I have been absent from posting and commenting for a little while and I must apologize to all of you that I follow. For a moment there I lost my “mojo” and was a little out of it as I lost my job and was feeling blue. That being put aside, I am ready to cook and comment. Also, I will be leaving for about three weeks to Puerto Rico, my lovely island, to visit with my dear and cherished friend that has not been feeling well and will be posting from there.
Now to the potatoes…potatoes are a staple of Spain’s diet. This Castilian dish is “important” enough to be a meal in itself.
Adapted from Joyce Goldstein’s Savoring Spain and Portugal Cookbook
Ingredients:
Olive oil for deep-frying
3 eggs
1 to 1-1/2 cups all-purpose flour, plus one tablespoon of flour for later use
4 russet potatoes, peeled and sliced into 1/2 inch thick
1 large yellow onion, finely chopped
5 – 6 garlic coves, minced or though a garlic press
2 cups of peeled, seeded and chopped tomatoes (fresh or canned)
pinch of sugar
2 cups of beef stock
3 sprigs of fresh thyme and more for garnish
salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
In a wide, deep-frying pan, pour olive oil to a depth of two inches. While oil is heating, break eggs into a bowl and whisk until blended. Spread flour on plate.
- When oil is ready, working in batches, dip the potatoes into beaten eggs and then into flour and slip them into hot oil. Cook in batches until the potatoes are golden. Transfer them to a “cazuela“or a large frying pan and set aside.
Drain all but 2 tablespoons of the olive oil and place over heat.Clean pan and add the 2 tablespoons of olive oil (I did not want to use the oil because it was full of flour residue) then add the onions and the garlic and sauté until tender. Add the tomatoes until slightly thickened, about 5 minutes. If the tomato tastes tart add the sugar. Stir in the tablespoon of flour, then pour the mixture over the potatoes.
- Pour the stock over e potatoes and season with salt and pepper. Place over low heat and cook, uncovered, until tender, about 35 – 40 minutes. Serve hot directly from the cazuela or pan.
I could not serve only potatoes to my husband so I made grilled lemon/garlic pork chops. What a lucky man!
BUEN PROVECHO!
platanosmangoes.com 
Interesting dish…I’ve never seen it and I like the way you presented it on the plate. Looks great!
Thank you for your recipe, it looks wunnerful!!! Yes, loosing one’s mojo happens, after many years of writing a culinary column for an Italian newspaper I was terminated (or as the English say “redundant” Huh?). For a year I was in a funk but just this week my Italian niece-in-law demanded that we start a culinary blog together, the prospect has made me a happy-camper… I promise you Mr. or Ms Mojo does return… I will try Patatas a la Importancia tomorrow when my lady and I host a dinner for several folks, again, thank you.
I’m sorry to hear the news about your job, but I’m sure that with your energy, something better is on the way….I love your potatoes!!! I love Spanish food…I’m going to visit a friend in San Sebastian in September..Enjoy “la isla bonita”
So much to comment on Norma. I am so sorry to hear about your job, partner that with losing your blog to Blogger, I can see why your “mojo” would be down. The trip to Puerto Rico will revitalize your creativity. A bug bear hug my friend. As for the potatoes I am in!!
I’m sorry you’ve hit a bumpy patch, Norma, but please know that your friends, both virtual and otherwise, are behind you 110%! I hope your trip to Puerto Rico recharges your batteries.
These potatoes look delicious! I’ll definitely give this dish a try.
Oh my! This. Looks. Delicious! Will have to try the recipe, soon.
I love the name of your blog. I LOVE plantains and mangoes — two of my favorite foods. 😉
Have a fun and relaxing time in P.R.
Glad to see you back. Papas en cazuela. And may I say, lovely presentation. Que elegante.
Your man is a lucky dude for sure. To have you!
Keep smiling,
Quidate
I’m so sorry to hear about your job and your friend, Norma! I hope things come good soon for you.
I love the name of this dish – Potatoes of Importance! 🙂
A lucky man indeed! The potatoes look and sound marvelous Norma! I’m so sorry about your job. Sending a big hug your way! xoxo
This looks so yummy…I think I’ll attempt it!
I miss you…
Enjoy P.R. for the both of us as I don’t see a vacation in my future!!!
I love the presentation of them all stacked up. Your hubby IS a lucky man.
I’m so sorry about the loss of your job. That just means something better is about to come along! Hope your friend feels better soon. Have fun!