Fondant potatoes, also known as pommes fondant, is a traditional French dish that brings out the best in a simple spud by combining roasting and braising. The result is a potato that's creamy on the inside with a golden, crusty exterior.
The ingredients for this recipe are fairly common and should be easy to find at your local grocery store. However, it's essential to choose the right kind of potato. Russet potatoes are the best choice for fondant potatoes because of their large size and high starch content, which helps achieve that desired creamy interior. Other ingredients include vegetable oil, unsalted butter, chicken stock, fresh thyme leaves, kosher salt, and black pepper.
Ingredients Required for Classic Fondant Potatoes
Russet potatoes: Versatile and starchy, this type of potato is perfect for this recipe due to its ability to become creamy when cooked yet retain a crusty exterior when roasted.
Vegetable oil: Used for frying the potatoes, it has a high smoke point which prevents the potatoes from burning.
Unsalted butter: Gives richness and flavor to the potatoes. It also helps to create a beautiful golden brown crust.
Chicken stock: Used to braise the potatoes in the oven, it adds a savory depth to the overall flavor of the dish.
Fresh thyme leaves: Thyme adds a subtle earthy flavor that complements the potatoes without overpowering them.
Kosher salt: Used for seasoning, it enhances the natural flavors of the potatoes.
Black pepper: Adds a bit of heat and complexity to the dish.
One reader, Casandra Collins says:
The classic fondant potatoes recipe is a game-changer! The crispy exterior and tender inside make it a delightful addition to any meal. The flavors are rich and savory, and the dish is surprisingly easy to make. It's a definite crowd-pleaser and a new favorite in my recipe collection!
Essential Techniques for Making Classic Fondant Potatoes
How to prepare the potatoes: Peel and slice the potatoes in half, then stand them upright and cut them equally in half once more.
How to brown the potatoes: In a large oven-safe skillet, heat vegetable oil over medium-high heat, then cook the potatoes flat side down until golden brown, about 6 to 8 minutes per side.
How to finish the dish: After baking the potatoes in the oven with chicken stock, butter, and thyme, remove them and sprinkle with kosher salt and black pepper before serving.
How To Make Fondant Potatoes
If you want your dishes to look fancy, try making these fondant potatoes that are browned in the oven and sprinkled with herbs for a well-rounded flavor.
Serves:
Ingredients
- 4largeRusset potatoes
- 2tbspvegetable Oil
- 2tbspunsalted butter
- 1cupchicken stock
- 1tspfresh thyme leaves
- kosher saltto taste
- black pepperto taste
Instructions
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Preheat oven to 425 degrees F.
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Peel the potatoes and slice off the ends so you can stand the potato upright. Cut the potatoes equally in half once more.
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In a large oven safe skillet add vegetable oil and set over medium high heat.
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When the oil is hot add the potatoes flat side down.
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Cook the potatoes until they are golden brown on the bottom, about 6 to 8 minutes per side.
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Add butter to the pan before browning the second side.
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Pour the chicken stock, butter, and thyme sprigs into the pan and place the pan into the oven.
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Bake for 25 to 30 minutes or until the potatoes are fork-tender.
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Remove the potatoes from the oven, sprinkle with kosher salt, and black pepper.
Nutrition
- Calories: 429.44kcal
- Fat: 13.82g
- Saturated Fat: 4.41g
- Trans Fat: 0.29g
- Monounsaturated Fat: 6.90g
- Polyunsaturated Fat: 1.71g
- Carbohydrates: 69.70g
- Fiber: 5.16g
- Sugar: 3.25g
- Protein: 9.62g
- Cholesterol: 17.06mg
- Sodium: 1033.98mg
- Calcium: 58.75mg
- Potassium: 1622.52mg
- Iron: 3.47mg
- Vitamin A: 50.00µg
- Vitamin C: 21.47mg
Crucial Technique Tip for Perfect Fondant Potatoes
When preparing fondant potatoes, it's crucial to achieve a golden brown crust for the perfect balance of texture and flavor. This can be accomplished by ensuring the skillet is hot before adding the potatoes. Also, resist the urge to move the potatoes around in the pan while they're browning. Let them sit undisturbed for the recommended 6 to 8 minutes. This allows the potatoes to develop a crust and prevents them from sticking to the pan. Remember, patience is key to achieving that perfect golden brown crust.
Time-Saving Tips for Making Fondant Potatoes
Prep ahead: Peel and cut the potatoes the night before and store them in a bowl of water in the refrigerator. This will save time on the day of cooking.
Use a mandoline: A mandoline can help you quickly and evenly slice the potatoes, ensuring they cook at the same rate and look uniform.
Multi-task: While the potatoes are cooking in the oven, use that time to prepare other components of your meal to maximize efficiency.
