Patatas con Salsa Pimienta (Potatoes with Peppercorn Sauce)

Spaniards love their potatoes. You will find patatas fritas and patatas bravas on every menu in Valencia. Crots also love potatoes and french fries. Ok, ok, ok, who doesn’t like potatoes? They’re delicious and awesome.

When we were in Dubrovnik we happened upon dipping our french fries into peppercorn sauce. It was amazing! Ever since I’ve been craving that taste again. I did some digging online and found a recipe I liked and went out to purchase the ingredients, but of course being in Spain, some of the ingredients weren’t readily available. I gotta say I was a little disappointed but I figured I would continue to look around. Wouldn’t you know, the next day my local market had stocked a peppercorn sauce that was already made and ready to go. Jackpot! Easy-peasy!!

Potatoes with Peppercorn Sauce

Serves – 2

Fried Potatoes:

• 6 small to medium sized Yukon Gold Potatoes, cut into 1 inch cubes
• 2 Tablespoons Olive oil, more if needed (see note)
• Salt & pepper (to taste)

Chop potatoes into bite sized pieces. Heat 2 Tablespoons of oil in skillet on medium-high heat. Once the oil is hot, add potatoes. Let potatoes brown for approximately 7 to 10 minutes, depending on the size. Turning them every 7 to 10 minutes until you can pierce a fork through them easily . (see note)

Peppercorn Sauce:

While I didn’t get to try making the sauce on my own, I did find several great recipes that sounded delicious. Hopefully I’ll be able to try one soon. This one here sounds good and easy, check it out: Black Peppercorn Sauce by Lovefoodies.

Notes:

• The potatoes need a fair amount of oil in order to get it nice and crispy. If you see that the pan needs more oil, heat up a little (1 to 2 Tablespoons) more in another small sauce pan or skillet. Once warm pour into skillet with potatoes. I wouldn’t recommend pouring cold oil into the pan with the potatoes.
• The secret to getting a nice crispy browned potato: DO NOT TOUCH potatoes for 7 to 10. Once they have a good char, then turn them and DO NOT TOUCH them again for another 7 to 10 minutes.