Swiss Potatoes

Swiss Potatoes

“I have made a lot of mistakes falling in love, and regretted most of them, but never the potatoes that went with them,” Nora Ephron wrote in her novel “Heartburn.” To that end, she offered up this recipe for Swiss potatoes, which is, as she noted, essentially a giant potato pancake, the flipping of which can — and should — be done as dramatically as possible. Make sure to dry the grated potatoes completely before frying them. This recipe serves two people, which is fortuitous because, as Ms. Ephron wrote, “Not just any potato will do when it comes to love.”

Ingredients

  • russet potatoes
    3 ¾ lb
  • butter
    4 tbsp
  • vegetable oil
    1 tbsp
  • coarse salt
    1 tsp

Directions

  1. 1

    Peel potatoes (after each is peeled, place it in a large bowl of cold water to cover to avoid discoloration). Dry potatoes and grate them in a food processor or with a hand grater.

  2. 2

    Spread grated potatoes on sheets of paper towels. Cover with another layer of towels and pat until dry. Repeat until potatoes are completely dry.

  3. 3

    Heat butter and oil in a nine-inch skillet over medium heat. Add potatoes and pat down with a spatula to form a pancake. Cook, uncovered, about 15 minutes, or until the bottom is brown. Slide one spatula underneath the pancake, place another on top and flip it. Add salt and cook five minutes more. Serve warm.

Swiss Potatoes

Swiss Potatoes

937 cal

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About this Recipe

Craving a side dish that's as memorable as it is delicious? Inspired by Nora Ephron’s iconic "Heartburn," these Swiss Potatoes are more than just a dish; they're a perfectly golden, giant potato pancake, designed to be a showstopper for two. Nora Ephron famously quipped about potatoes accompanying her regrettable loves, but never regretting the potatoes themselves—and you won't regret these.

The genius of this recipe, championed by Ms. Ephron herself, lies in one crucial step: ensuring the grated russet potatoes are completely dry before cooking. This meticulous attention prevents mushiness, creating an extraordinarily crispy exterior and a tender, flavorful interior that sets it apart from ordinary potato preparations. It’s the foundation for that perfect, craveable crunch.

Prepare for a truly satisfying experience. You'll enjoy a generously sized, beautifully golden-brown potato pancake, boasting an irresistible crispy crust that yields to a wonderfully soft, savory interior. Each hearty bite delivers the pure, comforting taste of perfectly cooked russet potatoes, enhanced by the richness of butter and the subtle crunch of coarse salt. This substantial side dish provides 937 calories per serving, offering warmth and flavor, and is naturally gluten-free.

The inherent elegance of Nora Ephron's Swiss Potatoes comes from its focused simplicity, highlighting the pure flavor of its few ingredients. While the recipe is perfect as written, you might consider adjusting the coarse salt to your exact preference to achieve your perfect seasoning balance, ensuring every bite is just right for you.

Perfect for a romantic dinner or a special weeknight meal, these Swiss Potatoes serve two people, making them an ideal companion to a simple roasted chicken or a pan-seared steak. Its comforting nature makes any occasion feel a bit more cherished.

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