Potatoes with Bechamel Sauce

This delightful dish, **Potatoes with Bechamel Sauce**, offers a comforting blend of flavors and textures. The dish starts with perfectly baked potatoes, which are infused with smoked pork to enhance the taste. A luscious bechamel sauce, enriched with mustard and cheese, coats the potatoes, adding a creamy finish. The crispy topping, created by melting cheese over the top, provides an irresistible crunch. It's a versatile dish that can serve as a main course paired with a fresh green salad or a hearty side dish to complement a formal meal. With its combination of wholesome ingredients, this recipe is sure to become a family favorite. The preparation process might seem intricate, but each step is straightforward, ensuring a rewarding outcome. Whether for a casual gathering or a cozy family dinner, these potatoes with bechamel will impress with their rich taste and elegant presentation.

Ingredients

Main Ingredients

• 500 g coarse sea salt
• 1 kg medium-sized potatoes, as uniform as possible
• 250 g smoked pork, diced small
• 50 g butter
• 2.5 tablespoons “Dobeles dzirnavnieka” extra flour
• 375 ml milk
• 80 g grated cheese
• 2 egg yolks
• Salt to taste
• Green salad for serving

Spices/Sauces

• 2 tablespoons French mustard
• 1 tablespoon whole grain mustard

Preparation Time

• Total Time: 90 minutes (50 minutes for baking potatoes, 20 minutes for sauce and additional baking, 20 minutes preparation)

Step-by-Step Instruction

1. Preheat your oven to 200°C.
2. Peel the potatoes and prick each one with a fork.
3. Evenly spread the coarse sea salt on a baking tray to create a salt bed.
4. Position the potatoes on top of the salt. This method helps to draw moisture from the potatoes, resulting in a fluffy interior.
5. Bake the potatoes in the oven for about 40 to 50 minutes, or until tender when pierced with a fork.
6. Once baked, make a cross-shaped cut on each potato. This makes it easier to open them slightly.
7. Fill each potato with three-fourths of the diced smoked pork. This adds a savory depth to the mellow potato flavor.
8. To prepare the bechamel sauce, melt the butter in a saucepan over medium heat.
9. When the butter is melted and starting to bubble, stir in the flour to create a roux.
10. Gradually pour in the milk, whisking continuously to avoid lumps.
11. Return the saucepan to the heat and continue stirring for 2 to 3 minutes until the bechamel thickens.
12. Stir in both the French mustard and the majority of the cheese, saving some for the topping.
13. Remove the sauce from the heat and incorporate the egg yolks.
14. Season with salt to taste, ensuring the sauce is flavorful.
15. Increase the oven temperature to 220°C.
16. Pour the bechamel sauce over each potato.
17. Sprinkle the remaining pork and cheese on top of the potatoes.
18. Bake for an additional 15 to 20 minutes until the sauce turns a light golden color.
19. Remove from the oven and serve immediately.
20. Accompany with fresh green salad for a refreshing balance.

Tips

• For a vegetarian option: Omit the pork and substitute with roasted vegetables or mushrooms.
• To save time: Prepare the bechamel sauce while the potatoes are baking.
• Cheese substitution: Use Gruyère or cheddar for different flavors.

Nutrition

• Calories: Approx. 450 per serving
• Protein: 18g
• Fats: 25g
• Carbs: 35g

Variations

• Spicy version: Add a pinch of cayenne pepper or chopped jalapeños into the bechamel sauce.
• Herb-infused: Incorporate herbs like thyme or rosemary for an aromatic twist.

Serving Suggestions

• Pair with a glass of crisp white wine.
• Serve alongside roasted vegetables for a complete meal.
• Garnish with chopped parsley or chives for added freshness.

Best Places

• The Potato House - A cozy restaurant serving up creative potato dishes. Location: 14 Main Street, Sydney, Australia.
• Cheese & Potatoes Bistro - Known for its unique potato and cheese creations. Location: 23 Culinary Ave, Paris, France.
• Baked Bliss - Specializes in baked potato dishes with a variety of toppings. Location: 44 Food Lane, London, UK.
• Spuds and Suds - Combines potato specialties with local craft beers. Location: 88 Gourmet Road, New York City, USA.
• Comfort Cravings - Offers a warm ambiance and delicious potato-based meals. Location: 35 Cozy Walk, Dublin, Ireland.
• Rustico Ristorante - Famed for their creamy potato dishes. Location: 19 Piazza San Marco, Venice, Italy.
• Papas Paris - Delivers delightful potato dishes with a French touch. Location: 61 Rue de la République, Lyon, France.
• The Nordic Spud - Focuses on traditional potato recipes. Location: 22 Nordave, Stockholm, Sweden.
• Tater Nation - A haven for potato lovers with diverse options. Location: 7 Spud Row, Chicago, USA.
• Patata Palace - Combines Mediterranean flavors with local ingredients. Location: 30 Via Roma, Rome, Italy.