Invest in a good skillet: A good quality oven-safe skillet can help you achieve the perfect fondant potatoes without the need for multiple pans or transfers.
Substitute Ingredients For Fondant Potatoes Recipe
russet potatoes - Substitute with Yukon Gold potatoes: Yukon Gold potatoes have a similar texture and flavor to russet potatoes, making them a suitable substitute for fondant potatoes.
vegetable oil - Substitute with olive oil: Olive oil adds a rich flavor and works well for cooking the potatoes, providing a healthier alternative to vegetable oil.
unsalted butter - Substitute with ghee: Ghee has a similar rich and nutty flavor to butter and can be used as a substitute for a unique twist on the classic fondant potatoes recipe.
chicken stock - Substitute with vegetable stock: For a vegetarian option, vegetable stock can be used instead of chicken stock to achieve a similar depth of flavor in the dish.
fresh thyme leaves - Substitute with rosemary: Rosemary can be used as a substitute for thyme to add a different herbaceous flavor to the fondant potatoes.
Best Way to Present Fondant Potatoes
Elevate the plating: When presenting the fondant potatoes, carefully arrange them on the plate using precision and attention to detail. Ensure that each potato is placed with intention and purpose, creating a visually stunning presentation.
Incorporate a garnish: Add a touch of sophistication to the dish by incorporating a delicate microgreen garnish. This not only adds a pop of color but also enhances the overall aesthetic appeal of the fondant potatoes.
Utilize complementary sauces: Introduce a drizzle of a rich reduction sauce around the potatoes to elevate the flavors and add an artistic element to the plate. The sauce should complement the earthy notes of the potatoes while adding a touch of elegance to the presentation.
Emphasize texture contrast: Consider incorporating a crispy element, such as a delicate potato chip or a shard of parmesan crisp, to provide a textural contrast to the velvety fondant potatoes, adding complexity to the dish.
Highlight precision and symmetry: Pay close attention to the alignment and symmetry of the potatoes on the plate, ensuring that each element is meticulously placed to create a visually striking and balanced presentation.
Elevate with edible flowers: Introduce a subtle yet impactful touch by adorning the plate with edible flowers, such as delicate chive blossoms or vibrant nasturtiums, adding a touch of elegance and sophistication to the overall presentation.
Incorporate artistic drizzles: Utilize a balsamic glaze or a vibrant herb-infused oil to create artistic drizzles on the plate, adding both visual interest and an additional layer of flavor to the fondant potatoes.
Consider the plate selection: Choose a porcelain plate or a sleek slate platter to present the fondant potatoes, ensuring that the chosen vessel complements the overall aesthetic and elevates the dining experience.
Essential Tools for Making Fondant Potatoes
Peeler: A peeler is used to remove the skin from fruits and vegetables. It is an essential tool for preparing the potatoes for the fondant potatoes recipe.
Skillet: A skillet, also known as a frying pan, is a flat-bottomed pan used for frying, searing, and browning foods. It is essential for cooking the potatoes on the stovetop before transferring them to the oven.
Oven: An oven is a kitchen appliance used for baking, roasting, and heating food. It is necessary for baking the fondant potatoes to perfection.
Tongs: Tongs are a versatile kitchen tool used for gripping and lifting hot items. They are useful for flipping the potatoes in the skillet and transferring them to the oven.
Chef's knife: A chef's knife is a multi-purpose knife used for slicing, dicing, and chopping ingredients. It is essential for cutting the potatoes and preparing them for cooking.
Measuring cup: A measuring cup is used to accurately measure and pour liquid ingredients such as chicken stock in the fondant potatoes recipe.
Oven-safe skillet: An oven-safe skillet is a type of skillet that can be safely used in the oven. It is necessary for transferring the potatoes from the stovetop to the oven for baking.
Thyme sprigs: Thyme sprigs are fresh thyme stems with leaves attached. They are used to infuse the dish with thyme flavor and are essential for adding aromatic notes to the fondant potatoes.
Storing and Freezing Fondant Potatoes: A Guide
- Let the fondant potatoes cool completely before storing them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.
- To reheat, place the potatoes in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10-15 minutes or until they are heated through and crispy on the outside.
- For longer storage, you can freeze the fondant potatoes:
- Place the cooled potatoes on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper and freeze until solid, about 2-3 hours.
- Once frozen, transfer the potatoes to a freezer-safe container or resealable plastic bag, removing as much air as possible to prevent freezer burn.
- Label the container with the date and store in the freezer for up to 2-3 months.
- To reheat frozen fondant potatoes:
- Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C).
- Place the frozen potatoes on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper and bake for 15-20 minutes or until they are heated through and crispy on the outside.
- Note: You may need to add a few minutes to the cooking time if reheating from frozen.
