Pommes De Terre Macaire
Pommes de Terre Macaire is a classic French dish that is essentially a crispy potato cake prepared in a skillet or baking dish. Think of it as sort of a big hashbrown cake.
About Pommes de Terre Macaire
The origins of Pommes de Terre Macaire can be traced to the 1800s. It was initially created as a way to utilize leftover baked potatoes. Chefs would hollow out the insides of baked potatoes, mix the flesh with butter and seasonings, and then return the mixture to a skillet for a second baking. Sometimes the skin of the potatoes would be used and then the dish would essentially be what we now think of as twice baked potatoes.
Over time, the recipe evolved, with chefs adding their own touches, such as cheese or herbs, to enhance the flavor.
How to Serve Pommes de Terre Macaire
Traditionally, Pommes de Terre Macaire is served as a side dish. The ideal serving method is to present it warm, ensuring that the outer crust is crispy while the inside remains soft and creamy. The dish is typically shaped into a round or oval form, either by hand or using a skillet or baking dish as mold, to provide a uniform and appealing presentation.
In terms of portion size, it is usually served in moderate amounts, complementing the main course without overpowering it. This dish is versatile and can be easily adjusted in size to cater to different serving needs, whether as part of a family meal or a formal dinner.
What to Pair with The Potato Cake
Pommes de Terre Macaire pairs well with a variety of dishes, making it a flexible option for many meals. It is commonly served alongside meat dishes, such as steak, roast chicken, or lamb. The richness of the potato complements the savory flavors of these meats, creating a balanced and satisfying meal. Try it with Brazilian Fried Meatballs.
For a lighter option, it can also accompany vegetable-based dishes or salads. The simplicity of the potatoes provides a nice contrast to the freshness of vegetables, making it suitable for both vegetarian and non-vegetarian menus.
In terms of beverages, a medium-bodied red wine, such as a Pinot Noir or a Merlot, pairs nicely with Pommes de Terre Macaire, especially when served with meat. For non-alcoholic options, a sparkling water or a lightly flavored iced tea can complement the dish well.
In the below recipe, the potatoes are baked in a hot skillet. You can use a regular baking dish instead if desired, but I find a cast iron skillet get the potatoes perfectly crispy.
Pommes De Terre Macaire
Pommes de Terre Macaire are a French crispy potato cake traditionally baked in skillet or baking dish. They have a soft, buttery inside and a crispy exterior.
Ingredients
- 3 lb russet potatoes, rinsed and scrubbed
- 2 tbsp unsalted butter
- 3 tbsp canola oil
- 1/4 tsp garlic powder
- ¼ tsp freshly ground black pepper
- ¾ tsp salt
- For the topping:
- 2 oz gruyere cheese
- ½ cup crème fraiche or sour cream
Instructions
- Position the rack at the lower middle portion of the oven and warm it up likewise to 425 degrees F.
- Arrange the potatoes on the hot wire rack and bake for about 40-45 minutes, until they appear.
- Remove from heat, peel and coarsely chop them into ½’’ chunks.
- Add a knob of butter into a 10’’ oven-proof skillet, along with a lashing of oil.
- Heat over moderate flame until the butter foams and throw in the potato chunks.
- Sprinkle a dash of garlic powder, salt and black pepper over it and toss well to coat well with the oil, butter and seasonings.
- Press the potatoes with a flat end of the spatula and flatten them out into a smooth, solid layer.
- Lower the heat to moderate-low and continue to cook for about 5-8 minutes.
- Once the cooking time approaches the end, rotate the pan swiftly in clockwise direction while shaking it at the same time, so that the potato cake separates from the sides and base of the pan.
- Place the skillet in into the oven and bake the potatoes for about 15-20 minutes until the surface becomes crusty and golden.
- Remove the hot skillet from the oven and spread the crème fraiche or sour cream across the baked potatoes in an even layer.
- Sprinkle the cheese on top and place it on the oven rack, positioned at the upper part of the oven.
- Bake further for about 3-5 minutes until the cheese melts and begins to bubble.
- Remove from oven and let it rest for half a minute before placing a serving platter on top.
- Flip them over, holding them together tightly to remove the baked potatoes from the pan.
- Cut them into thick wedges and serve hot.
Nutrition Information:
Yield: 8 Serving Size: 1Amount Per Serving: Calories: 327Total Fat: 17gSaturated Fat: 8gTrans Fat: 0gUnsaturated Fat: 9gCholesterol: 35mgSodium: 316mgCarbohydrates: 37gFiber: 4gSugar: 2gProtein: 7g
Last Updated on December 7, 2023 by Carleen
