Duchess Potatoes

Duchess Potatoes Recipe - A Creamy Delight

Preparation time: 15 minutes
Baking time: 30 minutes
Total time: 45 minutes
Number of servings: 4

The history of Duchess Potatoes dates back to the 18th century, being an elegant dish often served in fine restaurants or on special occasions. These potatoes have a fine texture and a delicious taste, making them perfect as a side dish or as a sophisticated appetizer. Get ready to enjoy an unforgettable culinary experience!

Ingredients:
- 300 g potatoes (choose starchy varieties for a creamy texture)
- 2 tablespoons sour cream (opt for full-fat sour cream for a richer taste)
- 2 eggs (make sure they are fresh)
- salt (to taste)
- nutmeg (a pinch, for a subtle aromatic accent)
- 4 tablespoons grated parmesan (you can also use another type of hard cheese)
- sesame seeds (for a crunchy topping)
- olive oil (to add a dash of flavor)

Step by Step:

1. Preparing the potatoes:
- Start by peeling the potatoes, cutting them into even pieces to cook uniformly. Then, place them in a pot with cold water and add salt. Boil until they become soft, about 15-20 minutes. You can check if they are done by inserting a fork, which should easily go into the potatoes.

2. Mash the potatoes:
- After the potatoes are boiled, drain them well and mash them with a potato masher or a mixer. This is a crucial moment: make sure there are no lumps left for a creamy texture.

3. Adding the ingredients:
- In the mashed potato mixture, add the beaten eggs, sour cream, salt, nutmeg, and grated parmesan. Mix well until you achieve a homogeneous and creamy mixture. Don't hesitate to taste, so you can adjust the flavors to your liking.

4. Forming the mounds:
- Use a piping bag to form small mounds on a baking tray lined with parchment paper. If you don't have a piping bag, you can use a spatula to shape the potatoes.

5. Baking:
- Preheat the oven to 180 degrees Celsius. Bake the potato mounds for 30 minutes. After 20 minutes, take the tray out of the oven, lightly drizzle the potatoes with olive oil, and sprinkle sesame seeds on top. This will add a crunchy contrast and a special appearance.

6. Finishing:
- Return the tray to the oven for the last 10 minutes of baking, or until the potatoes become golden and browned. You will know they are ready when your kitchen fills with a delicious aroma!

Serving:
After removing the Duchess potatoes from the oven, let them cool slightly before serving. They are delicious as a side dish for roast chicken, fish, or pork. You can also enjoy them as an appetizer alongside a fresh salad or even with a flavored yogurt sauce.

Practical Tips:
- Make sure the potatoes are well cooked; otherwise, the mixture will be too wet.
- You can experiment with spices: add a bit of garlic powder or herbs for extra flavor.
- If you want to give them a more elegant look, use the tip of a knife to create a spiral shape on each mound before baking.

Frequently Asked Questions:
- Can I use sweet potatoes instead of regular potatoes? Yes, but the texture and taste will be different, so adjust the amount of sour cream and eggs accordingly.
- How can I store leftovers? Duchess potatoes can be stored in the refrigerator in an airtight container for 2-3 days. You can reheat them in the oven to regain their crunchy texture.

Nutritional Information (per serving, approximately):
- Calories: 250 kcal
- Fat: 15 g
- Carbohydrates: 20 g
- Protein: 7 g

This Duchess potatoes recipe is definitely a great way to impress guests or treat yourself on special days. I encourage you to try this recipe and enjoy every bite! Bon appétit!