Spice of the Month Recipe: Simmered Potatoes & Spanish Onions

photo courtesy of Spice Trekkers

From our friends at Épices de Cru!
The secret to the success of this recipe is to sofreir, a Spanish technique which involves cooking over low heat, frying slowly without browning. Letting the potatoes steep in salt and spices before cooking releases water, allowing them to steam slowly in their own juices.


INGREDIENTS

  • 2 lb medium Russet potatoes
  • ½ Tbsp salt
  • 2 tsp East Coast blend or Andalusian spices, ground
  • 5 Tbsp olive oil
  • 2 large Spanish onions
  • 6 garlic cloves, chopped
  • 1 tsp thyme or oregano
  • parsley or cilantro, for garnish

METHOD

  • Peel and cut potatoes into 6 wedges. Place in a bowl; mix with salt and spices. Set aside.
  • Heat a heavy pan on medium heat. Pour in oil, add onions and cook slowly, stirring occasionally. Adjust heat as needed, stir-frying slowly without coloring the onions.
  • When onions become translucent (10-15 minutes), add potatoes, garlic and thyme. Mix well and cover.
  • Lower the heat once steam escapes from the cover. Carefully stir occasionally to prevent the potatoes from sticking. Cook until the potatoes begin to fall apart (25-30 minutes).
  • Garnish with fresh herbs and serve.