Potato Ragout
Potato Ragout is a hearty, flavorful dish combining tender potatoes with smoky bacon, aromatic onions, and a touch of tarragon. Perfect for comforting family dinners, it offers a rich blend of savory and tangy flavors, finished with fresh parsley for a bright finish.
Ingredients
- 0.5 lb bacon, sliced, cut into 1/2-inch strips ⓘ
- 2 large onions, coarsely chopped ⓘ
- 1 clove garlic, minced ⓘ
- 3 lb potatoes, peeled and cut into 1-inch cubes ⓘ
- 1 cup chicken stock ⓘ
- 1/2 teaspoon tarragon ⓘ
- salt and pepper to taste ⓘ
- 2 tablespoons white wine vinegar
- 1 tablespoon parsley, chopped ⓘ
- 1 tablespoon olive oil ⓘ
Instructions
- Put bacon in a saucepan, cover with cold water, and bring to a boil.
- Drain bacon and dry on paper towels.
- Saute bacon in a heavy skillet for 3 to 5 minutes.
- Remove all but 2 tablespoons of bacon fat from the skillet.
- Add onions and garlic to the skillet.
- Cook until onions are transparent.
- Add potatoes, chicken stock, tarragon, salt, and pepper to taste.
- Cover and simmer for 15 minutes or until potatoes are tender and liquid is absorbed.
- Add vinegar and olive oil, then toss lightly.
- Sprinkle with chopped parsley and serve hot.
Tips & Substitutions
For a smoky flavor, try using pancetta instead of bacon. You can also add other vegetables like carrots or bell peppers for added nutrition and color. If you're short on time, frozen cubed potatoes can work in a pinch. Adjust the seasoning to your taste, and consider adding a pinch of smoked paprika for an extra depth of flavor.
Serving Suggestions
Serve this hearty potato ragout alongside grilled meats or fish for a balanced meal. It pairs beautifully with Chicken Tarragon for a comforting dinner. A simple green salad or steamed vegetables can complement the richness of the dish, while crusty bread is perfect for soaking up the flavorful broth.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, gently warm in a skillet over low heat, adding a splash of chicken stock if necessary to prevent sticking. Alternatively, you can microwave in short intervals, stirring in between, until heated through.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Potato Ragout contains roughly 977 calories, with 28g protein, 120g carbohydrates, and 47g fat. It is an excellent source of iron (141% of the Daily Value), vitamin C (82% of the Daily Value), and potassium (75% of the Daily Value), and a good source of calcium. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 2119mg per serving (92% of the Daily Value).
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make this dish vegetarian?
Yes, you can substitute the bacon with smoked tempeh or mushrooms for a savory flavor. Use vegetable stock instead of chicken stock to maintain the vegetarian profile. The dish will still be hearty and satisfying without the meat.
What types of potatoes work best for this recipe?
Yukon Gold or Russet potatoes are ideal due to their creamy texture and ability to hold their shape. Avoid waxy potatoes like red potatoes, as they may become too soft and mushy when cooked.
Can I freeze potato ragout?
Freezing is not recommended for potato ragout as the texture of the potatoes can become grainy upon thawing. However, you can freeze the bacon and vegetable mixture without potatoes and add fresh potatoes when reheating.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).