Dauphine Potatoes Recipe
Dauphine Potatoes, or Pommes Dauphine, are a classic French dish made with a combination of mashed potatoes and choux pastry, resulting in light and airy potato puffs. These delightful treats are perfect as a side dish or appetizer. Here’s how you can make them at home:
Ingredients:
- 1 lb (450g) potatoes, peeled and cut into chunks
- 1/2 cup (120ml) water
- 4 tablespoons (60g) unsalted butter
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- Pinch of nutmeg (optional)
- 1 cup (120g) all-purpose flour
- 4 large eggs
- Vegetable oil, for frying
Instructions:
1. Prepare the Choux Pastry:
- In a medium saucepan, combine water, butter, salt, and pepper. Bring the mixture to a boil over medium heat.
- Add the flour all at once, stirring vigorously with a wooden spoon until the mixture forms a smooth dough and pulls away from the sides of the pan. Cook the dough for 1-2 minutes to remove excess moisture. Remove from heat and let it cool slightly.
2. Prepare the Potatoes:
- While the choux pastry is cooling, boil the potatoes in a separate pot of salted water until tender, about 15-20 minutes. Drain the potatoes and mash them until smooth. Season with salt, pepper, and nutmeg if desired. Let the mashed potatoes cool for a few minutes.
3. Combine Potato and Choux Pastry:
- Preheat the oil in a deep fryer or a heavy-bottomed pot to 350°F (175°C).
- Gradually add the eggs to the choux pastry, beating well after each addition, until the dough is smooth and glossy.
- Gently fold the mashed potatoes into the choux pastry until well combined, creating a light, fluffy mixture.
4. Shape and Fry the Dauphine Potatoes:
- Use two spoons or a small ice cream scoop to drop golf ball-sized portions of the potato-choux pastry mixture into the hot oil, working in batches to avoid overcrowding the pot. Fry the potato puffs until golden brown and crispy, about 3-4 minutes per batch. Use a slotted spoon to remove them from the oil and drain on paper towels.
5. Serve:
- Serve the Dauphine Potatoes immediately while they are hot and crispy. They can be served as a side dish with your favorite sauce (such as aioli or tomato sauce) or enjoyed on their own as a tasty appetizer.
Enjoy your homemade Dauphine Potatoes, and savor the delightful combination of creamy mashed potatoes and airy choux pastry!
