Salt Encrusted New Potatoes with Mustard-Mayo Dip


Have I told you how incredible of a cook my step-father was?  He took me to farmer's markets long before it was cool.  We would usually spend the day preparing what had bought.  His style of cooking was one with simplicity and robust flavors.  One of my favorite simple dishes he made was this dish.  Red potatoes work the best with their natural sweetness.  He would boil the potatoes whole in a saturated solution of salt water, so much salt in the water that would did not dissolve.  Then upon draining them, sprinkle some more salt on them while still hot; this crystallized the salt crust on the outside.  Then allow them to cool.  He would accompany these little gems with a creamy mayonnaise dip with mustard flour in it for a kick.  If you want the dip a little more cream, try using a bit of Greek yogurt in place of the mayo - say one-quarter substitution.  This is perfect snacking food.

 Ingredients:
small red potatoes
salt, lots of it, maybe 1 cup
1 teaspoon Colman's mustard flour/powder (yes, it's GF)
1/2 cup of mayonnaise (& Greek yogurt, optional)

Directions:
Wash the potatoes without affecting the skins.  In a medium/large sauce pan, combine water and salt.  Stir, if all the salt dissolves - add more.  Add in the potatoes.  Boil over medium heat until fork tender, about 20-30 minutes depending on size.  Drain into a spacious colander.  Immediately sprinkle more salt on potatoes while tossing to dry and coat the potatoes evenly with salt.  Allow to dry and cool.

In a small bowl, place the mustard.  Add in only about 1 tablespoon of the mayo and mix well.  This ensures the mustard flour/powder gets evenly distributed and does not clump up with unfortunate (for someone) "hot spots" of mustard.  All the remaining mayo and/or yogurt to taste.  As you can see, this recipe to perfect for small or large crowds.  Scale accordingly and enjoy!

-Erin Swing
The Sensitive Epicure

This is part of Food Network's Summer Fest. Check out The FN Dish.  The summer produce we're focusing on here are potatoes.  On twitter, we're tagging #SummerFest. Here are other delicious potato recipes to try out:



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