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Serve your guests something so much better than mashed potatoes with this recipe for Easy Saffron Potato Casserole. Comfort food at its best!
Serve with breaded chicken cutlets and a side of roasted asparagus for an easy weeknight meal.
I love saffron! I mean LOVE it! I am crazy about the sweet warmth it brings to a dish, and I’m always looking for new ways to use it.
Years ago, I had a cod dish that was served on top of saffron potatoes and I can’t tell you how amazing it was! This recipe is my take on that meal.
Why This Recipe Works
- A touch of garlic adds flavor without overpowering the dish.
- Adding saffron to the stock gives this dish not only an extra subtle flavor but gives it a gorgeous golden color.
- Baking the dish in the oven gives it a wonderful crispy topping that is a delight to serve.
- The mild flavors used in this dish bake into the potatoes, making it a beautifully comforting side.
Potatoes don’t have to be boring; this recipe is an example of how to dress up your dinners with little effort. Thin slices of potato cooked in the oven with a delicate saffron sauce– it’s the most delicious of side dishes.
What is Saffron
Saffron is a spice from the Crocus flower, also known as the saffron crocus. It has a vivid red stigma and style called threads. They are collected and dried to use for flavor cooking. Saffron is the most expensive spice by weight.
It’s well worth buying a good quality brand such as Mazaeus, which is my favorite as it’s rich in color and flavor.
Which Potatoes Are Best
Any white potato will work with this recipe. However, not all potatoes are equal, so if you would like your dish to be a cut above, consider the following:
Russets are great because they hold their shape. They are easily identified by their brown skin and long shape. They have a white to light yellow flesh and are packed with nutrition, They are a popular choice.
Yukon Gold is a variety of white potatoes that is round and medium-sized, with a thin, tender pale yellow skin. They have creamy flesh with a buttery flavor that is great for any potato bake or casserole.
How To Make Easy Saffron Potato Casserole
- Cook the garlic until brown. Add the stock and saffron, simmer to steep.
- Mix the flour with the melted butter until smooth mix with the stock over high heat to thicken.
- Season to taste and add the parsley to the mixture.
- Slice the potatoes, add to a baking dish, and pour over the stock.
- Bake until golden brown.
Step By Step Instructions
In a saucepan, heat the oil and cook the garlic until just browned.
Add the stock to the pan.
Add saffron and simmer for five minutes.
In a bowl, mix flour and butter until smooth, then add the mixture to the stock over high heat, and bring to a boil to thicken.
Slice the potatoes
Add potatoes to the casserole dish, seasoning well between layers.
Add the parsley, pour the stock mixture over the potatoes, and bake for 30 to 40 minutes until the potatoes are tender.
Serve and enjoy.
Make ahead, Storing & Freezing ?
- Make Ahead: Prepare the casserole as instructed, then instead of baking, cover with foil and store in the fridge for up to three days. Bake when ready to use. This keeps the casserole from drying out as it could if baked ahead.
- Freezing: Freeze the cooked dish wrapped well in a layer of plastic wrap and a layer of foil for up to three months. Thaw overnight and reheat in the oven until warmed through.
- Storing: Store leftovers in the fridge for up to four days.
Recipe Variations
- To make your casserole suitable for vegetarians, switch the chicken stock with vegetable stock.
- Add cooked chicken to your casserole to fill it out for the ultimate comfort food.
- Try adding other herbs to the stock, such as rosemary or cilantro (these pair very well with saffron).
Erren’s Top Tips
- When adding a flour mixture to thicken, it must come to a boil in order to thicken the sauce. Stir well and bring to a boil.
- Always make sure your potatoes are sliced into similar thicknesses to enable an even cook.
FAQs
What exactly is a casserole?
Casserole refers to large, deep bowls, pots, or pans with a lid often used to cook and serve food. A casserole describes various dishes usually cooked in the same way.
Did you make this?
Recipe
Easy Saffron Potato Casserole
Ingredients
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 cloves garlic (minced)
- 1½ cups chicken stock
- ½ teaspoon saffron threads
- 2 tablespoons butter (melted, plus more for greasing the pan)
- 1 tablespoon flour
- fresh parsley (a good handful, chopped)
- 2 pounds potatoes ((russet or any favorite potato of your choice) peeled & sliced)
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 400 degrees F.
- Grease a casserole dish with butter.
- In a saucepan, heat the oil and cook the garlic until it just starts to brown. Add the stock, add the saffron, and simmer for 5 minutes.
- In a small bowl, mix flour and butter until smooth then add to the stock and mix over high heat and bring to a boil to thicken.
- Taste the sauce and season with salt and pepper to taste; add the parsley, remove from the heat and set aside.
- Slice the potatoes into thin, evenly sized slices, and add them to the casserole dish in layers (seasoning with salt and pepper in between layers). Pour the stock evenly over the potatoes. Bake for 30 to 40 minutes or until the potatoes are tender and the top is golden brown. Serve hot.
Tips
- When adding a flour mixture to thicken, it must come to a boil in order to thicken the sauce. Stir well and bring to a boil.
- Always ensure your potatoes are sliced into similar thicknesses to enable an even cook.
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