This easy aspect dish places a candy spin on basic French fondant (“melting”) potatoes. Skipping the stovetop, it cooks solely within the oven, the place the candy potatoes caramelize on a sheet pan, then braise rapidly in a maple-flavored broth till tender inside.

The candy potato medallions develop caramelized edges as they roast, however the actual magic occurs as they absorb a spicy maple sauce as they end cooking. The potatoes remodel — changing into velvety smooth and creamy and infused with earthy sweetness. For even browning, don’t overcrowd the pan — give each potato slice room to roast (crowding will generate steam and inhibit the surfaces from caramelizing). The melted potatoes are sprinkled with candied pecans for a nutty, crunchy end.

Can I make this recipe with white potatoes?

The method used to make melting potatoes, additionally known as fondant potatoes, is thought for being carried out with white potatoes. The method — roasting and after which permitting the potatoes to simmer in a buttery broth — creates a melt-in-your-mouth expertise. Nevertheless, the flavour profile of this dish is designed to work with candy potatoes. To make use of white potatoes (Russets work nicely), think about decreasing or eliminating the maple syrup. You may also desire to peel off the pores and skin. The timing might differ, so watch the potatoes as they brown and later roast with the inventory and butter.

What if I don’t have candied pecans obtainable?

You possibly can simply sweet your personal pecans by tossing them with honey, sugar, and salt (and floor cayenne pepper for warmth, when you like) and roasting them within the oven for a couple of minutes. For a enjoyable taste swap, strive these Chile-Sumac Nuts, which usher in tangy, candy, and spicy notes. You can even substitute a easy roasted nut as an alternative.

Notes from the Meals & Wine Take a look at Kitchen

• For even browning, don’t overcrowd the pan — give each potato slice room to roast. (Crowding will as an alternative make the potatoes steam and inhibit them from caramelizing across the edges.)
• Use chilly butter to make sure it melts slowly and the fats has an opportunity to disperse into the inventory. If the sauce appears to be like thick, add a splash of inventory to loosen it. 
• ​​Whereas virtually any chile crisp condiment can work with this dish, Lao Gan Ma model affords an ideal degree of spicy warmth with out overpowering the opposite flavors within the dish. Discover it in most grocery shops within the world meals aisle or on-line at worldmarket.com.

This recipe was developed by Liz Mervosh; the textual content was written by Cheryl Slocum.