Stewed Potatoes with Smoked Bacon: A Comforting Classic

There’s something truly special about the combination of tender, buttery potatoes and the rich, smoky aroma of crispy bacon. It’s the kind of meal that warms you from the inside out, filling your kitchen with irresistible flavours. This stewed potato dish is easy to make and incredibly satisfying, perfect for a comforting family dinner.

Servings: 4 portions

Ingredients:

  • 5 medium potatoes
  • 200g smoked bacon (or smoked pork belly)
  • 1 large onion
  • 2 cloves of garlic
  • 1 large carrot
  • 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
  • 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
  • ½ teaspoon dried thyme
  • 1 bay leaf
  • 500ml vegetable or chicken broth
  • Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
  • Fresh parsley for garnish

Instructions:

  1. Prep the Ingredients: Peel the potatoes and cut them into medium-sized cubes. Dice the smoked bacon into small chunks. Slice the onion and carrot, and mince the garlic. This preparation sets the stage for a smooth cooking process.
  2. Sauté for Maximum Flavour: In a large pot or Dutch oven, heat the vegetable oil over medium heat. Add the diced bacon and cook until it’s crispy and golden. The rendered fat will be your flavour base! If there’s an excessive amount of fat, you can carefully remove some, leaving just enough to coat the bottom of the pot. Now, add the sliced onions, minced garlic, and sliced carrots. Sauté these aromatics until they are soft and fragrant, about 5-7 minutes. Their sweetness will balance the savoury bacon.
  3. Time to Add the Potatoes: Toss the potato cubes into the pot, stirring well to coat them with all those delicious bacon juices and rendered fat. Sprinkle in the smoked paprika and dried thyme, and add the bay leaf for an extra layer of aromatic depth. Stir everything together for about a minute, allowing the spices to toast slightly and release their aromas.
  4. Let It Simmer: Pour in the vegetable or chicken broth. Give it a good stir to combine all the ingredients. Bring the liquid to a gentle simmer. Once simmering, cover the pot and cook for 25-30 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the potatoes are tender and infused with that incredible smoky goodness. You can easily check for doneness by piercing a potato cube with a fork.
  5. Final Seasonings: Once the potatoes are tender, taste the stew and adjust the seasoning with salt and black pepper as needed. Remember, bacon can be salty, so add salt gradually. Remove the bay leaf before serving. Give the stew a final stir.
  6. Serve & Enjoy: Ladle the hot stewed potatoes into bowls. Garnish generously with freshly chopped parsley. The vibrant green of the parsley will add a lovely fresh contrast. This dish pairs wonderfully with a slice of rustic bread to soak up all the flavorful broth, or a fresh green salad for a balanced meal.

Stewed potatoes with smoked bacon is the perfect balance of rustic simplicity and deep, rich flavours. It’s truly a dish that speaks to the soul.

I’d love to hear how you make it your own! Perhaps you’ll add a touch of cream for extra richness, or a sprinkle of fresh dill for a different herbaceous note. Enjoy your cooking adventure!

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