Delia Smith’s Boulangere Potatoes Recipe

Delia Smith’s Boulangère Potatoes is a delicious, comforting dish of thinly sliced potatoes baked in a rich, savory broth, traditionally made with stock, garlic, and herbs. The dish hails from French cuisine, where "boulangère" refers to a traditional method of preparing potatoes, often associated with the practice of French bakers selling warm, cooked potatoes to customers along with their bread. Delia Smith, a beloved British chef, has reimagined this rustic dish in a way that has become a staple in British kitchens.

What makes this dish unique is the combination of delicate potatoes cooked slowly, absorbing the savory flavors of the broth, while the top layer crisps up to golden perfection. It is a wonderful side dish to accompany a variety of main courses, such as roasted meats, poultry, or even as a vegetarian option served with a crisp salad.

Delia Smith’s Boulangere Potatoes Recipe

Ingredients Needed

To make Delia Smith’s Boulangère Potatoes, the ingredients are simple yet full of flavor. Here’s a list of what you’ll need:

• 2 pounds (900 grams) of potatoes – Preferably waxy potatoes such as Maris Piper or Charlotte for their ability to hold their shape and absorb the stock without becoming mushy.
• 1 large onion – Thinly sliced to add sweetness and depth to the dish.
• 1 pint (570 ml) of vegetable or chicken stock – The stock is the key liquid that brings richness and flavor to the dish.
• 2 cloves of garlic – Minced or crushed for a fragrant, aromatic depth of flavor.
• A few sprigs of fresh thyme – This herb adds an earthy, fragrant note that complements the potatoes beautifully.
• Salt and pepper – To season and enhance the natural flavors of the potatoes.
• Butter – A small amount of butter is used to grease the baking dish and add richness to the dish.

Equipment Needed

This dish doesn’t require complex kitchen tools, making it accessible to home cooks of all skill levels. Here’s what you’ll need:

• Ovenproof baking dish – A medium-sized dish (approximately 8×8 inches or 20×20 cm) is ideal for this recipe.
• Sharp knife or mandoline – To slice the potatoes and onion thinly.
• Grater or garlic press – To crush the garlic for easier incorporation into the broth.
• Measuring jug – For measuring out the stock.
• Spoon – For mixing and layering the ingredients.
• Aluminum foil – Used to cover the dish during baking to retain moisture and prevent the top from browning too quickly.

Step-by-Step Guide To Make Delia Smith’s Boulangère Potatoes

Making Delia Smith’s Boulangère Potatoes is straightforward, but the slow cooking process ensures that each layer of potato is perfectly infused with flavor. Here’s a detailed, step-by-step guide to achieving this dish:

1. Preheat the oven:
   Begin by preheating your oven to 180°C (350°F), ensuring that it is ready to bake the potatoes once they are prepared.

2. Prepare the potatoes:
   Peel the potatoes and slice them very thinly using a sharp knife or mandoline. The thinness of the slices ensures that they cook evenly and absorb the flavors of the stock.

3. Prepare the onions:
   Slice the onion thinly. This will soften and sweeten as it cooks, creating a harmonious balance with the potatoes.

4. Layer the ingredients:
   Grease your baking dish with a small knob of butter. Start by layering a portion of the sliced potatoes, followed by a layer of onions. Sprinkle with a pinch of salt, pepper, and a few leaves of thyme. Continue layering the potatoes and onions in this manner, seasoning between layers.

5. Prepare the stock:
   In a saucepan, warm your stock over low heat. Add the minced garlic and a few sprigs of thyme to the stock, stirring to combine the flavors. Once the stock is warm, pour it over the layered potatoes and onions, ensuring they are fully submerged.

6. Bake the potatoes:
   Cover the dish with aluminum foil and place it in the preheated oven. Bake for around 45 minutes to 1 hour, until the potatoes are tender and the stock has mostly been absorbed.

7. Crisp the top:
   After the potatoes have cooked, remove the foil and return the dish to the oven for an additional 15-20 minutes, or until the top is golden and crispy.

8. Serve:
   Once done, remove from the oven and let the dish rest for a few minutes. Serve as a side dish to complement your main meal.

Mastering The Recipe: Tips And Tricks

To ensure that your Boulangère Potatoes turn out perfectly every time, here are some helpful tips and tricks:

1. Use waxy potatoes: Waxy potatoes like Maris Piper or Charlotte hold their shape better during cooking, making them perfect for this dish. They will absorb the flavors of the stock without disintegrating.
2. Don’t skip the foil: Covering the dish with foil during the initial stage of baking helps trap moisture and steam the potatoes, allowing them to cook thoroughly. Remove the foil towards the end to achieve that desirable crispy top.
3. Layer the ingredients evenly: To ensure even cooking and flavor distribution, try to make sure each layer of potatoes and onions is spread out evenly. This ensures that each bite has the perfect balance of textures.
4. Experiment with stock: While the traditional recipe calls for vegetable or chicken stock, feel free to use a combination of both, or even add a splash of white wine to give the dish an additional depth of flavor.
5. Let it rest: After baking, let the dish rest for a few minutes. This allows the flavors to settle and makes it easier to slice and serve.
6. Add extra herbs: If you prefer a more herbaceous flavor, try adding rosemary, bay leaves, or sage to the dish. Just be sure to remove the sprigs before serving.

