Potato Cheddar Pierogi Food

CLASSIC POTATO LEEK SOUP

Steps:

• Heat the butter in a large wide pot over medium heat. Add the garlic, leeks and onion and cook, covered, stirring occasionally, until soft and not browned, about 12 minutes. Raise the heat to medium-high, pour in the wine and continue to cook, uncovered, until almost dry, about 4 minutes.
• Add the potatoes, bay leaf, thyme, 7 cups water, 1 teaspoon salt and a few grinds of pepper. Bring to a boil, reduce the heat to maintain a simmer and cook, covered, until the potatoes are very tender, about 20 minutes. Remove from the heat and cool slightly.
• Remove and discard the thyme and bay leaf. Working in batches, transfer the mixture to a blender and carefully puree until smooth, taking care not to fill the carafe more than half full per batch, or puree with an immersion blender in the pot. Reheat the soup over medium heat until steaming.
• Whisk in the cream and lemon juice. Adjust the seasoning with additional salt and pepper. Ladle the soup into bowls. Garnish with fresh thyme leaves, a drizzle of oil and a frizzled leeks or shallot if using.

POTATO CROQUETTE

Steps:

• Boil the potatoes until fork tender, and let cool for 20 minutes.
• In a large bowl, mash the potatoes. (For a creamier texture, use a potato ricer.) Add the Parmigiano cheese, chopped parsley, and season with salt and pepper. Add one egg and mix well, until all the ingredients are evenly distributed.
• Grab a handful of mashed potatoes and press into logs that are 1 1/2-inches thick by 3 inches long. With your finger, create an indentation in the middle of the log and add a slice of mozzarella. Close up the logs and make sure the mozzarella is fully covered. Reshape if necessary.
• For the batter, dip potato logs in a beaten egg and cover with breadcrumbs.
• Heat the extra-virgin olive oil in a large pot to 350 degrees F.
• Fry in the oil in batches until the potato croquettes are crispy and golden brown.
• Let drain on a paper towel lined plate, and serve warm.

CLASSIC POTATO SALAD

Steps:

• Boil, peel and cube 2 pounds russet potatoes; toss with 2 tablespoons cider vinegar and 1/2 teaspoon salt. Mix 2 cups mayonnaise, 2 chopped scallions, 1 chopped celery stalk, 1 tablespoon each dijon mustard and vinegar, 1 teaspoon sugar, and salt. Toss with the potatoes.