Discover the perfect side dish with Savory Tarragon-Infused Sautéed Potatoes! Crisp potatoes, fragrant tarragon, garlic, and butter create an irresistible flavor combo.
Savory Tarragon-Infused Sautéed Potatoes: A Flavorful Twist on a Classic Side Dish
Introduction:
Potatoes are the quintessential side dish, adored for their versatility and comforting nature. While mashed or roasted potatoes are perennial favorites, there’s always a new way to elevate their flavor profile. Enter savory tarragon-infused sautéed potatoes—a delightful twist on a classic. Infusing potatoes with the unique and slightly aniseed flavor of tarragon breathes new life into this staple. Whether you're looking to impress dinner guests or simply switch up your regular side dish routine, this recipe is bound to become a household favorite.
Ingredients:
- 1.5 pounds (about 700 grams) of baby potatoes, halved
- 3 tablespoons of unsalted butter
- 2 tablespoons of olive oil
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- 2 tablespoons of fresh tarragon leaves, chopped
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
- Zest of one lemon
- Juice of half a lemon
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Instructions:
Prepare the Potatoes:
- Begin by washing and halving the baby potatoes. It's essential to leave the skin on for added texture and flavor. Place the halved potatoes in a bowl of cold water to remove excess starch; this will prevent them from sticking together later.
Parboil the Potatoes:
- In a large pot, bring water to a boil and add a generous pinch of salt. Drain the water from the potatoes and add them to the boiling water. Parboil for about 8-10 minutes until they're just tender but not fully cooked. You should be able to pierce them with a fork, but they shouldn’t be mushy.
- Drain the potatoes and set them aside to cool slightly.
Sauté the Potatoes:
- In a large skillet, heat the olive oil and butter over medium-high heat. Once the butter has melted and the mixture begins to sizzle, add the minced garlic. Sauté the garlic for about a minute, until it's fragrant and has a slight golden hue.
- Add the parboiled potatoes to the skillet. Ensure they are spread out in a single layer so that they brown evenly. Season them with salt and freshly ground black pepper.
Infuse with Tarragon:
- As the potatoes begin to brown and form a crisp, golden surface (about 5-7 minutes), add the chopped tarragon leaves to the skillet. Stir the potatoes gently to coat them evenly with the herbs.
Final Touches:
- Add the lemon zest and juice to the skillet. This will give the dish a bright, tangy edge that complements the earthy flavors. Stir everything together and let it cook for another 2-3 minutes, allowing the potatoes to soak up the flavors.
- Taste and adjust seasoning if necessary.
Serve:
- Transfer the sautéed potatoes to a serving platter. Garnish with freshly chopped parsley to add a dash of color and extra freshness. Serve warm and enjoy the medley of flavors!
Conclusion:
These savory tarragon-infused sautéed potatoes are more than just a side dish; they are a testament to how simple ingredients can bring about complex flavors. With the buttery texture of the potatoes enhanced by the aromatic tarragon and the zesty lemon, every bite offers a burst of flavor that will leave your taste buds wanting more. Perfect for a dinner party or a cozy family meal, these potatoes are a delicious way to impress and satisfy. Enjoy this delightful twist on a timeless classic!