Giangi's Kitchen

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Potatoes with Basil. A super easy side dish that will enhance a spicy fish or a meat dish.  I love potatoes and wish could have them with every meal. They are so versatile in your cooking repertoire and complement almost all dishes. The softness of the shallots once translucent mixed with the pungent flavor of the basil, give a great savory flavor to the potatoes. Add some champagne dressing, and you are in for a treat. We all need a couple of recipes and this one should be part of your repertoire.

My rule of thumb for determining how many potatoes to use: 1/2 of a large one per person. If using smaller red-skinned potatoes you can decide how many you will need.

Potatoes.

A great source of fiber as well as antioxidants.  They also contain potassium. vitamin C, B6. The best part they are low in cholesterol. However, fried potatoes do not have the same benefits. But with all good things, moderation is key.

TIPS

• Make sure that all the potato slices are the same thickness thus all cooking evenly.
• Add them to cold water and add salt. I enjoy adding salt at this point as it will give the potatoes a great flavor and I will not add it later at seasoning time.
• Do not overcook the potatoes. I taste them by pressing with my thumb in the middle of them and if I get a bit of resistance they are ready to be drained. Rinse them under cold water to stop the cooking process prior to your next step. At this point, you can actually store the potatoes in the refrigerator for a couple of days before continuing with this recipe.
• Shred the basil at the last minute so it will retain all the oils and will not bruise too much either.
• use a large skillet to cook the potatoes with the shallots. You want them to each being cooked and not overlapping. My favorite is Lodge Cast Iron, so easy to use.
• When adding the potatoes to the skillet, turn over within minutes the potatoes so the shallots will not continue cooking underneath and burn a bit.

You can also use …

If shallots are not handy, replace them with sweet Vidalia onions. Slice them the same way, very thinly. Do not overcook them, they need to be translucent.

Vinegar: Tarragon, Chardonnay, or Champagne as well as lemon can all be used. I happen to have champagne as it is one of my favorite besides the regular wine vinegar. Tarragon, Chardonnay, and Champagne are milder in flavor therefore, if substituting add a small amount and taste as you go along to get to your likings.

You can also cook the potatoes, drain them and store them in the refrigerator for a couple of days if you do not want to prepare it immediately.

It goes great alongside

Potato side dishes are such a comfort food and you will surprise how often they are found as a side dish. I have enclosed a couple of suggestions below for you to try this potato recipe with.

Lemon Parmesan Orange Roughy for a quick fish family dinner.

Parmesan, Panko Chicken Cutlets are potatoes with basil perfect match and do not forget a quick green leaf salad to go alongside or asparagus.

Individual Meatloaf almost requires potatoes as a side dish. In less than forty minutes dinner is on the table.

Products used to make this recipe

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