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Vietnamese Potato Side 2

Serves 4 to 6 Side vegetarian, Sides

Vietnamese Potato Side 2

Vietnamese Potato Side 2 is a beloved staple at home tables across Vietnam, where families gather to share meals that are both comforting and delicious. This dish captures the essence of everyday Vietnamese cooking, with its unpretentious yet satisfying preparation. It's a versatile side that accompanies a variety of main dishes, making it a frequent guest at dinner tables where the emphasis is on communal enjoyment rather than culinary showmanship.

The potatoes, generously coated in oil and seasoned with a touch of paprika, are roasted to achieve a crispy exterior that gives way to a tender, fluffy interior. The seasoning is simple yet effective, with fine sea salt and black pepper enhancing the natural earthiness of the potatoes. This dish is served straight from the pan, inviting everyone to dig in and savor the warmth and flavor that encapsulate the spirit of Vietnamese home cooking.

Ingredients

  • 1 kgpotatoes
  • 80 mloil
  • 1 tsppaprika
  • to tastefine sea salt and black pepper

Method

  1. Peel 1 kg of potatoes and cut them into evenly sized cubes, about 2 cm each. This ensures they cook at the same rate and absorb flavors uniformly.
  2. In a large, heavy-bottomed pan, heat 80 ml of oil over medium heat. Once the oil shimmers, add a finely chopped onion and sauté until it becomes soft and translucent, about 5 minutes. This step builds the base flavor for the dish.
  3. Add the cubed potatoes to the pan, stirring to coat them evenly in the oil and onion mixture. Cover the pan with a lid to trap steam, which will help cook the potatoes evenly. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking.
  4. Continue cooking the potatoes until they are tender, which means they should be easily pierced with a fork but still hold their shape. This should take about 15-20 minutes, depending on the potato variety.
  5. Once the potatoes are tender, sprinkle 1 tsp of paprika over them, stirring well to ensure even distribution. The paprika will add a warm, smoky flavor and a slight reddish hue to the dish.
  6. Season the potatoes with fine sea salt and black pepper to taste. Stir well, then taste and adjust the seasoning if necessary. The salt should enhance the natural flavors without overwhelming them.
  7. Serve the Vietnamese Potato Side 2 warm, allowing the flavors to meld together. This dish is perfect for sharing at the table, embodying the communal spirit of Vietnamese home cooking.
Cover of Authentic Vietnamese Cuisine
From the cookbook

Authentic Vietnamese Cuisine

This recipe is from Authentic Vietnamese Cuisine by Yassine Sbiti — the Vietnamese volume in the ComidaTime International Cuisines series.

Available soon on Amazon…

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