Crisp Smashed Potatoes With Fried Onions And Parsley Recipes

Steps:

• Fill a large mixing bowl with cold water. With a swivel-bladed vegetable peeler, peel each potato and remove any "eyes," then cut it in quarters with a sharp knife and put in the bowl of water.
• Put the potatoes in a large pot and add cold water to cover them. Salt the water. Over high heat, bring the water to a boil, skimming off foam that rises to the surface; then reduce the heat to maintain a simmer and cook the potatoes just until tender enough to be pierced easily with a skewer or a sharp knife tip.
• While the potatoes are boiling, prepare the onions: In a deep-fryer or a deep, heavy saucepan, heat about 3 inches of oil to 375 degrees F. Lightly dust the onion rings with flour and carefully drop them into the hot oil, cooking them in batches if necessary to avoid overcrowding. Fry them until golden, 3 to 5 minutes, removing them with a slotted spoon or wire skimmer to drain on paper towels. Season lightly with salt and keep warm.
• When the potatoes are done, drain them immediately. Using a ricer or a food mill, puree the potatoes into a mixing bowl. Add the nutmeg, 8 tablespoons of the butter, and the hot cream. With a wooden spoon, stir them into the potatoes. Season, to taste, with salt and pepper.
• Mound the potatoes in a heated serving bowl. Put the remaining butter in a saucepan or skillet and, over medium-high heat, melt it and continue cooking just until it turns golden brown. Lightly season the butter with salt and immediately drizzle it over the potatoes.
• Pile the crispy onions on top of the mashed potatoes. Garnish with parsley and serve immediately.

Steps:

• Place a steamer basket in a large pot filled with an inch of water and add the potatoes and salt. Cover and bring to a boil over medium heat. Steam until the potatoes are just tender when pierced with a paring knife, about 25 minutes. (Don't overcook: they won't hold together when flattened.) Remove the basket and let the potatoes cool enough to be handled.
• Gently squeeze the potatoes, one at a time, between your palms so that they flatten slightly but remain in one piece (some will break, but they can still be used). Pour 1/4 inch of oil into a medium frying pan set over medium-high heat. Add the potatoes in batches to avoid crowding, and fry on both sides until crisp and browned, 2 to 3 minutes per side. Drain on a plate lined with paper towels. Arrange on a platter and sprinkle with sea salt.