Basque-Style Creamy Potato Medley
Discover the vibrant flavors of the Basque Region of Northern Spain with this delightful all-in-one side dish. Creamy mashed potatoes serve as the perfect base for a medley of sautéed vegetables, including sweet onions, colorful bell peppers, and juicy ripe tomatoes. The addition of olives and fresh herbs elevates this dish, making it a wonderful accompaniment to any meal. Enjoy this comforting yet sophisticated dish that combines rich textures and bold flavors.
N/A
Servings
N/A
Calories
14
Ingredients
Ingredients
potatoes
4 (medium, peeled and cut into 1 inch cubes)
milk
1/2 cup (approximate, for mashing)
salt
to taste
black pepper
to taste
olive oil
1 1/2 tablespoons (for sautéing)
onion
1 large (cut into thin wedges)
green sweet pepper
1 small (deseeded and cut into thin strips)
garlic clove
1 large (crushed)
tomatoes
2 small (cut into 1/2-inch wedges)
pimento stuffed olives
2 ounces (sliced)
orange rind
1 strip (peeled)
dried basil
1 teaspoon (or 1 tablespoon fresh basil, chopped)
dry white wine
3/4 cup (for cooking)
fresh parsley
2 tablespoons (freshly chopped, for garnish)
Instructions
1
Start by placing the peeled and diced potatoes in a large saucepan. Cover the potatoes with water and bring to a boil over medium-high heat.
2
Once boiling, reduce the heat, cover, and simmer for 12-15 minutes until the potatoes are just tender when pierced with a fork.
3
Drain the potatoes thoroughly and return them to the pan. Mash the potatoes using a potato masher or fork until they are smooth and fluffy.
4
Incorporate the milk, seasoning with salt and black pepper to taste, and beat well until creamy. Cover the mashed potatoes to keep them warm.
5
In a large frying pan, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the thinly sliced onion, green pepper, and crushed garlic. Sauté for about 5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the vegetables are softened and fragrant.
6
Stir in the tomato wedges, sliced olives, orange peel, dried or fresh basil, and dry white wine. Mix well and let it simmer for around 5 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld and the vegetables to become tender.
7
Remove the orange peel from the vegetable mixture and taste; adjust seasoning with additional salt and pepper if necessary.
8
To serve, spoon the creamy mashed potatoes into a shallow serving bowl. Generously top with the sautéed vegetable medley and their juices. Finish with a sprinkle of freshly chopped parsley and serve hot.
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Basque-Style Creamy Potato Medley?
It is a vibrant side dish from the Basque Region of Northern Spain featuring creamy mashed potatoes topped with a sautéed medley of onions, peppers, tomatoes, and olives.
How many potatoes are required for this recipe?
The recipe calls for 4 medium potatoes.
How should the potatoes be prepared before boiling?
The potatoes should be peeled and cut into 1-inch cubes.
How long do the potatoes need to simmer?
They should simmer for 12 to 15 minutes until they are just tender when pierced with a fork.
What is the first step after draining the potatoes?
Return them to the pan and mash them using a potato masher or fork until smooth and fluffy.
How much milk is added to the mashed potatoes?
Approximately 1/2 cup of milk is used to reach a creamy consistency.
What seasonings are used for the potato base?
The potatoes are seasoned with salt and black pepper to taste.
What type of oil is used for sautéing the vegetables?
1 1/2 tablespoons of olive oil are used for sautéing.
Which vegetables are sautéed first?
Thinly sliced onion, green sweet pepper, and crushed garlic are sautéed first for about 5 minutes.
How should the onion be cut?
One large onion should be cut into thin wedges.
How is the green sweet pepper prepared?
It should be deseeded and cut into thin strips.
How many garlic cloves are needed?
One large garlic clove, crushed, is required.
What type of tomatoes are used in the medley?
Two small tomatoes, cut into 1/2-inch wedges, are used.
What kind of olives are recommended for this dish?
Two ounces of sliced pimento-stuffed olives are recommended.
What unique ingredient is added for citrus notes?
A strip of peeled orange rind is added to the vegetable mixture.
Should the orange rind remain in the dish when served?
No, the orange rind should be removed from the vegetable mixture before serving.
Can I use fresh basil instead of dried?
Yes, you can substitute 1 teaspoon of dried basil with 1 tablespoon of freshly chopped basil.
What liquid is used to simmer the vegetables?
3/4 cup of dry white wine is used to simmer the vegetables and meld the flavors.
How long should the vegetable mixture simmer?
The mixture should simmer for around 5 minutes.
How is the dish assembled for serving?
Spoon the mashed potatoes into a shallow bowl and top them generously with the sautéed vegetable medley and their juices.
What is used as a garnish for the Basque-Style Potato Medley?
Two tablespoons of freshly chopped parsley are used as a garnish.
Is this recipe suitable as a main course?
It is primarily designed as a sophisticated and comforting side dish.
What region inspired this recipe?
The recipe is inspired by the Basque Region of Northern Spain.
How many ingredients are in this recipe?
There are 14 ingredients in total.
What is the texture of the potato base?
The potato base is smooth, fluffy, and creamy.
Is this dish served hot or cold?
This dish should be served hot.
What flavor profile does the white wine add?
The dry white wine helps meld the flavors and adds a sophisticated depth to the vegetables.
Can I adjust the salt and pepper?
Yes, seasonings should be adjusted to taste both in the potatoes and after the vegetables simmer.
What tool is recommended for mashing the potatoes?
A potato masher or a fork can be used to mash the potatoes.
How should the garlic be prepared?
The garlic should be crushed before being added to the frying pan.