Warm potatoes with béchamel sauce

Warm Potatoes with Bechamel Sauce

Welcome to my kitchen! Today I invite you to discover a delicious and comforting recipe, perfect for a family meal or a dinner with friends: warm potatoes with bechamel sauce. This recipe is a perfect combination of the creamy taste of the sauce and the aroma of the potatoes, and a simple trick can transform an ordinary ingredient into a sophisticated dish. So, gather your ingredients and let's get to work!

Preparation time: 15 minutes
Cooking time: 30 minutes
Total time: 45 minutes
Servings: 4

Necessary ingredients

- 500 grams of potatoes (preferably red, but you can use others)
- 150 grams of diced kaiser (or another type of smoked sausage)
- 1 onion (or 2 green onions)
- 1 red pepper pickled in vinegar, diced
- Bechamel sauce (I will explain how to prepare it)
- Salt
- Pepper
- Herbs (dill, parsley, or thyme, to taste)

Recipe history

Potatoes with bechamel sauce are a dish that comes from the culinary traditions of many cultures, based on potatoes, a versatile ingredient appreciated worldwide. Bechamel sauce, also known as "white sauce," is one of the most popular basic sauces, used in dishes like lasagna or vegetable gratin. This combination of potatoes and bechamel sauce has been reinterpreted in numerous variants, each with its own touch of originality.

Preparing the bechamel sauce

Before we deal with the potatoes, let's make sure the bechamel sauce is ready. It will add a creamy texture and rich flavor to our dish. Here’s how to prepare it:

1. In a pot, melt 50 grams of butter over medium heat.
2. Once the butter has melted, add 50 grams of flour and quickly whisk to avoid lumps. Continue whisking for about 2 minutes, until the mixture turns golden.
3. Gradually add 500 ml of warm milk, stirring constantly to obtain a smooth composition.
4. Let the sauce simmer gently, stirring frequently, for 5-7 minutes, until it thickens and becomes creamy.
5. Finally, add salt and pepper to taste. You can also add a pinch of nutmeg for extra flavor.

Cooking the potatoes

Now that we have the bechamel sauce, let's focus on the potatoes.

1. Boil the potatoes with their skins in a large pot of salted water. Choose uniformly sized potatoes to ensure even cooking. Boil them for about 20-25 minutes or until they are tender but not completely soft.
2. After boiling, drain them and let them cool slightly. Then, peel and cut them into cubes of about 2 cm.

Assembling the salad

1. In a Tefal frying pan, sauté the diced kaiser over medium heat without adding oil. The fat from the sausage will be enough to cook them. Sauté for 5 minutes until they are golden and crispy.
2. Add the finely chopped onion (or green onion) and cook for another minute to soften slightly.
3. In a large bowl, combine the boiled potatoes, sautéed kaiser, onion, and diced pickled red pepper. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
4. Add the bechamel sauce and carefully mix with a wooden spatula to avoid crushing the potatoes. Ensure all ingredients are well incorporated.

Serving

To serve, I recommend sprinkling fresh herbs over the dish. They will add not only a pleasant appearance but also a fresh taste. You can accompany this warm salad with a mixed vegetable salad or even with a side of grilled vegetables.

Possible variations

- Instead of kaiser, you can use pancetta or smoked ham for a different taste.
- If you want a vegetarian version, you can omit the meat and add sautéed mushrooms.
- Use sweet potatoes for a healthier version with a slightly sweet flavor.

Frequently asked questions

1. Can I use potatoes other than red ones?
Yes, you can use any type of potatoes, but red potatoes are creamier and maintain a good texture.

2. How can I store leftovers?
Leftovers can be stored in the refrigerator in an airtight container for 2-3 days. Reheat in the oven or microwave.

3. Can they be frozen?
It is recommended not to freeze the bechamel sauce, but the potatoes with kaiser can be frozen. Make sure they are well cooled before freezing.

Nutritional benefits

This recipe for warm potatoes with bechamel sauce is not only tasty but also nutritious. Potatoes are an excellent source of healthy carbohydrates, fiber, and vitamins, while the bechamel sauce provides protein from milk and healthy fats from butter. The kaiser adds extra protein, but you can adjust the quantities according to your dietary preferences.

In the end, I hope this recipe for warm potatoes with bechamel sauce brings you joy in the kitchen and at the table. I encourage you to try the variations and put your personal touch on the dish. Bon appétit!