Onion-Free Cartofi Țărănești
Cartofi țărănești — literally “peasant potatoes” or “rustic potatoes” — are a simple Romanian preparation of potatoes cooked with onion, smoked pork, paprika, garlic, and herbs. Since onion is off the table for us, rather than replacing it with another vegetable, we’re going to preserve the basic character of the dish by leaning on rendered smoked pork, garlic, sweet paprika, and a very small amount of asafoetida.
The result should still taste distinctly like a rustic Romanian potato dish, with browned potatoes, smoky pork, and paprika taking center stage.
Ingredients
Instructions
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Peel the potatoes and cut them into roughly 1-inch pieces. Place them in salted water, bring to a gentle boil, and cook until they are about three-quarters done — tender around the outside but still firm enough to hold together.
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Drain very well and allow them to steam-dry for several minutes. A dry surface will help them brown later.
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Meanwhile, place the diced smoked pork in a large skillet over medium-low heat. Cook slowly until the fat has rendered and the meat has begun to brown around the edges.
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If there isn't much rendered fat in the pan, add a tablespoon or so of oil.
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Add the asafoetida directly to the hot fat and stir for about 10 seconds. Add the garlic and cook briefly, just until fragrant.
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Lower the heat slightly and add the sweet paprika. Stir for only a few seconds so the paprika blooms in the fat without scorching.
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Immediately add the drained potatoes.
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Toss gently to coat them in the seasoned fat, then spread them into a relatively even layer. Increase the heat to medium and allow the potatoes to sit undisturbed for several minutes so they develop a browned crust.
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Turn the potatoes carefully and continue cooking until several sides are browned and the centers are completely tender.
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Taste before adding salt — the smoked pork may already provide quite a bit.
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Finish with plenty of black pepper and the chopped parsley.
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Serve hot, with sour cream at the table if desired.
