Mock New Potatoes

Transforming old potatoes into a delectable and visually appealing dish is a wonderful way to make the most of your ingredients. In this recipe, we’ll explore how to prepare old potatoes by turning them into small, round potato balls using a Parisian potato cutter. These potato balls are then cooked until tender and bathed in a rich, highly seasoned white sauce with a touch of chopped parsley. This simple yet flavorful dish can elevate any meal, adding a touch of elegance to your table. Whether you’re serving it as a side dish for a special occasion or incorporating it into a weeknight dinner, these potato balls in seasoned white sauce are sure to please. In this guide, we’ll provide detailed instructions and valuable tips to help you create this delightful dish.

INGREDIENTS:

• Large old potatoes
• Highly seasoned white sauce
• Chopped parsley (for garnish)

INSTRUCTIONS:

1. Preparing the Old Potatoes: Begin by peeling the required number of large old potatoes. Choose potatoes that are still firm but may have some aging. This recipe is an excellent way to utilize older potatoes and reduce food waste.
2. Cutting Potato Balls: To create small, round potato balls, use a Parisian potato cutter. This tool, with its unique design, allows you to cut the potatoes into uniform balls. Alternatively, you can carefully shape the potatoes into small, round balls using a knife if you don’t have a Parisian potato cutter.
3. Boiling the Potato Balls: Place the potato balls into a pot of boiling water. Cook them until they are tender but still hold their shape. The cooking time will depend on the size of the potato balls but typically takes around 10-15 minutes. Test a potato ball with a fork to ensure it’s cooked to your desired level of tenderness.
4. Preparing the Highly Seasoned White Sauce: While the potato balls are cooking, prepare the highly seasoned white sauce. This sauce should be rich in flavor and well-seasoned. You can use your favorite white sauce recipe and adjust the seasoning to your taste. Common seasonings include salt, pepper, and a touch of nutmeg.
5. Combining Potato Balls and White Sauce: Once the potato balls are cooked to perfection, drain them and transfer them to a serving dish. Pour the highly seasoned white sauce over the potato balls, ensuring they are well-covered. The sauce will add a layer of creaminess and flavor to the dish.
6. Garnishing with Chopped Parsley: To add a touch of freshness and color, sprinkle the dish with a very small amount of chopped parsley. Parsley not only enhances the visual appeal but also provides a subtle burst of flavor.

TIPS:

• Parisian potato cutters are excellent tools for creating uniform potato balls, but if you don’t have one, you can shape the potato balls by hand. Simply roll the peeled potatoes between your palms to form small, round balls.
• When choosing old potatoes for this recipe, look for those with a few blemishes or spots. These imperfections won’t affect the final dish and are a great way to reduce food waste.
• Customize the highly seasoned white sauce by experimenting with different seasonings. You can add a hint of garlic, a dash of paprika, or even a splash of your favorite hot sauce for an extra kick.
• Serve potato balls in seasoned white sauce as a side dish alongside roasted meats, poultry, or vegetarian entrees. It pairs well with a wide range of main courses.
• Leftovers, if any, can be refrigerated and gently reheated on the stovetop or in the microwave. Consider adding a bit more seasoned white sauce to maintain the dish’s creamy consistency.

Creating potato balls in highly seasoned white sauce is a simple yet elegant way to elevate old potatoes into a flavorful and visually appealing side dish. The combination of tender potato balls and rich, seasoned sauce offers a delightful contrast in textures and flavors. Mastering this recipe will allow you to make the most of your ingredients while enjoying a versatile and delicious dish. Embrace the beauty and simplicity of transforming old potatoes into something special!