ROAST POTATO WREATH
Here’s a pretty and decorative idea for the humble roast potato.
Take some potatoes, slice thinly, smother in garlic oil, pack tightly together and roast in a hot oven. When done, form them into a wreath shape, while trying to resist pinching the best crispy bits. Add some green and red garnish and you have a Christmas decoration for the table and something lovely to go with the main course.
We think you’ll agree it’s the best wreath you’ll ever eat!
Caren
ROAST POTATO WREATH
Serves 10
4 garlic cloves, left whole
200 ml olive oil
4 kilos desiree potatoes, of similar size and shape
Sea salt
Red and green foliage
Preheat oven to 200°C. Have at the ready 2 baking sheets or shallow baking pans.
Lightly crush garlic cloves with the back of a knife then place them, along with the oil, in a small saucepan and heat gently until the garlic begins to sizzle. Remove from the heat and set aside to steep for 1 hour.
Peel the potatoes and slice off the ends and base of each potato. This will help the potatoes to sit stably. Using a mandolin, cut each potato into 2-3mm slices, trying to keep each potato’s slices bundled together. Lightly salt each bundle.
Brush some of the garlic olive oil onto the bases of the 2 baking sheets.
Transfer the bundles to the baking sheets, placing them base down, and making straight lines of potatoes. The overall pattern won’t be perfect but this adds to the final rustic look of the wreath.
Brush the remaining oil over the slices, spreading them slightly so the oil seeps between the slices. Discard the garlic cloves. Salt the top of the potatoes.
Roast for 40 minutes then increase the temperature to 220°C. Continue roasting another 30-40 minutes or until the potatoes are golden brown, crisp on the edges and a knife easily pierces the slices. Cooking times may vary according to what else is being baked in the oven at the time.
Transfer the potatoes to 2 serving dishes and shape them into wreaths. Alternatively, leave the potatoes in lines.
Garnish the wreaths with some green and red foliage as a festive flourish.