This deliciously simple Potatoes Fondantes-Smashed Potatoes recipe uses fingerling or small red potatoes that are boiled, smashed and baked.
Take your favorite spuds to another level with this deliciously simple Potatoes Fondantes-Smashed Potatoes recipe.
I’m a fan of potatoes. Always have been. In fact, we grow quite a lot potatoes here in Wisconsin, including red, russet, white, yellow, fingerling and yes, even purple potatoes.
It’s all due to the type of soil and climate necessary to grow a sustainable crop. And, we’ve got the best of both worlds here in Wisconsin.
RELATED: Easy German Potato Salad
So what better way to celebrate the spud than a recipe for Potatoes Fondantes or AKA Smashed Potatoes.
The Difference Between Fingerling, New Potatoes and Small Potatoes
But how do you choose the best potato for this recipe.
After all, there is a difference between potatoes. And size matters.
Fingerling potatoes are usually the size of one’s fingers–give or take–and are harvested mature potatoes.
They are a cultivar in and of itself and they won’t grow any larger. New Potatoes, on the other hand, are harvested before they mature, so they are smaller than their “fully mature” version.
Small potatoes, well, they are purposefully grown small. So they, like the fingerling potatoes are harvested at maturity. It’s the small and fingerling potatoes that are the best for this recipe.
How to Make Potatoes Fondantes – Smashed Potatoes
This is a relatively easy recipe but it takes some preparation first to get the delicious end result.
To Make:
It all starts with the potato, of course. I like to use either fingerlings or small red potatoes. They bake faster and they are also easier to smash–thus, Smashed Potatoes.
You will first boil the potatoes in chicken stock laced with salt and cook them until fork-tender. This will cause the outer potato skin to be brined with a light, salty glaze, so to speak.
Next, it’s time to bake them.
Lay out your potatoes on a baking sheet in a single layer.
Gently smash each potato with the base of a bowl or a glass. Then drizzle some olive oil over each.
Allow the potatoes to bake in a 400 degree F oven for about 15 minutes or until they crisp up. Remove from the oven and sprinkle lightly with fleur de sel (sea salt). Serve immediately. Enjoy!
For more delicious potato recipes, be sure to check out Wisconsin Homemaker Recipe Section.
Potatoes Fondantes or Smashed Potatoes Recipe
Ingredients
- 3 lbs small red potatoes or fingerlings approximately 25 potatoes
- 3 tbsp kosher salt
- 2 cups chicken stock
- 3 tbsp olive oil extra virgin
- 2 tbsp rosemary fresh or dried, chopped finely
- 1 tsp fleur del sel (sea salt) approximately for dusting
Instructions
- In a medium size pot, add the potatoes and chicken stock, along with the salt.
- Boil for 15 minutes or until a knife can pierce easily through the potatoes.
- Preheat oven at 400 degrees F.
- Place the boiled potatoes on a cookie sheet.
- Using the base of a bowl or glass, gently press down on each potato, until each cracks.
- Drizzle olive oil evenly over all of the potatoes and then follow by sprinkling the rosemary.
- Bake for about 15 minutes or until the potatoes crisp up a bit.
- Remove from oven. Lightly sprinkle with fleur del sel (sea salt).
- Serve hot. Enjoy!
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