Delia Smith’s Boulangère Potatoes is a simple yet flavorful dish that will elevate any meal. Its layers of tender potatoes and onions cooked in a fragrant, savory broth create the perfect side dish for a variety of main courses.

With a few basic ingredients and a simple step-by-step process, you can master this classic French-inspired dish. Whether you’re serving it at a family dinner or a special occasion, Boulangère Potatoes are sure to impress with their comforting flavors and beautiful presentation.

Simple Twists On Delia Smith’s Boulangere Potatoes Recipe

Delia Smith’s Boulangere potatoes recipe is a classic, providing a rich, hearty side dish that pairs wonderfully with roasted meats. However, if you’re looking to elevate or change things up a bit, there are several delicious twists you can make while still staying true to the essence of this classic recipe. Here are a few ideas to add depth and variety to your Boulangere potatoes:

1. Herbs & Garlic Infusion

While the original recipe calls for onions and garlic, you can amp up the flavor by incorporating herbs. Fresh thyme, rosemary, and bay leaves pair beautifully with potatoes, adding aromatic richness.

Simply infuse the butter or oil with these herbs before adding them to the potatoes, or sprinkle them over the layers before baking. This will impart a rustic, earthy flavor to each bite.

2. Cheese Twist

Boulangere potatoes are delicious on their own, but for a cheesy version, consider adding a layer of grated cheese like Gruyère, cheddar, or even a bit of parmesan. Place a sprinkle of cheese between some of the layers or on top to create a golden, crispy crust. It’s an indulgent touch that will satisfy cheese lovers.

3. Bacon Or Pancetta

For a savory, smoky depth, add some cooked bacon or pancetta bits in between the layers of potatoes. The saltiness of the bacon pairs perfectly with the creamy texture of the potatoes and the sweetness of the onions, making for a fuller, more complex flavor. You can also try substituting some of the butter with bacon fat for a smokier, richer base.

4. Creamy Version

Delia’s recipe is traditionally made with a stock-based sauce, but for a creamier variant, replace some or all of the stock with double cream. This will create a luscious, velvety texture that makes each bite irresistible. For a lighter version, you can use half-and-half or milk to reduce the richness, though it will still add a creamy undertone.

5. Root Vegetable Medley

Boulangere potatoes are versatile and can be easily turned into a vegetable medley. Consider mixing the potatoes with other root vegetables like parsnips, sweet potatoes, or carrots.

Slice them thinly to keep the cooking time consistent, and layer them just as you would with potatoes. This variation adds color and sweetness to the dish, and the different textures will keep each bite exciting.

6. Vegan Option

For a plant-based take, swap the butter for olive oil, and use vegetable stock instead of chicken stock. You can also add a dash of nutritional yeast for a cheesy flavor without the dairy. Instead of the traditional creaminess, the olive oil will lend a lighter, more herbaceous richness to the dish, still delivering on that comforting, savory experience.

These simple twists are a great way to tailor the classic Boulangere potatoes to your taste preferences, making it a more versatile dish to complement various meals.

How To Properly Store Leftovers

After a hearty dinner with Delia Smith’s Boulangere potatoes, you may have some leftovers to store for future enjoyment. Storing leftovers properly is key to maintaining the flavors and texture of the dish, as well as ensuring it stays safe to eat. Here’s how to store your Boulangere potatoes:

1. Cool Down Properly

Before storing your leftover Boulangere potatoes, it’s important to allow them to cool to room temperature. Never leave them out for more than two hours, as this can lead to bacterial growth. Spread the potatoes out on a large plate to speed up the cooling process, or leave the dish uncovered for about 30 minutes to an hour.

2. Airtight Container

Once cooled, transfer the potatoes to an airtight container. If you’re using a shallow dish, it’s helpful to cover the potatoes with plastic wrap or a tight-fitting lid to prevent air exposure, which can lead to drying out. An airtight container helps maintain moisture and prevent them from absorbing any odors from other food in the fridge.

3. Refrigeration

Store your leftover Boulangere potatoes in the refrigerator if you plan to eat them within 3 to 4 days. Keep them at a temperature of 40°F (4°C) or below. For optimal results, try to consume the leftovers within this time frame to enjoy the dish at its best.

