Punched Potatoes Food

PORTUGUESE "PUNCHED" POTATOES (BATATAS A MURRO)

Steps:

• 1. Wash and scrub the potatoes. Remove any blemishes and pat dry.
• 2. Pierce with a fork in a couple of spots.
• 3. Coat with sea salt and a drizzle of olive oil. Gently rub the oil into the potatoes and place in small oven proof dish or pan.
• 4. Use an oven to table dish for easy serving. Cook at 400 degrees for 45 minutes to 1 hour depending on your oven.
• 5. Note: (You can also boil the potatoes in salted water, with the skin on for about 30-45 minutes. Pierce with a fork to check how tender they are.)
• 6. Meanwhile, make garlic oil: In a small saucepan heat the oil and add the garlic. Cook on low for a few minutes until the garlic turns slightly golden. Do not overcook or the garlic will become bitter!
• 7. To test the potatoes, pierce them with a fork or gently squeeze a potato holding your oven mitt. The potato should be soft.
• 8. When the potatoes are ready, punch them down with your fist wrapped in a clean dish towel. or with a meat mallet until they "POP" open. *Note: The potatoes are hot - be careful!
• 9. When ready to serve, pour the garlic olive oil over the potatoes and sprinkle on fresh cracked black pepper as desired.
• 10. Place in the oven on low until ready to serve or re-heat the next day! Enjoy!

PUNCHED POTATOES | BATATAS A MURRO

Steps:

• Bring a large saucepan of salted water to a boil, add the potatoes, and cook until tender, 20 to 30 minutes. Drain and let cool slightly.
• Preheat the oven to 430°F (220°C).
• Let the potatoes cool for about 10 minutes and then lightly smash them with your fist or the bottom of a heavy skillet.
• Place them in an ovenproof dish with the garlic and bay leaf, drizzle with 2 tablespoons oil, and gently turn to ensure they're thoroughly coated. Season with salt and white pepper and bake until golden brown and crisp, 25 to 30 minutes.
• Meanwhile, in a skillet over low heat, warm 1 tablespoon oil and then add the onions and season with salt and white pepper. Cook gently until very soft and translucent, about 20 minutes.* Try squeezing a piece of onion; it should be very soft and taste sweet.
• Increase the heat and let the onions caramelize and turn golden brown, stirring to stop them from sticking, about 5 minutes more. Remove the cartouche, if using, and set aside. Add a splash of sherry vinegar for a little bit of acidity that cuts through the cheese.
• Take the potatoes out of the oven and scatter the onions and spoon or scatter the cheese on top. Return the dish to the oven and cook until golden brown and bubbling, 5 to 10 minutes.
• Remove from the oven and serve right away, sprinkled with a little cracked black pepper.

PUNCHED POTATOES

Steps:

• Pre-heat the oven to 375.
• Bake the potatoes until soft (30 to 50 minutes, depending on the size).
• Slowly heat the oil.
• Remove from the heat and add the garlic.
• Allow steeping at least 10 minutes.
• Place the potato on a cutting board.
• Cover with a clean towel.
• Using a meat tenderizing mallet carefully punch the potato.
• Use a spatula to transfer to a plate.
• Pour the garlic oil and vinegar (if used) over the potato.
• Check the seasoning.

PUNCHED POTATOES

Steps:

• Paying attention to these potatoes is key. So often, potatoes are just treated as an accidental accompaniment - we need to show some love to get the best from them. This is my top tip!
• Heat oven to 180ºC
• With a sharp paring knife deeply pierce each potato. Place all the potatoes on a baking sheet and drizzle over some olive oil. Toss the potatoes around to cover evenly.
• Bake in the oven for 40 minutes before turning the potatoes - then, using a paper towel to protect your hands from the heat, firmly press down on each potato with the palm of your hand to flatten them slightly.
• Drizzle over 1 Tablespoon of extra virgin olive oil over each potato and season generously with salt & pepper.
• Return to the oven for a further 20 minutes.
• Remove from oven and serve.
• Serve alongside a delicious steak, some BBQ chicken or a grilled fish. But let's get real - they're potatoes - they go with everything!

BAKED COD WITH "PUNCHED" POTATOES

Steps:

• Wash the potatoes very well with the peel. Place the potatoes in a saucepan with water seasoned with salt and cook over medium-high heat for about 25 minutes. When the potatoes are cooked, place them on a plate and let them cool slightly. Smash the potatoes slightly (give a small punch on each one).
• Preheat the oven to 180ºC (350ºF).
• Place the cod cut into pieces and the potatoes on a baking dish. Season the cod with a little salt, pepper and chopped garlic. Drizzle the cod and the potatoes with olive oil and bake until slightly golden, about 35 to 40 minutes. Occasionally, drizzle the cod and the potatoes with the olive oil.
• Turn off the oven and serve.