Pan Fried Potatoes

Fried Potatoes Recipe

If you're looking for a simple and delicious recipe to turn potatoes into a dish worthy of being savored, you've come to the right place! These pan-fried potatoes are crispy, flavorful, and pair perfectly with various main courses. Plus, they make an excellent accompaniment for a family meal or even a dinner with friends. In this guide, I will provide you with the necessary steps to achieve perfect fried potatoes, sharing some tricks and variations to delight your taste buds.

Preparation Time: 15 minutes
Cooking Time: 20 minutes
Total Time: 35 minutes
Servings: 4

Ingredients:
- 500g new potatoes (preferably red, but you can use others)
- Salt, to taste
- Pepper, to taste
- 1 teaspoon sweet paprika
- 1-2 sprigs of fresh rosemary (or 1 teaspoon dried)
- Oil, for frying

Preparing Fried Potatoes:

1. Preparing and Boiling the Potatoes:
Start by washing the potatoes well under cold running water. It's important to remove any impurities, especially if you choose thin-skinned potatoes. Then, place them in a large pot, cover them with water, and add a tablespoon of salt. Boil for 10-15 minutes until they are slightly soft but not fully cooked. This step will help the potatoes cook evenly and remain slightly firm inside.

2. Seasoning:
After boiling, drain the potatoes and let them cool slightly. Peel them (if you prefer) and cut them in halves or cubes, depending on your preferences. Season with salt, pepper, and rosemary. Personally, I recommend adding paprika at this point, before frying, to avoid bitterness that can come from direct frying. The paprika will add vibrant color and a smoky flavor that will completely transform the dish.

3. Frying the Potatoes:
Heat a large skillet over medium heat and add enough oil to cover the bottom of the pan. Once the oil is hot (you can check this with a small drop of water that should sizzle), add the potatoes. Make sure not to overcrowd them in the pan so they fry evenly. Fry for about 10-15 minutes, turning occasionally, to achieve a golden and crispy crust on all sides.

4. Finishing the Dish:
When the potatoes are nicely browned, add a final sprinkle of paprika, gently mixing to coat them. This last step will give them an extra aroma and an appetizing appearance.

5. Serving:
Serve the potatoes immediately while they are warm and crispy, alongside a breaded chicken schnitzel and a fresh seasonal salad with tomatoes, cucumbers, and onions. This combination will turn the meal into a true feast of flavors!

Practical Tips:
- Choosing the Potatoes: New potatoes are ideal for this recipe due to their delicate texture. Red or yellow potatoes are perfect, but you can experiment with other types as well.
- Oil for Frying: Use an oil with a high smoke point, such as sunflower or peanut oil, to avoid burning.
- Variations: You can also add other spices, such as garlic powder or herbs de Provence, to customize the recipe to your taste.
- Reheating: If there are leftover fried potatoes, you can reheat them in the oven to bring back their original crispiness.

Nutritional Information:
This fried potato recipe, per serving, contains approximately 250 calories, depending on the amount of oil used. Potatoes are a good source of carbohydrates, vitamins (especially vitamin C), and minerals, being a staple food in many diets around the world.

Frequently Asked Questions:
- Can I use frozen potatoes? Yes, but it is recommended to thaw and dry them well before frying to avoid excess moisture.
- How can I make the potatoes crispier? Make sure the oil is hot enough and do not overcrowd the potatoes in the pan. Fry in small batches if necessary.

Now that you have all the ingredients and steps at hand, all that's left is to start cooking! These pan-fried potatoes are versatile and can be adapted to any meal. Enjoy your meal!