Potato Rösti Or Beet Or Carrot Or Winter Squash Food

POTATO RöSTI (OR BEET OR CARROT OR WINTER SQUASH)

Steps:

• Scrub potatoes well and peel them if you prefer, though it's not necessary.
• Grate the potatoes using a food processor or by hand; place grated potatoes in cold water to prevent them from turning brown.
• When you're ready to cook the potatoes, drain well in a colander or strainer, place in clean tea towel and squeeze out the water.
• Heat a large cast iron or nonstick skillet over medium heat (I like how cast iron browns food).
• Toss potatoes in a large bowl with a generous amount of salt and pepper.
• Heat large cast iron or nonstick skillet over medium heat (I like how cast iron browns food), add 2 tbsp of oil or butter to skillet and heat (until the butter begins to turn brown, if using).
• Put potato mixture into skillet, shape into a circle and press down with a spatula.
• Turn heat up to medium high and cook, shaking pan occasionally, until the bottom of the potato cake is crisp (about 6 to 8 minutes).
• Slide potato cake onto a plate, top with another plate, invert plates.
• Add a bit more oil or butter to the skillet and slide the cake back inches.
• Cook until the second side is browned. You may have to adjust the heat. (about 5 to 10 minutes).
• Cut into wedges and serve.

CRISPY POTATO ROSTI

Steps:

• Peel then grate the potatoes using a box grater, trying to get nice long strands if you can.
• Grab handfuls of potato and squeeze out excess liquid, then place in bowl. This helps make the potato crispier (otherwise all that water has to steam out in the pan).
• Add butter, salt and pepper then toss. Don't worry if your potatoes go brown/reddy - it's still safe to eat, and turns white again when cooked.
• Melt half the clarified butter in a 26cm / 10.5" (or thereabouts) non-stick pan or skillet over medium low heat. Shallow non-stick pan with sloped sides is best for easy rosti removal.
• Place the potato in pan, but do not pack down. Use rubber spatula to tidy the edges, then lightly pat down to even surface.
• Cook first side: Cook 12 minutes until underside is very golden and crispy, lifting edge with rubber spatula to check. If by 8 minutes it is not going golden, increase heat.
• TIP: Insurance policy - If you didn't use a non stick pan, slide the rubber spatular underneath all the way to the middle and run it around, to be 100% sure nothing is stuck before attempting flip.
• Flip: Cover pan with a round wooden board with a handle (or anything similar with a handle, Note 3). Holding the handle of the board, flip quickly - and with confidence!
• Cook second side: Melt remaining clarified butter in the pan, then slide the rosti back in and cook for 12 minutes until golden crispy, and there is no resistance when a knife is inserted into the middle.
• Slide onto cutting board, cut into 4 or 6 wedges and serve immediately!
• Use 25g / 1 1/2 tbsp clarified butter for each batch, medium heat in a non stick pan. Place potato in rounds in a skillet, around 8cm / 3" wide, 1.5 - 2cm / 2/3" thick (without patting down). Cook 5 minutes until deep golden and crispy, flip, and cook another 5 minutes until done.
• Transfer to rack set over tray in a 120°C/250°F oven until ready to serve.

WINTER SQUASH AND POTATO GRATIN

Steps:

• Preheat the oven to 375 degrees. Rub the inside of a 2-quart gratin dish or baking dish with the cut side of the garlic, and lightly oil with olive oil or butter. Slice any garlic that remains and toss with the potatoes, squash, thyme, rosemary, half the cheese and a generous amount of salt and pepper. Arrange in an even layer in the gratin dish.
• Pour the milk over the potatoes and squash, and press the vegetables down into the milk. Place in the oven, and bake one hour. Every 20 minutes, remove the gratin dish and press the potatoes and squash down into the liquid with the back of a large spoon. After one hour, sprinkle on the remaining cheese and bake for another 30 minutes, until the top is golden and the sides crusty. Remove from the oven, and allow to sit for 10 to 15 minutes before serving. Serve hot or warm.