directed in step 2. Cook potatoes as directed. When potatoes are browned all over, return onions to pan along with 1 teaspoon paprika and stir to coat. Season with salt and pepper as directed and serve.
Spicy Home Fries
Follow Home Fries variation, adding a pinch or two of cayenne pepper to potatoes along with paprika.
Home Fries with Bell Pepper and Cumin
Follow Home Fries variation, cooking 1 finely chopped red or green bell pepper with onion. Remove pepper with onion and add back to pan along with paprika and 1 teaspoon ground cumin. Season with salt and pepper as directed and serve.