4. Freezing Leftovers

If you want to keep your leftovers for longer, freezing is a good option. Boulangere potatoes freeze well when stored in a freezer-safe container.

Make sure to portion them into smaller servings so you can defrost only what you need. They should maintain their quality for about 2 to 3 months in the freezer. When you’re ready to eat, simply thaw them in the fridge overnight and reheat in the oven for that fresh, baked texture.

5. Reheating

To reheat your Boulangere potatoes, the best method is to use the oven to preserve their crispy edges and creamy layers. Preheat your oven to around 350°F (175°C), cover the potatoes loosely with foil to prevent them from drying out, and heat them for about 15-20 minutes, or until heated through. If you want extra crispiness, uncover the foil during the last few minutes of baking.

If you’re short on time, you can also reheat the potatoes in the microwave, though this will likely soften the texture a bit. Place the potatoes in a microwave-safe dish and cover with a damp paper towel to help maintain moisture. Heat on high in 1-minute intervals until hot.

What To Eat With Delia Smith’s Boulangere Potatoes?

Delia Smith’s Boulangere potatoes are rich and flavorful, making them the perfect side dish to complement a variety of main courses. Here are some ideas for dishes that pair beautifully with Boulangere potatoes:

1. Roast Meats

Boulangere potatoes were made to be paired with roast meats like beef, lamb, or chicken. The creamy, garlicky potatoes soak up the savory flavors from the meat, creating the perfect balance. Try them alongside a roast chicken seasoned with lemon, thyme, and garlic, or with a succulent lamb shoulder that has been slow-roasted with rosemary and garlic.

2. Grilled Or Pan-Seared Fish

For a lighter pairing, Boulangere potatoes work wonderfully with grilled or pan-seared fish like salmon, cod, or trout. The delicate texture of the fish contrasts nicely with the hearty, earthy potatoes. Serve with a side of sautéed greens such as spinach or green beans to add a fresh, crisp element.

3. Vegetarian Dishes

Boulangere potatoes also make a satisfying side for vegetarian or plant-based dishes. Pair them with a hearty vegetable stew, such as a roasted butternut squash and lentil stew, or a vegetable Wellington filled with mushrooms, spinach, and cheese. The richness of the potatoes will balance the lighter, fresh flavors of the vegetables.

4. Steaks

A perfectly grilled steak or a juicy sirloin steak is another excellent companion for Boulangere potatoes. The potatoes’ creamy, savory notes complement the beef’s meaty richness. Add a peppercorn sauce or a drizzle of red wine reduction for an extra layer of flavor.

5. Salads

For a lighter meal or lunch, serve Boulangere potatoes with a simple, fresh salad, like a tangy cucumber and dill salad or a rocket and pear salad. The acidity from the salad will help cut through the richness of the potatoes, providing a balanced meal.

Conclusion

Delia Smith’s Boulangere potatoes offer a comforting, flavorful side dish that can be easily adapted to suit different tastes and dietary preferences. Whether you choose to add herbs, cheese, or even bacon, there are endless variations to try.

Properly storing leftovers ensures that you can enjoy them for days to come, and pairing them with the right main course will elevate any meal. From roast meats to fresh salads, Boulangere potatoes are a versatile and delicious addition to your culinary repertoire.

FAQs

What Makes Delia Smith’s Boulangère Potatoes Recipe Different From Other Potato Dishes?

Delia Smith’s Boulangère Potatoes recipe stands out because of its delicate combination of thinly sliced potatoes, onions, and garlic, all cooked in a rich and flavorful stock. The dish is traditionally baked until golden and tender, creating a comforting, savory flavor that’s enhanced by the slow-cooking process. Unlike simple mashed or roasted potatoes, the layering technique and the inclusion of stock infuse the potatoes with more depth of flavor, making it a sophisticated side dish.

Can I Make Delia Smith’s Boulangère Potatoes Ahead Of Time?

Yes, Delia Smith’s Boulangère Potatoes can be made ahead of time. You can assemble the dish and store it in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours before baking.

Simply cover it with foil to keep the potatoes from drying out. When you’re ready to serve, bake it according to the recipe instructions. If baking from the fridge, you might need to add a little extra time in the oven to ensure the potatoes are thoroughly cooked.

What Type Of Potatoes Work Best For Delia Smith’s Boulangère Potatoes Recipe?

For Delia Smith’s Boulangère Potatoes, it’s best to use starchy or waxy potatoes that hold their shape well during cooking. Varieties like Maris Piper, Yukon Gold, or Charlotte potatoes are ideal because they slice evenly and retain a creamy texture while absorbing the flavors of the stock and seasonings. Avoid overly floury potatoes, as they can become mushy and break apart too easily during baking.