Bay-scented potatoes (batatas com louro)
Bay-scented potatoes, or 'batatas com louro', feature tender potatoes infused with the aromatic taste of bay leaves, sautéed onions, and garlic. This simple yet flavorful side dish is perfect for complementing any main meal.
Cook time 15 min
Prep time 5 min
Ingredients:
2 onions2 garlic cloves
5 potatoes
1/4 cup butter
2 tbsp olive oil
6 bay leafs
1 tsp paprika
1 tbsp tomato puree
Bay-scented potatoes, or 'batatas com louro', is a delectable Portuguese dish that combines the earthy flavors of potatoes with the aromatic essence of bay leaves. This recipe harmonizes simple ingredients like onions, garlic, and paprika with the richness of butter and olive oil to create a delightful side dish that can accompany any main course.
Instructions:
- Finely chop the onions.
- Mince the garlic cloves.
- Peel and cut the potatoes into bite-sized chunks.
- In a large skillet or heavy-bottomed pot, heat the butter and olive oil over medium heat.
- Add the finely chopped onions and cook, stirring occasionally, until they become translucent, about 5-7 minutes.
- Add the minced garlic and cook for an additional 1-2 minutes until fragrant.
- Add the potato chunks to the skillet, stirring to coat them with the butter, oil, onions, and garlic.
- Stir in the bay leaves and paprika, making sure the potatoes are evenly coated with the seasoning.
- Cook for 5 minutes, stirring occasionally.
- Add the tomato puree to the skillet and stir well to combine.
- Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Add enough water to the skillet to just cover the potatoes.
- Bring to a gentle boil, then reduce the heat to low and cover the skillet with a lid.
- Let it simmer for 25-30 minutes, or until the potatoes are tender and easily pierced with a fork.
- Remove the bay leaves from the skillet.
- Stir the potatoes gently to ensure they are well-coated with the sauce.
- Transfer the bay-scented potatoes to a serving dish.
- Garnish with fresh herbs if desired.
Bay-scented potatoes are an easy yet flavorful addition to your culinary repertoire. The combination of tender potatoes, aromatic bay leaves, and a hint of spice from the paprika creates a comforting dish that's sure to become a family favorite. Enjoy this recipe as a side dish with roasted meats, grilled fish, or a hearty salad.
Bay-scented potatoes (batatas com louro) FAQ:
If you decide to bake the potatoes, preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) and place the prepared potatoes in a baking dish. Cover with foil and bake for about 30-40 minutes, checking for doneness with a fork.
The potatoes are done when they are tender and can be easily pierced with a fork. This typically takes 25-30 minutes of simmering.
Yes, you can substitute the butter with vegan butter or margarine if you're looking for a dairy-free option. For olive oil, you can use any neutral oil, such as canola or vegetable oil.
Store leftover bay-scented potatoes in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in a skillet over medium heat, adding a splash of water if needed to prevent sticking.
Waxy potatoes, such as Yukon Gold or red potatoes, work best since they hold their shape well during cooking. However, you can also use russet potatoes for a fluffier texture.
Cooking Tips:
- Slice the potatoes evenly to ensure they cook at the same rate.
- Use fresh bay leaves for a more pronounced flavor, but dried bay leaves also work well.
- Feel free to adjust the amount of paprika based on your preference for spice.
- If the potatoes start to stick to the pan, add a little water or broth to help them cook evenly without burning.
- Garnish with fresh parsley or chives for an extra touch of color and flavor.
Nutrition Facts
8 ServingsCalories 160kcal
Protein 3.02g
Carbohydrates 24g
Fiber 3.42g
Sugar 2.83g
Fat 9g
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