How To Make Smothered Potatoes In A Skillet

If you’re looking for a delicious and comforting side dish to serve with your favorite main course, look no further than smothered potatoes. This classic recipe combines tender and crispy potatoes with a savory and flavorful gravy, creating a dish that will satisfy any appetite.

Smothered potatoes are easy to make and require just a few simple ingredients. All you need are some potatoes, onions, garlic, butter, flour, chicken or vegetable broth, and a few spices. You can also add in some bacon or sausage for an extra burst of flavor.

To start, you’ll want to peel and dice your potatoes into bite-sized pieces. Then, heat up some butter in a skillet and add in your potatoes, onions, and garlic. Cook them until they’re golden brown and crispy on the outside, but still tender on the inside. This will give your smothered potatoes a nice texture and flavor.

Next, you’ll want to make your gravy. In the same skillet, melt some butter and whisk in some flour to create a roux. Slowly pour in your broth while continuously whisking, until the gravy has thickened to your desired consistency. Add in your spices, like salt, pepper, and thyme, and let the flavors meld together.

Finally, pour the gravy over your cooked potatoes and stir everything together. Let it cook for a few more minutes, until the potatoes are fully coated and heated through. Serve your smothered potatoes as a side dish with your favorite main course, and enjoy the delicious flavors and textures in every bite.

Smothered Potatoes In A Skillet: A Delicious Recipe

Are you looking for a mouthwatering dish that is both comforting and flavourful? Look no further! This recipe for smothered potatoes in a skillet is sure to satisfy your cravings. Whether you’re cooking for yourself or sharing with loved ones, this dish is perfect for any occasion.

Ingredients:

To make smothered potatoes in a skillet, you will need the following ingredients:

2 pounds of potatoes, peeled and sliced
1 large onion, thinly sliced
3 cloves of garlic, minced
4 tablespoons of butter
1 cup of chicken or vegetable broth
1 teaspoon of paprika
1/2 teaspoon of dried thyme
Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

In a large skillet, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the sliced onion and minced garlic, cooking until the onion becomes translucent and fragrant.
Add the sliced potatoes to the skillet, coating them in the buttery mixture. Cook for approximately 5 minutes, stirring occasionally to ensure even cooking.
Pour the chicken or vegetable broth into the skillet, followed by the paprika and dried thyme. Stir well to combine the ingredients.
Cover the skillet with a lid and reduce the heat to low. Allow the potatoes to simmer for 20-25 minutes, or until tender. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking.
Once the potatoes are cooked through, remove the lid and increase the heat to medium-high. Cook for an additional 5 minutes, or until the potatoes develop a golden crust.
Season with salt and pepper to taste, and serve hot.

Select The Right Potatoes

Choosing the right type of potatoes is crucial for making delicious and smothered potatoes in a skillet. While you might think all potatoes are the same, different varieties have distinct textures and flavors that can greatly impact the final dish.

For smothered potatoes, it’s best to go with a starchy variety like russet or Yukon gold potatoes. These potatoes have a high starch content, which gives them a fluffy, creamy texture when cooked. They also absorb flavors well, making them perfect for smothering in a savory sauce.

Avoid using waxy potatoes like red or fingerling potatoes for smothered potatoes. These types of potatoes have a lower starch content and a firmer texture, which is better suited for roasting or boiling. They don’t absorb sauces as well as starchy potatoes, resulting in a less flavorful dish.

Additionally, make sure to choose potatoes that are firm and free of blemishes. Soft or sprouted potatoes won’t hold their shape well when cooked and can affect the overall texture of the dish. Look for potatoes that are smooth, without any green spots or signs of decay.

By selecting the right potatoes, you’ll ensure that your smothered potatoes turn out rich, creamy, and full of flavor. So next time you’re at the grocery store, keep these tips in mind to make the best choice for your skillet cooking!

Prepare The Potatoes

Before starting to cook smothered potatoes in a skillet, it is important to properly prepare the potatoes. Here are the steps to follow:

1. Peel and Dice the Potatoes

Start by peeling the potatoes with a vegetable peeler. Once peeled, rinse them under cold water to remove any dirt. Then, using a sharp knife, carefully dice the potatoes into small cubes of approximately 1/4 inch in size.

2. Soak the Potatoes

After dicing the potatoes, place them in a bowl and cover them with cold water. Let them soak for about 10 minutes. This will help remove excess starch from the potatoes and prevent them from sticking together while cooking.

Once the potatoes have soaked, drain them and rinse them one more time under cold water to remove any remaining starch.

Now that the potatoes are peeled, diced, and soaked, they are ready to be cooked in the skillet along with the other ingredients to make delicious smothered potatoes.

