
Experience the ultimate potato side dish with these fondant potatoes, featuring a crispy golden crust and a melt-in-your-mouth center. Braised in a rich butter and thyme-infused stock, they are the perfect elegant accompaniment to any steak or roast dinner.
Preheat your oven to 200°C (390°F) or 180°C for fan-forced ovens.
Prepare the potatoes by trimming the ends so they stand upright. Carve each potato into a cylinder roughly 6cm (2") in diameter, then cut them in half to create 8 short cylinders about 3.5cm (1.4") tall. Save any leftover potato scraps in water for mashed potatoes later.
Pat the potato cylinders completely dry with paper towels. In a large bowl, toss them with 1 tablespoon of olive oil, the salt, and the black pepper until evenly coated.
Heat the remaining 1 tablespoon of oil in a heavy-based, ovenproof skillet over medium-high heat. Place the potatoes in the pan and sear each flat side for 6 to 8 minutes, or until they are a deep golden brown.
Add the unsalted butter and thyme sprigs to the skillet. Once the butter has melted, use a spoon to baste the tops of the potatoes with the hot herb butter.
Pour the chicken stock into the pan and bring it to a boil. Transfer the skillet to the oven and bake for 30 minutes, or until the potatoes are tender when pierced with a knife.
Halfway through the baking time (at the 15-minute mark), baste the potatoes again with the pan juices. By the end of cooking, the stock should be mostly absorbed, leaving behind the flavorful butter.
Give the potatoes one final baste with the remaining butter in the pan and serve immediately.
For the best results, use starchy potatoes like Russets or King Edwards. If you don't have a round cutter, stand the potato upright and use a sharp knife to shave the sides into a cylinder. Ensure the potatoes are patted very dry before searing to achieve a perfectly crispy crust. For a restaurant-style presentation, serve alongside a steak with béarnaise sauce.




