Welcome to my food blog! Today, I’m excited to bring you the classic Delia Smith Boulangere Potatoes. With years of cooking experience, I’ve tweaked this recipe to perfection, ensuring it’s straightforward yet absolutely delicious. In about an hour, you’ll be able to transform basic ingredients into an exceptional dish, complete with a golden, crispy top and a creamy, tender interior.
This recipe is perfect for several servings, ideal for a family meal, or as a complement to any main course for your gatherings. Join me in preparing this classic dish, and let’s fill your kitchen with the delightful aroma of rosemary and potatoes
What is Delia Smith Boulangere Potatoes Recipe?
Delia Smith’s Boulangere Potatoes recipe is a traditional and flavorful dish. It features thinly sliced potatoes and onions, baked to perfection in a blend of stock and herbs. The recipe gets its name from the French word ‘boulanger,’ meaning ‘baker,’ as it was historically cooked in a baker’s oven. This method results in potatoes that are crispy and golden on top while remaining creamy and tender underneath.
Why You Love this Recipe
Delia Smith’s Boulangere Potatoes recipe is a delightful blend of simplicity and elegance. The reasons for its appeal are manifold:
- Effortless Elegance: This recipe is a perfect example of simplicity at its finest. With minimal ingredients, likely already in your pantry, it transforms everyday items into a culinary masterpiece.
- Adaptable to Any Menu: Whether accompanying a succulent roast, a hearty vegetarian dish, or a light, fresh salad, these potatoes are incredibly versatile. They seamlessly adapt to complement a wide range of main courses.
- Homely Comfort: As it bakes, your kitchen is enveloped in the homey, inviting aromas of rosemary and potatoes, creating an atmosphere of warmth and comfort.
- A Feast for the Senses: The dish itself is a treat for the senses; visually appealing with its golden, crispy top, and satisfyingly creamy at the bottom, it’s sure to impress guests with both its taste and presentation.
Ingredients Needed to Make Delia Smith Boulangere Potatoes
You will need the following ingredients:
- 2 lb (900 g) potatoes, preferably a floury variety
- 2 medium onions
- 2 tablespoons fresh rosemary leaves, plus a few whole leaves for the top
- Salt and freshly milled black pepper
- 10 fl oz (275 ml) vegetable stock
- 5 fl oz (150 ml) milk
- 1 oz (25 g) butter
You will also need an ovenproof dish measuring 11 x 8 x 2 inches (28 x 20 x 5 cm), lightly buttered.
Instructions to Make Delia Smith Boulangere Potatoes
Step 1: Preheat the oven and prepare the rosemary
Preheat the oven to gas mark 4, 350°F (180°C). Strip the rosemary leaves from the stalks and bruise them in a pestle and mortar. Chop two-thirds of the leaves finely and set aside the rest for later.
Step 2: Slice the onions and potatoes
Cut the onions in half and then slice them thinly. Peel the potatoes and slice them thinly as well, about 1/8 inch (3 mm) thick. You can use a mandoline or a food processor to make this easier.
Step 3: Layer the potatoes and onions in the dish
Arrange a layer of potatoes at the bottom of the dish, slightly overlapping them. Sprinkle some of the chopped rosemary over them, and season with salt and pepper. Then, add a layer of onions, and repeat the process. Continue layering the potatoes and onions, alternating them and seasoning each layer, until you finish with a layer of potatoes.
Step 4: Pour the stock and milk over the dish
Mix the stock and milk together in a jug, and pour it evenly over the potatoes. The liquid should come almost to the top of the potatoes, but not cover them completely. If you need more liquid, you can add some more stock or milk.
Step 5: Dot the butter and scatter the whole rosemary leaves over the top
Cut the butter into small pieces and dot them over the potatoes. Scatter the whole rosemary leaves over the top as well. This will give the dish a nice flavor and a crisp finish.
Step 6: Bake the dish in the oven for 50 to 60 minutes
Place the dish on the highest shelf of the oven and bake for 50 to 60 minutes, or until the potatoes are tender and the top is golden and crisp. You can check the doneness by inserting a knife or a skewer into the potatoes. If it goes in easily, they are done.
How to Serve Delia Smith Boulangere Potatoes
You can serve the boulangere potatoes hot, straight from the oven, or you can let them cool down and reheat them later. They go well with any roast meat, such as lamb, beef, or chicken, or with vegetarian dishes, such as casseroles, pies, or stews. You can also serve them as a main course, with a green salad and some bread on the side. They are a versatile and satisfying dish that will please everyone.