- Avoid microwaving fondant potatoes, as this can make them soggy and lose their crispy texture.
How To Reheat Leftover Fondant Potatoes
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Place the leftover fondant potatoes in an oven-safe dish, making sure they are evenly spaced and not overcrowded. Cover the dish with foil to prevent the potatoes from drying out. Reheat in the oven for 15-20 minutes, or until they are heated through and the edges are slightly crispy.
For a quicker method, use the microwave. Place the fondant potatoes in a microwave-safe dish and cover with a damp paper towel. This will help retain moisture and prevent the potatoes from drying out. Microwave on high for 1-2 minutes, or until heated through. Be careful not to overheat, as this can cause the potatoes to become rubbery.
If you want to add a little extra flavor and crispiness to your reheated fondant potatoes, try using a skillet. Melt a small amount of butter or olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add the potatoes and cook for 2-3 minutes on each side, or until they are heated through and slightly crispy on the outside.
For a more gourmet approach, try using a sous vide machine to reheat your fondant potatoes. Place the potatoes in a vacuum-sealed bag with a small amount of butter or olive oil. Set the sous vide machine to 140°F (60°C) and cook for 30-45 minutes, or until the potatoes are heated through. This method will ensure that the potatoes are evenly heated and maintain their original texture and flavor.
If you have an air fryer, you can use it to reheat your fondant potatoes and give them a crispy exterior. Preheat the air fryer to 350°F (175°C). Place the potatoes in the air fryer basket, making sure they are evenly spaced and not overcrowded. Cook for 5-7 minutes, or until they are heated through and slightly crispy on the outside.
Interesting Fact About Fondant Potatoes
Fondant potatoes are a classic French dish that originated in the 19th century. They are known for their rich, buttery flavor and creamy texture. This dish is often served as a side dish for special occasions or elegant dinners.
Is Making Fondant Potatoes at Home Cost-Effective?
This fondant potatoes recipe is quite cost-effective for a household. The main ingredients, such as potatoes, vegetable oil, and chicken stock, are generally affordable and can be found in most kitchens. The addition of butter and fresh thyme adds a touch of elegance without breaking the bank. Overall, this recipe offers a delightful and budget-friendly way to elevate a simple ingredient like potatoes. On a scale of 1-10, I would rate this recipe an 8 for its balance of cost and flavor. The approximate cost for a household of 4 people would be around $10-15.
Are Fondant Potatoes Healthy or Unhealthy?
The classic fondant potatoes recipe, while undeniably delicious, is not particularly healthy. The main concerns are:
- High fat content due to the use of vegetable oil and butter
- Potatoes are high in carbohydrates and have a high glycemic index, which can cause blood sugar spikes
- The recipe lacks fiber and essential nutrients found in other vegetables
However, the recipe does use russet potatoes, which are a good source of potassium and vitamin C. The use of chicken stock also adds some protein and flavor to the dish.
To make this recipe healthier, consider the following suggestions:
- Reduce the amount of oil and butter used, or opt for healthier alternatives like olive oil or avocado oil
- Instead of using only potatoes, incorporate other nutrient-dense vegetables like carrots, parsnips, or sweet potatoes to increase the fiber and vitamin content
- Use low-sodium chicken stock to reduce the overall sodium content of the dish
- Experiment with different herbs and spices to add flavor without relying on excessive amounts of salt and fat
- Serve the fondant potatoes as a side dish alongside a lean protein source and a variety of colorful vegetables to create a balanced meal
By making these adjustments, you can enjoy the delicious taste and texture of fondant potatoes while also incorporating them into a healthier overall diet.
Editor's Opinion on This Classic Fondant Potatoes Recipe
This classic fondant potatoes recipe is a timeless dish that showcases the simple yet elegant flavors of potatoes, butter, and thyme. The method of browning the potatoes in a skillet before baking them in a flavorful chicken stock creates a beautiful golden crust and a tender, creamy interior. The addition of thyme adds a fragrant and earthy note, elevating the dish to a new level. Overall, this recipe is a wonderful choice for a special dinner or a holiday meal, and it's sure to impress your guests with its sophisticated flavors and stunning presentation.
Enhance Your Fondant Potatoes Recipe with These Unique Side Dishes:
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Why trust this Fondant Potatoes Recipe:
This classic fondant potatoes recipe guarantees a delectable dining experience. The russet potatoes are carefully selected for their ideal texture and flavor. The combination of vegetable oil and unsalted butter ensures a perfect balance of richness and crispiness. The infusion of chicken stock and fresh thyme leaves elevates the dish to a new level of savory delight. With meticulous attention to detail and a commitment to culinary excellence, this recipe promises to deliver a memorable dining experience.
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