Potato Pavé (Recipe)
This elegant French dish, with its layers of thinly sliced potatoes, harmoniously melded with butter and seasoning, promises to elevate any dining experience. Whether you're a seasoned chef or a novice in the kitchen, this recipe is sure to impress both your taste buds and your guests. So, let's roll up our sleeves and uncover the secrets to creating this culinary masterpiece.
Ingredients
3 lbs russet potatoes, peeled and thinly sliced
2 cups heavy cream
3 cloves garlic, minced
1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted
Salt and pepper to taste
Fresh thyme leaves (optional)
Scallions (optional)
9x14” bread pan
Instructions
In a saucepan, heat the heavy cream with melted butter over medium heat. Add the minced garlic, melted butter, salt, pepper, and thyme leaves if using. Stir well to combine.
Using a mandolin set to 1mm, square each peeled potato long ways. Place the slices in a large bowl of cold water to prevent them from turning brown.
Drain the potato slices and pat them dry with paper towels.
Grease a 9x14” bread pan with butter and line with parchment paper.
Arrange a layer of potato slices in the bottom of the dish, overlapping them slightly. Pour a small amount of the cream mixture over the potatoes. Repeat the layers until all the potatoes and cream mixture are used, making sure to finish with a layer of potatoes on top.
Wrap the paper over and bake in a preheated oven for 2 hours at 350°F until the top is golden brown and the potatoes are tender when pierced with a knife.
Cover with another bread pan and press until completely cooled with heavy cans on top and chill overnight.
After chilling overnight, remove from the pan and cut into even blocks.
Preheat a non-stick skillet to 375°F (medium-high) and add a teaspoon of butter. Fry each side until very golden OR fry in shallow cooking oil at 350°F until golden brown.
Immediately sprinkle salt on top and garnish with scallions.
Whether enjoyed as a side dish or the star of the meal, Potato Pavé is a testament to the joy of cooking and sharing good food with loved ones. So, next time you're in the mood for a culinary adventure, remember the humble potato and the endless possibilities it holds within each delicate layer of this exquisite dish.