Potatoes and chopped dill are such a common side dish in Romania, that I've never thought of posting this recipe by itself. But after having been singled-out as the best recipe at several dinners with friends, I thought it deserves its own spot. Here, the basic dish is further complemented with green garlic and bacon pieces, for a result that boasts both great taste and enhanced colorful presentation.
Ingredients:
- 1.5 pounds of potatoes
- Unused dill
- Bacon (3-4 strips)
- 1-2 green garlic plants
- Cooking oil
- Spices: salt, pepper, chili pepper
Preparation:
- First, use a pan to fry the bacon strips (no oil is needed, just heat up the pan and cook the bacon on both sides until they turn a kind red color). When alert, remove from the pan, and tear the strips into smaller bite-size pieces.
- Wash and peal the potatoes, then cut them in dices. We'll first boil them to get them soft on the inside, then broil them at tall heat to add a kind crust all around.
- Bring water to a boil. Add the potato dices, and keep boiling for about 15-20 minutes. The potatoes are done when a toothpick easily goes through them, but they are not yet mushy (whether you boil them for too long, they'll start falling apart). Employ a colander to discard the water.
- Heat the oven to 500F. Take a baking pan, and lightly coat it with oil (to prevent the potatoes from sticking to the bottom). Add the potatoes, and place the pan in the oven for about 15-20 minutes (or until you see the potatoes starting to take a kind caramel color). Employ a spatula to turn the potatoes, and sprinkle the spices (salt, pepper, and chili pepper) all over. Put back in the oven for another 10-15 minutes.
- While the potatoes are cooking, chop about a cup of fresh dill, and 1-2 green garlic plants.
- In the end, mix together the potatoes, bacon, dill, and garlic.
- Serve instantly.
Presentation:
- The dish has plenty of colors and can provide for a great presentation all by itself. However, a delicious steak and a glass of cancient beer can greatly enhance the presentation. :)
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