How to Make Perfect Parisian Potatoes: A Culinary Delight

Parisian potatoes, also known as pommes Parisienne, are an elegant and visually stunning side dish that elevates any meal. These buttery, golden, and crispy potato balls add sophistication to your plate, making them perfect for special occasions or date nights. In this blog, we’ll explore the steps to make Parisian potatoes, answer common questions, and delve into the techniques that make this dish exceptional.

What Are Parisienne Potatoes Made Of?

Parisian potatoes are simply small, spherical potato balls carved from whole potatoes using a melon baller. Traditionally, waxy potatoes like Yukon Gold are preferred because they hold their shape better during cooking. These potato balls are then parboiled in salted water, dried, and fried or roasted until golden brown and crispy. The key ingredients for Parisian potatoes include:

• Potatoes (preferably waxy varieties like Yukon Gold)

• Clarified butter or a mixture of butter and oil

• Kosher or sea salt

• Optional seasonings like pepper, garlic, or herbs

Their simplicity and versatility make them a classic choice for bistro-inspired meals.

Yukon Potato

The History of Parisian Potatoes

Parisian potatoes originated in French cuisine, where attention to detail and presentation are paramount. The dish’s charm lies in its unique round shape, achieved through the use of a Parisian scoop (a type of melon baller). This technique not only enhances the visual appeal but also ensures even cooking. While the recipe may be labor-intensive, it exemplifies the artistry of French cooking, where even humble ingredients like potatoes can become works of culinary art.

France where Parisian potatoes originated

Why Do You Need to Soak Potatoes Before Baking?

Soaking potatoes before baking or frying removes excess starch, which helps achieve a crispier texture. This step is especially important for Parisian potatoes, as it prevents them from sticking together and ensures they develop a golden-brown crust when cooked. Here’s how soaking works:

1. Reduces Starch: Soaking the potato balls in cold water eliminates surface starch, which can create a gummy texture during cooking.

2. Improves Crispness: By soaking and thoroughly drying the potatoes, you promote better caramelization and a crispier exterior.

3. Prevents Discoloration: Soaking keeps the potatoes from oxidizing and turning brown before cooking.

For Parisian potatoes, this step ensures that each spherical bite is perfectly golden and fluffy on the inside.

Step-by-Step Recipe for Parisian Potatoes

Ingredients

• 3 pounds waxy potatoes (e.g., Yukon Gold), washed and peeled

• 4 cups cold water

• 2 tablespoons kosher salt

• 3 tablespoons clarified butter (or a mix of butter and oil)

• Optional: black pepper, garlic salt, or fresh herbs for seasoning

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Instructions

Step 1: Scoop the Potatoes

Using a Parisian scoop, carve out small, spherical potato balls from the peeled potatoes. Aim for 8–10 balls per potato. Avoid scooping too closely together to ensure perfectly round shapes. Set the leftover potato pieces aside for another use, such as potato pancakes or mashed potatoes.

Step 2: Soak the Potato Balls

Place the potato balls into a bowl of cold water immediately after scooping. This prevents discoloration and removes excess starch. Let them soak for at least 15 minutes.

Step 3: Parboil the Potatoes

Add the potato balls, water, and kosher salt to a large pot. Stir and bring to a boil over medium-high heat. Once the water reaches a boil, cook the potatoes for just 2–4 minutes. They should still be firm but no longer raw.

Step 4: Cool and Dry

Drain the potato balls and spread them out in a single layer on a plate lined with paper towels. Allow them to cool to room temperature. Ensuring the potatoes are completely dry is crucial for achieving a crispy exterior during cooking.

Step 5: Fry or Roast

• Frying: Heat clarified butter in a skillet over medium heat. Add the dry potato balls and cook, stirring frequently, until golden brown and crispy on all sides (about 7–10 minutes).

• Roasting: Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C). Toss the parboiled potatoes with melted butter, oil, salt, and optional seasonings. Spread them evenly in an oven-safe dish or skillet and roast for 25–30 minutes, stirring occasionally.