What Do I Serve With Delia Smith Boulangere Potatoes?
These Boulangere Potatoes are wonderfully versatile, pairing splendidly with an array of dishes.
Here are some curated suggestions:
- For Meat Lovers: Elevate a classic roast – be it lamb, beef, or chicken – with these potatoes. The combination of tender meat, flavorful gravy, and crisp green beans creates a satisfying, balanced meal.
- Vegetarian Delights: Complement a robust vegetable casserole, a savory pie, or a hearty stew with these potatoes for a nourishing, vegetarian-friendly feast.
- Light and Fresh Options: For a lighter touch, pair the potatoes with a crisp green salad, drizzled with your favorite dressing and sprinkled with a cheese of your choice.
- Sweet Endings: Conclude your meal with a comforting dessert like bread and butter pudding or a tangy apple crumble, perfect for balancing the savory richness of the potatoes.
Pro Tips to Make Perfect Delia Smith Boulangere Potatoes
To make the best boulangere potatoes, follow these tips:
- Use a floury variety of potatoes, such as russet, Yukon gold, or King Edward, as they will absorb the liquid better and become more creamy.
- Slice the potatoes and onions thinly and evenly, using a mandoline or a food processor, to ensure even cooking and browning.
- Season each layer of potatoes and onions well, with salt, pepper, and rosemary, to enhance the flavor of the dish.
- Use a mixture of stock and milk, to give the potatoes a rich and creamy texture. You can use vegetable, chicken, or beef stock, depending on your preference.
- Dot some butter and scatter some whole rosemary leaves over the top of the dish, to give it a nice flavor and a crisp finish.
- Bake the dish on the highest shelf of the oven, to ensure a golden and crisp top, and a tender and creamy bottom.
Variations of Delia Smith Boulangere Potatoes
You can vary the boulangere potatoes recipe, by using different herbs, cheeses, or vegetables, such as:
- Thyme, sage, or parsley, instead of or in addition to rosemary, for a different herb flavor.
- Gruyere, parmesan, or cheddar cheese, sprinkled over the top of the dish, for an extra cheesy crust.
- Garlic, leeks, or mushrooms, are added to the onion layer, for some extra flavor and texture.
- Carrots, parsnips, or turnips, sliced and added to the potato layer, for some extra color and nutrition.
How do I store and Freeze Delia Smith Boulangere Potatoes Leftovers?
If you have any leftovers of the boulangere potatoes, you can store them in the fridge or freezer, by following these steps:
Fridge
- Let the potatoes cool down completely, then cover the dish with foil or plastic wrap, or transfer the potatoes to an airtight container.
- Store the potatoes in the fridge for up to 3 days.
- Reheat the potatoes in the oven or microwave, until hot and crisp.
Freezer
- Let the potatoes cool down completely, then cut them into portions and wrap them individually in foil or freezer bags.
- Label the bags with the date and contents, and freeze the potatoes for up to 3 months.
- Thaw the potatoes in the fridge overnight, then reheat them in the oven or microwave, until hot and crisp.
How do I reheat Delia Smith Boulangere Potatoes Leftovers?
You can reheat the boulangere potatoes leftovers in the oven or microwave, by following these steps:
Oven
- Preheat the oven to gas mark 4, 350°F (180°C).
- Place the potatoes in an ovenproof dish, and cover with foil.
- Bake the potatoes for 15 to 20 minutes, or until hot and crisp.
- Remove the foil and bake for another 5 minutes, to brown the top.
Microwave
- Place the potatoes in a microwave-safe dish, and cover them with a lid or a damp paper towel.
- Microwave the potatoes for 5 to 10 minutes, or until hot and tender, stirring halfway through.
- If you want to crisp the top, you can transfer the potatoes to an ovenproof dish, and broil them for a few minutes, until golden.
Conclusion
Delia Smith’s boulangere potatoes offer a delightful blend of simplicity and taste, suitable for any occasion. This recipe, while easy to prepare with just a handful of ingredients, delivers a dish full of rich flavor and pleasing texture that’s sure to win over your guests. It’s also a practical way to utilize leftover potatoes or onions. While following Delia Smith’s original recipe yields great results, there’s room for creativity – try incorporating different herbs like thyme, sage, or parsley to tailor the taste to your preference. Adding a layer of cheese such as gruyere or parmesan to the top can introduce a deliciously cheesy crust. The versatility of this dish means you can make it uniquely yours.
I hope this article has inspired you to try out this recipe. I’d love to hear about your experience and welcome any questions or comments you might have.
Here’s to enjoyable cooking!