Choose The Best Skillet

When it comes to making smothered potatoes, choosing the right skillet is crucial for achieving delicious results. Here are some factors to consider when selecting a skillet:

Material

The material of the skillet impacts its heat distribution and cooking performance. Cast iron skillets are an excellent choice for smothered potatoes because they distribute heat evenly and retain it well. They also develop a non-stick surface over time, making them perfect for browning the potatoes without sticking.

Size

Consider the size of the skillet based on the amount of potatoes you want to cook. A larger skillet allows for more potatoes, but make sure it’s not too big that it becomes difficult to control the heat and stirring.

Handles

Look for skillets with sturdy and heat-resistant handles. This will make it easier to maneuver the skillet and transfer it from the stovetop to the oven if needed.

After considering these factors, you can go ahead and choose the best skillet for making smothered potatoes in a skillet. It’s important to invest in a high-quality skillet that will last for years and provide excellent cooking results.

Cook The Potatoes

Once you have gathered all your ingredients and prepared the potatoes, it’s time to start cooking. Follow these simple steps to cook the potatoes to perfection:

1. Peel and dice the potatoes

Begin by peeling the potatoes using a vegetable peeler. Once peeled, cut the potatoes into evenly sized cubes or slices. This will ensure that they cook evenly and at the same rate.

2. Parboil the potatoes

Bring a large pot of water to a boil. Carefully place the diced or sliced potatoes into the boiling water. Let them cook for about 5-7 minutes, or until they are slightly tender but still holding their shape. Drain the potatoes and set them aside.

3. Sauté the potatoes in a skillet

Heat a skillet over medium heat and add a tablespoon or two of oil or butter. Once the oil or butter is hot, add the drained potatoes to the skillet. Spread them out in a single layer to ensure they cook evenly.

Cook the potatoes for about 8-10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until they are golden brown and crispy on the outside. You can add salt, black pepper, garlic powder, or any other desired seasonings during this step to enhance the flavor of the potatoes.

Once the potatoes are cooked to your desired crispness, remove them from the heat and serve immediately. They are now ready to be smothered with your favorite toppings and enjoyed as a delicious side dish or main course.

Add Smothering Ingredients

Once your potatoes are sautéed and browned, it’s time to add the smothering ingredients that will give them that rich, flavorful coating. Start by pouring in 1 cup of beef broth or chicken broth, depending on your preference. The broth will help to tenderize the potatoes and add a depth of flavor.

Next, add 1/2 cup of heavy cream to give the smothered potatoes a creamy texture and rich taste. Stir in 1 teaspoon of garlic powder for a savory kick and 1/2 teaspoon of paprika for a hint of smokiness. Add salt and black pepper to taste, keeping in mind that the broth and cream already contain some salt.

For added flavor, you can also throw in some chopped fresh herbs such as parsley or chives. The herbs will elevate the dish and add a pop of freshness to the smothered potatoes.

Once all of the ingredients are added, gently stir everything together, making sure that the potatoes are fully coated in the smothering mixture. Allow the potatoes to simmer in the skillet for about 5-7 minutes, or until the sauce has thickened and the potatoes are fully cooked and tender.

Note: If you prefer a thinner sauce, you can add more broth or cream. If you like a thicker sauce, you can let it simmer for a few more minutes until it reaches your desired consistency. Remember to taste and adjust the seasonings as needed before serving.

Serve And Enjoy!

Once the potatoes are fully cooked and tender, remove the skillet from the heat and let them cool slightly. Transfer the smothered potatoes to a serving dish or individual plates for serving.

Garnish the dish with freshly chopped parsley or green onions for added flavor and visual appeal. Sprinkle some freshly ground black pepper on top for an extra kick.

Smothered potatoes make a delicious and satisfying side dish for a variety of meals. Serve them alongside grilled meats, roasted chicken, or as a vegetarian option with a side of steamed vegetables.

These potatoes are also versatile enough to be served as a main dish. Add some cooked bacon or sausage to the skillet before smothering the potatoes for a heartier meal.

Whether you’re serving them as a side or a main, these smothered potatoes are sure to be a hit at your next meal. The creamy sauce, tender potatoes, and savory seasonings combine for a mouthwatering dish that everyone will love.

So go ahead and dig in! Take a bite of these delicious smothered potatoes and savor the flavors. You won’t be able to resist going back for seconds!

FAQ

What is smothered potatoes?

Smothered potatoes are a delicious dish made by cooking sliced potatoes in a skillet with onions, garlic, and seasonings until they are soft and tender. They are typically served as a side dish and can be enjoyed with a variety of mains.

What kind of potatoes are best for making smothered potatoes?

For making smothered potatoes, it is best to use starchy potatoes such as russet or Yukon gold. These varieties of potatoes have a higher starch content, which results in a creamier texture when cooked.