Confit potatoes are a deliciously savory side dish that is perfect for any dinner table.
This rustic and flavorful dish features potatoes cooked slowly in their own juices, along with onion, garlic, herbs, and spices.
The combination of the potato’s natural starch and rich flavor make confit potatoes an irresistible accompaniment to any meal.
Whether you’re looking for a classic side dish or an interesting twist to your favorite recipes, confit potatoes are sure to be a hit. Here’s how to make them.
Confit potatoes
Confit potatoes are potatoes that have been cooked slowly in their own juices, with the addition of onion, garlic, herbs, and spices. This rustic and flavorful dish features a unique combination of the potato’s natural starch and rich flavor that makes it an irresistible accompaniment to any meal.
The cooking technique of confit potatoes is similar to braising or stewing – the potatoes are cooked low and slow to create a creamy and incredibly flavorful dish.
Brief history
Confit potatoes have been around for centuries, with records of the dish being served as far back as the 1600s in France.
The technique is believed to have originated with French peasants, who would slow-cook potatoes in their own juices to create a delicious and economical side dish.
In addition to being economical, cooking this way also allowed the flavors of ingredients like onion, garlic and herbs to be infused into the potatoes. The same technique has been used for centuries and is still used today in French cuisine, as well as other parts of Europe.
Ingredients
Potatoes
Potatoes are the base of this dish, so it’s important to choose the right type. Potatoes should be starchy but not floury—Russet, Yukon Gold and red potatoes all work well for confit potatoes. You’ll want to cut your potatoes into uniform cubes so they cook evenly.
Depending on the size of your cubes, you can either peel them or leave the skin on for added texture and flavor.
Herbs and spices
Herbs and spices add a layer of flavor to confit potatoes that can’t be achieved by any other means.
They provide an aromatic, earthy note that pairs perfectly with the richness of the potatoes. Popular herbs and spices used in this dish include rosemary, thyme, bay leaves, garlic, onion powder, paprika, and cumin. You can also use dried herbs or a combination of fresh and dried herbs for added flavor.
Cooking oil
Cooking oil is an important component of confit potatoes, as it helps to prevent the potatoes from sticking to the pot and adds a rich flavor.
The best cooking oils for this dish are those that can withstand high heat without burning, such as vegetable or canola oil. You will want to use enough oil to lightly cover the bottom of your pot and generously coat the potatoes.
Cooking Methods
Traditional confit method
The traditional confit method is a slow and gentle cooking technique that results in creamy, flavorful potatoes.
- To prepare, heat your cooking oil over medium heat in a heavy-bottomed pot.
- Add the onions, garlic, herbs, and spices to the oil and cook until fragrant.
- Then add the potatoes and stir to coat evenly with the oil mixture.
- Reduce the heat to low and cover the pot with a lid. C
- ook for 20-30 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the potatoes are tender and cooked through.
Modern oven method
For a modern take on this classic dish, you can prepare confit potatoes in the oven. Preheat your oven to 375°F and lightly grease an oven-proof baking dish.
Place the potatoes in the baking dish and season with herbs, spices, salt and pepper. Drizzle over a generous amount of oil before transferring to the preheated oven. Bake for 25-35 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the potatoes are golden and cooked through.
Serving Suggestions
As a side dish
Confit potatoes make an excellent side dish for a variety of main courses. The potatoes are rich and flavorful, making them the perfect accompaniment to grilled meats, roasted vegetables, fish, or poultry.
For a light meal or appetizer, serve confit potatoes with a green salad or as part of a charcuterie board. They also pair well with cheese and cured meats such as pros ciutto or salami.
In salads
Confit potatoes can also be used to add a burst of flavor and texture to salads. For a quick and easy salad, simply toss cubed confit potatoes with green beans, cherry tomatoes and your favorite vinaigrette.
For a heartier salad, combine confit potatoes with roasted vegetables, grilled chicken or steak, and chopped greens for a filling meal. You can even turn your conf it potatoes into a potato salad by adding mayonnaise, diced pickles, and herbs.
As a main dish
Confit potatoes make an indulgent main dish that is sure to please any palate. To turn this classic side into a main course, simply add your favorite protein.
For a vegetarian option, try combining confit potatoes with roasted vegetables and cooked grains such as quinoa or farro.
For meat lovers, top the potatoes with grilled steak or chicken for a hearty meal. You can also top them with a fried egg for a deliciously satisfying breakfast or brunch.
Variations
Sweet potato confit
Sweet potato confit is a delicious twist on the classic dish, adding a subtle sweetness to the earthy flavor of potatoes.
- To prepare, preheat your oven to 375°F and lightly grease an oven-proof baking dish.
- Place cubed sweet potatoes in the baking dish and season with herbs, spices, salt and pepper.
- Drizzle over a generous amount of oil before transferring to the preheated oven.
- Bake for 25-35 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the sweet potatoes are golden and cooked through.
Garlic and rosemary confit
Garlic and rosemary confit is a delicious variation on traditional confit potatoes.
- To prepare, heat your cooking oil over medium heat in a heavy-bottomed pot.
- Add minced garlic, rosemary sprigs, and spices to the oil and cook until fragrant.
- Then add the potatoes and stir to coat evenly with the oil mixture.
- Reduce the heat to low and cover the pot with a lid.
- Cook for 20-30 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the potatoes are tender and cooked through.
- Enjoy this flavorful dish as a side or main course.
Tips and Tricks
Choosing the right type of potato
When it comes to making confit potatoes, not all potatoes are created equal. For best results, choose a starchy potato variety such as russet or Yukon Gold.
These types of potatoes have a higher starch content and will hold their shape better when cooked. Waxy potatoes such as red bliss or new potatoes will break down more easily and are not ideal for confit potatoes.
Proper storage
Confit potatoes can be stored in the refrigerator for up to three days. To do this, transfer the cooked potatoes to an airtight container and store them in the refrigerator until ready to eat.
When you are ready to enjoy your confit potatoes again, simply reheat them in a skillet with a little oil or butter over low heat.
For longer storage, confit potatoes can be frozen for up to six months. To freeze, arrange cooled potatoes on a baking sheet and transfer them to the freezer. Once frozen, transfer the potatoes to an airtight container or bag for long-term storage.
Reheating
Confit potatoes can be easily reheated to enjoy again and again. To do this, simply place the potatoes in a skillet with a little oil or butter over low heat.
Heat for several minutes, stirring occasionally, until the potatoes are heated through and lightly golden. Alternatively, you can also microwave confit potatoes for 1-2 minutes or until hot.
Conclusion
Confit potatoes are a delicious and indulgent main dish or side that is sure to please any palate. Whether you’re looking for a vegetarian option or something with added protein, confit potatoes can be adapted to suit your tastes. With just a few ingredients and techniques, you can easily turn these classic potatoes into a specialty meal. And with proper storage and reheating tips, you can enjoy your confit potatoes time and time again.
Making confit potatoes is a fun and surprisingly easy way to upgrade your classic potato dishes. Not only are confit potatoes delicious, but they also provide a great opportunity to experiment with different flavors and ingredients. Whether you opt for sweet potatoes, garlic, and rosemary, or something else entirely, the possibilities are endless! With just a few simple steps, you can create a unique and flavorful meal that’s sure to impress.
So why not give it a try?
