Broth Braised Potatoes

Vincent Van Gogh - Still Life with Potatoes

Potato fields have long been a favorite subject of artists and cooks.  Russian impressionist painters frequently used potato fields in juxtaposition of airplanes, antennas and other modern conveniences as political statement.  French Impressionists, Van Gogh in particular, painted landscapes featuring potato fields in an attempt to capture the beauty of everyday life.  The lowly root vegetable has played an important part not only in art history but also culinary history.  The culinary world has baked, mashed, fried, sautéed, scalloped, gratin, braised, boiled and roasted potatoes in numerous ways and combinations.

William Merritt Chase Potato Patch

Jules Bastien-LePage - Potato Gatherer

Vincent Van Gogh - Potato Eaters

Dorie Greenspan’s Broth Braised Potatoes are deserving of a place of honor at the dinner table the next time you are including potatoes in your meal.  The method is simple, and the result is pleasantly surprising.  The texture of the potato ends up fork tender and does not dissolve upon touch from the braising.  The infusion of fresh herbs (rosemary, bay leave and thyme), and chicken broth into the potatoes creates a lovely flavor.  Not too strong or overpowering, but subtle with each bite.

So few ingredients for such a flavorful dish

I added a few more herbs in since I had them on hand

And the braising begins

Voila - fork tender potatoes

Broth Braised Potatoes were a perfect side to the filet roast

The Broth-Braised Potatoes have made two appearances at our table since trying this.  We also recently tried the Spice-Glazed Carrots which are made with the same method, with an addition of butter and cardamom.  Simply put, both are delicious and simple to make during a hectic work week.

Fresh garlic, and colorful carrots with cardamom

I loved the colors of these carrots - shades of watermelon, cantaloupe and pineapple 

The carrots still maintained their integrity, and had a nice hint of spice to them

This was an exciting culinary week for me - so many firsts!  I wanted to thank Mary Lights on Bright No Brakes for including me in her post last week.  (Mary has a great sense of humor, and I always enjoy her posts.)   The French Friday's with Dorie is an exceptional group of culinary enthusiasts that inspire us all.
 I want to thank Guyla at Lola's Kitchen (great blog and beautiful photography, I'm always hungry and after reading) for the Liebster Award - its my first blog award.  The cherry on the top was being selected as one of the January 24X24 participants - 24 meals in 24 hours.  If you are interested in my menu and party, check back on Monday as it will be posted no later than 11:59 PM Sunday, January 29th.

I'd like to pass the Liebster Blog award onto Yummy Chunklet, she has been a great member of FFWD, and her posts outside of this group are always entertaining; Patty's Food her posts and photography have caused drooling in our house, and Cher at The Crazy World of Cher she entertains us all with her dabblings and is a chef who loves a challenge, not to mention she comments on every single FFWD post every week, which is pretty amazing.  There are so many more great blogs to list as everyone in the group is multi-faceted, entertaining and great sources of inspiration.

To read more about Broth Braised Potatoes from the French Friday’s with Dorie group, or to join:

www.frenchfridayswithdorie.com