Aunt Carmen's potatoes

Aunt Carmen's Potatoes – a Spanish tapas recipe that combines tradition with a passion for cooking

If you're looking for an engaging, delicious, and easy-to-make recipe, you've come to the right place! Aunt Carmen's Potatoes are a true treasure of the kitchen, a recipe inspired by Spanish traditions that will remind you of evenings spent with friends, savoring delicious tapas. This recipe will not only delight you with its taste but will also bring a touch of joy in every bite.

Preparation time: 20 minutes
Baking time: 15 minutes
Total time: 35 minutes
Servings: 4

Necessary ingredients:
- 750 g of potatoes (choose quality potatoes that hold up well during cooking)
- 3 cloves of garlic (for an extra flavor)
- 100 g of bacon or Serrano ham (you can also use smoked bacon for a more intense taste)
- 2 tablespoons of butter (for a creamy sauce)
- 4 tablespoons of flour (type 00 flour is ideal)
- Milk (as needed, to achieve the desired sauce consistency)
- Grated cheese (preferably a variety that melts easily)
- Olive oil (for frying)
- Salt (to taste)

Step 1: Preparing the potatoes
Start by peeling the potatoes and cutting them into slices not too thick, about 1 cm. I recommend choosing potatoes that are more starchy, such as red potatoes or those for frying, to achieve a perfect texture. After cutting the potatoes, sprinkle a little salt over them. This helps extract moisture, thus enhancing the crispy crust during frying.

Step 2: Frying the potatoes
Heat a generous amount of olive oil in a deep pan over high heat. When the oil is hot enough, add the sliced potatoes. Fry them until they become golden and crispy, about 5-7 minutes. Halfway through frying, add the sliced garlic, which will infuse the oil with its irresistible aroma. Be careful not to burn the garlic, so remove it from the pan if it becomes too dark.

Step 3: Preparing the bacon
In another pan, cut the bacon into long strips and sauté it lightly until crispy. This step will not only add a pleasant texture to the dish but also a savory flavor. Don't forget to drain the excess fat on a paper towel to keep the dish lighter.

Step 4: Preparing the béchamel sauce
Now it's time to prepare the béchamel sauce, which will bind all the ingredients and give them a special creaminess. In a saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Gradually add the flour, stirring continuously to avoid lumps. Let the mixture cook for 1-2 minutes, then gradually add the milk, stirring constantly. Continue to stir for about 5 minutes until the sauce thickens and becomes smooth. Add salt to taste.

Step 5: Assembling the dish
In a clay dish or a Pyrex dish, arrange a layer of fried potatoes, followed by the crispy bacon. Pour the béchamel sauce evenly over the potatoes, making sure to cover them well. The perfect finish is to sprinkle the grated cheese on top, which will provide a golden and delicious crust during baking.

Step 6: Baking
Preheat the oven to 180°C and place the dish on the top rack of the oven, using the grill function, for about 15 minutes. If you don't have a grill function, a traditional oven at 200°C will work wonders. You will know it's ready when the cheese is melted, and the surface becomes golden and crispy.

Serving suggestions
Aunt Carmen's Potatoes are delicious served hot, straight from the oven. You can pair them with a fresh green salad to add a touch of freshness or with garlic mayonnaise for an extra flavor.

Nutritional benefits
This recipe is not only delicious but also nutritious. Potatoes are an excellent source of carbohydrates and fiber, while bacon brings valuable protein. Garlic is known for its antioxidant properties, and the béchamel sauce adds a touch of calcium through cheese.

Frequently asked questions
1. Can I use sweet potatoes instead of regular potatoes?
- Yes, sweet potatoes will add a natural sweetness and a different flavor, but cooking time may vary.

2. How can I make the recipe easier?
- You can use frozen fried potatoes to reduce preparation time. However, the taste will be different!

3. What other spices can I add for extra flavor?
- You can try herbs like rosemary or oregano, which pair perfectly with potatoes.

4. What other recipes can they be combined with?
- These potatoes go wonderfully with grilled chicken or baked fish. Additionally, a tomato salad with onion and olives would perfectly complete the meal.

Possible variations
If you want to add a personal touch to the recipe, try adding chopped black or green olives to the potato mixture. You can also replace the bacon with sautéed mushrooms for a delicious vegetarian option.

With all these details, I hope Aunt Carmen's Potatoes recipe will inspire you to explore and enjoy cooking! Each step will bring you closer to an unforgettable culinary experience. Enjoy your meal!