Valentine's Day Fondant Potatoes

Valentine's Day Fondant Potatoes

adapted from Crowded Kitchen

Fondant potatoes are a classic French dish featuring potatoes cut into rounds, seared until golden brown, and then slowly simmered in butter and stock until tender and "melting". This method creates a rich, flavorful side dish with a crispy exterior and a creamy, buttery interior, making them a popular choice for elegant meals.

Save the extra potato pieces from cutting out the hearts for hash or mashed potatoes.

Makes 2 servings

4-5 large Yukon gold or yellow potatoes, peeled and 3/4” rounds (make 8 rounds)
2 Tbsp. avocado oil (or another high heat oil)
Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
5 Tbsp. butter 
8 cloves garlic, peeled
1/3 tsp. dried rosemary

1 tsp. dried thyme
1 cup Homemade vegetable stock or canned
Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste

1. Preheat oven to 425˚F.
2. Use a small heart cookie cutter to cut into the potato slices. 
3. Place the potatoes in a bowl of cold water and soak for 15 minutes, then pat completely dry.
4. Heat the avocado oil in a fry pan over medium-high heat. 
5. Reduce heat to medium just before adding in the potatoes.; Add in the potatoes and sear for about 5 minutes on one side, until golden brown and crispy. 
6. Flip the potatoes over and sear for another about another 5 minutes, until golden brown and crispy. Using tongs transfer to a wire rack positioned over paper towels to drain; If needed pat the potatoes dry with additional paper towel.
7. Remove any remaining oil from the pan and wipe out the pan with paper towels.
8. Return to medium heat and add in butter, garlic, rosemary, thyme, salt and pepper to taste. 
9. Heat the butter until foamy and hot, but do not brown it. 
10. Return the potatoes to the pan and baste the potatoes with butter. 
11. Pour in vegetable stock, remove from stovetop and place in preheated oven for 15-20 minutes, until completely tender on the interior. 
12. Adjust seasoning with salt and pepper as needed before serving.

Enjoy!