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Step 6: Serve and Enjoy

Serve the Parisian potatoes immediately as a side dish with steak, chicken, or seafood. Their crispy exterior and fluffy interior pair beautifully with rich, savory mains.

What Is Parisienne Cooking?

Parisienne cooking refers to culinary techniques and dishes inspired by the classic French style. It emphasizes elegance, precision, and the use of high-quality ingredients. Parisian potatoes are a quintessential example of Parisienne cooking, showcasing meticulous preparation and beautiful presentation. The hallmark of this style is turning everyday ingredients into refined, visually appealing dishes that delight the palate.

Recipe Variations and Tips

Variations

1. Herbed Parisian Potatoes: Add fresh herbs like rosemary, thyme, or parsley during the roasting process for a fragrant touch.

2. Cheesy Parisian Potatoes: Sprinkle grated Parmesan or Gruyère cheese over the potatoes in the final minutes of roasting.

3. Spiced Parisian Potatoes: Season with smoked paprika, garlic powder, or red pepper flakes for a bold flavor profile.

   
   
   
   

Pro Tips

• Always use a waxy potato variety to maintain the shape of the potato balls during cooking.

• Don’t skip the parboiling step; it ensures the interior becomes tender while the exterior crisps up.

• Clarified butter is ideal for frying, as it has a higher smoke point than regular butter, preventing burning.

What Technique Yields a Beautifully Browned Lyonnaise Potato?

While Parisian potatoes and Lyonnaise potatoes are distinct dishes, they share a focus on crispy, golden exteriors. The key technique for beautifully browned Lyonnaise potatoes is pan-frying pre-cooked potato slices in butter, often with caramelized onions. To achieve this:

1. Boil the potatoes until just tender, then slice them into even rounds.

2. Fry the slices in butter over medium heat, turning occasionally to ensure even browning.

3. Add caramelized onions for a rich, savory flavor.

   
   

This method produces a similar crispy exterior and soft interior, making Lyonnaise potatoes another French classic worth trying.

Frequently Asked Questions

What Makes Parisian Potatoes Special?

The round shape of Parisian potatoes makes them unique and visually appealing. They are a perfect example of how presentation can elevate a simple ingredient like potatoes into a gourmet side dish.

Can I Make Parisian Potatoes Ahead of Time?

Yes! You can parboil the potato balls and store them in the refrigerator for up to a day. Just ensure they are completely dry before frying or roasting to maintain their crispiness.

What Can I Use Instead of Clarified Butter?

If you don’t have clarified butter, a mix of regular butter and oil works well. You can also use duck fat for a richer, more traditional flavor.

Where can I get Parisian Potatoes in Toronto?

There are a few places that you can get Parisian potatoes in Toronto or the GTA area if you're ever craving them! Our top 3 recommendations are below:

1. Churrasqueira Costa Verde

   1. Address: 3737 Major MacKenzie Dr W, Woodbridge, ON L4H 0A2

2. Churrasqueira Red Rooster Portuguese BBQ

   1. Address: 2354 Major MacKenzie Dr. #1, Maple, ON L6A 1W2

3. Pollo Loco Churrasqueria

   1. Address: 9661 Jane St, Vaughan, ON L6A 3X5

4. Churrasqueira Martins Grill House

   1. Address: 605 Rogers Rd # 1, York, ON M6M 1B9

Parisian Potatoes

Conclusion

Making Parisian potatoes is a rewarding endeavor that brings the elegance of French cuisine to your home kitchen. While the preparation may require a bit of effort, the results are well worth it. Their golden, buttery exterior and tender, fluffy interior make them a standout side dish for any meal. Whether you’re cooking for a romantic date night or a dinner party, Parisian potatoes are sure to impress. So, gather your ingredients, grab your melon baller, and give this classic French recipe a try. You can view our menu where we offer parisian potatoes here! Bon appétit!