Baked New Potatoes

New potatoes, with their tender skin and delicate flavor, are a delightful addition to any meal. In this recipe, we’ll explore a simple and satisfying way to prepare them. The small new potatoes are first scrubbed clean and then cooked until tender in salted boiling water. To enhance their taste and presentation, we’ll create a creamy white sauce seasoned with salt and pepper. This sauce will be poured over the boiled potatoes in a baking dish or casserole. For an extra touch of richness, a well-beaten egg is added either to the sauce or on top of the dish. A brief stint in the oven sets the egg and adds a delightful texture to the dish. To finish, a sprinkle of chopped parsley adds a pop of freshness and color. Whether you’re serving these new potatoes as a side dish for a family dinner or as part of a special occasion meal, they are sure to please. In this guide, we’ll provide detailed instructions and valuable tips to help you create this creamy and savory side dish.

INGREDIENTS:

• Small new potatoes (scrubbed clean)
• Salt (for boiling water and seasoning)
• 1 tablespoon of flour
• 1 tablespoon of butter
• 1 cup of milk
• Pepper (for seasoning)
• 1 well-beaten egg
• Chopped parsley (for garnish)

INSTRUCTIONS:

1. Cooking the New Potatoes: Start by scrubbing the skin from the small new potatoes to remove any dirt or debris. Place them in a pot of salted boiling water and cook for approximately twenty minutes or until the potatoes are tender when pierced with a fork. Cooking times may vary depending on the size of the potatoes.
2. Preparing the White Sauce: While the potatoes are cooking, prepare the white sauce. In a separate saucepan, melt 1 tablespoon of butter over medium heat. Add 1 tablespoon of flour to the melted butter and stir continuously to create a smooth roux. Continue stirring for a minute or two to cook off the raw flour taste.
3. Creating the Creamy Sauce: Gradually add 1 cup of milk to the roux while stirring constantly to prevent lumps from forming. Season the sauce highly with salt and pepper to taste. Continue to cook and stir the sauce until it thickens and becomes creamy. Remove it from heat once it reaches the desired consistency.
4. Arranging the Potatoes: Once the new potatoes are tender, drain them and arrange them in a baking dish or casserole.
5. Pouring the Sauce: Pour the creamy white sauce over the boiled potatoes, ensuring even coverage. The sauce will infuse the dish with a rich and savory flavor.
6. Adding the Beaten Egg: Next, you have the option to add the well-beaten egg either to the white sauce before pouring it over the potatoes or directly on top of the potatoes in the baking dish.
7. Baking to Set the Egg: Place the baking dish in the oven and bake until the egg is set, and the dish achieves a lovely texture. This step typically takes just long enough to set the egg, which may vary but is usually around ten minutes.
8. Garnishing with Parsley: Before serving, sprinkle the dish with chopped parsley to add a burst of freshness and visual appeal.

TIPS:

• Choose small new potatoes for this dish, as they have a naturally tender texture and a sweet flavor.
• Season the white sauce generously with salt and pepper to ensure the dish has enough flavor.
• If you’re concerned about the egg setting properly, you can use an ovenproof skillet and place it on the stovetop over low heat with a lid to help set the egg before transferring it to the oven.
• Customize the dish by adding grated cheese or a dash of nutmeg to the white sauce for additional flavor.
• Serve these creamy new potatoes as a side dish to complement various main courses, from roasted meats and poultry to vegetarian entrees.
• Leftovers, if any, can be refrigerated and reheated gently in the oven or microwave. Consider adding a bit more white sauce or a splash of milk to maintain the creamy consistency.

Creamy new potatoes with white sauce and a hint of egg are a comforting and satisfying side dish. The combination of tender potatoes, savory sauce, and a touch of parsley creates a dish that is both hearty and elegant. Mastering this recipe will allow you to enjoy the delightful flavors of creamy new potatoes whenever you desire. Savor the creamy goodness and simplicity of this classic dish!