Pan-Cooked Potatoes with Pickles

This delightful dish combines the comforting flavors of potatoes, tangy pickles, and savory smoked meat. It's a hearty meal that is both simple and satisfying, perfect for a cozy dinner. The use of canned tomatoes adds a subtle sweetness and richness, while the vegetable broth enhances the depth of flavor. It's easy to prepare and ideal for those evenings when you want something delicious without spending too much time in the kitchen. The beautifully caramelized onions elevate the dish, adding a hint of sweetness and complexity. This recipe is versatile and can be easily adapted to suit various tastes. Whether you're serving it as a main dish or a side, it's sure to be a hit with your family and friends. With just a few basic ingredients, you can create a dish that's full of flavor and texture. Enjoy this simple yet scrumptious meal with a sprinkle of fresh chives for an added burst of color and flavor.

Ingredients

Main Ingredients:

• 750 g potatoes
• 4 pickles
• 500 g smoked meat
• 1 can of canned tomatoes (net weight 400 g)
• 250 g onions
• 250 ml vegetable broth
• 5 tablespoons oil

Seasonings:

• Salt
• Pepper
• Chives for garnish

Preparation Time

Total Time: 30 minutes

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Prepare the Onions: Slice the onions in half lengthwise, then cut across into thin half-rings.
2. Prep the Potatoes: Peel the potatoes and slice them into moderately thick slices. If the potatoes are large, you can cut them into half-rings.
3. Heat the Oil: In a large pan, heat the oil over medium heat.
4. Cook the Potatoes: Add the potatoes to the pan and sauté them for about 5 minutes until they start to brown lightly.
5. Add Onions and Season: Stir in the onions with the potatoes, adding salt and pepper to taste.
6. Prep the Tomatoes: Drain the canned tomatoes in a sieve, reserving the juice.
7. Smash and Add Tomatoes: Gently mash the tomatoes with a fork before adding them to the pan.
8. Combine Juices and Broth: Pour in the reserved tomato juice and the vegetable broth.
9. Simmer: Cover the pan and allow the dish to simmer over medium heat for about 15 minutes.
10. Slice the Pickles: Cut the pickles into slices as the mixture simmers.
11. Cut the Meat: Chop the smoked meat into sizable chunks.
12. Finish Cooking: About 5 minutes before the cooking time is up, add the pickle slices and smoked meat to the pan with the potatoes.
13. Mix and Cook: Stir everything together and let it continue to cook, allowing flavors to meld.
14. Final Seasoning: Taste and adjust seasoning as needed with additional salt and pepper.
15. Garnish: Once done, remove from heat and sprinkle generously with chopped chives for a fresh, vibrant finish.
16. Serve Hot: Make sure to serve this dish hot to maintain the optimal flavors.
17. Pleasing Presentation: Present the dish in a large serving bowl, with garnished chives atop for a pop of color.
18. Plate Creativity: You can serve it rustic style directly from the pan at the table for a homey feel.
19. Enjoy with Sides: Pair with a crisp green salad or a crusty piece of bread.
20. Bon Appétit: Enjoy your delicious, pan-cooked creation!

Tips

• Choice of Meat: Use any smoked meat you prefer, such as ham or bacon, for varied flavors.
• Vegetarian Variation: Substitute smoked meat with smoked tofu or mushrooms for a vegetarian version.
• Potato Slicing: For quicker cooking, cut potatoes into smaller pieces.
• Extra Crunch: Add more pickles at the end for extra tang and crunch.

Nutrition

• Calories: Approximately 520 kcal per serving
• Protein: 25g
• Fats: 28g
• Carbs: 50g

Variations

• Spicy Twist: Add a dash of chili flakes for a bit of heat.
• Creamy Texture: Stir in a dollop of cream or a handful of cheese towards the end for extra creaminess.
• Herb Infusion: Mix in fresh herbs like dill or parsley for a refreshing taste.

Serving Suggestions

• Pair with a light green salad or steamed vegetables for a balanced meal.
• A side of crusty bread or garlic bread compliments the dish well.
• Serve a chilled white wine or a light beer to enhance the flavors.

Best Places

• The Potato Project - Offers a range of potato dishes creatively paired with various ingredients. Location: 27 Noel Street, Soho, London, UK.
• Kumpir Kiosk - Specializes in baked potatoes with delicious fillings. Location: Görresstraße 3, Munich, Germany.
• Potato Bar - Create your own potato-based meals with a variety of toppings. Location: Nieuwe Doelenstraat 9, Amsterdam, Netherlands.
• Café Francoeur - Known for its home-style French cooking, including hearty potato dishes. Location: 129 Rue Caulaincourt, Paris, France.
• Spuds and Bros - Delicious poutine with generous toppings. Location: 965 E Hastings St, Vancouver, Canada.
• Potato & Co - Small eatery focusing on potatoes in a multitude of styles. Location: 5 Spring St, Sydney, Australia.
• Kartoffelhaus - Traditional potato dishes in a rustic setting. Location: 52 Theodor-Körner-Straße, Leipzig, Germany.
• Potato Club - Trendy spot for creative potato dishes blended with international flavors. Location: 7 Smolenskaya Sq, Moscow, Russia.
• Baked Potato Shop - Vegan-friendly potato dishes with numerous topping options. Location: 56 Cockburn St, Edinburgh, UK.
• The Potato Place - A must-visit for versatile and global potato recipes. Location: 626 Livernois St, Detroit, USA.