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Nordic Caramelised Potatoes

Nordic Caramelised Potatoes

Nordic Caramelised Potatoes are a beloved Scandinavian side dish featuring waxy or new potatoes cooked to tender perfection, then coated with a rich, golden caramel crust made from butter and sugar. This recipe delivers a crispy exterior with a creamy inside, balancing sweet caramel flavor with a touch of salt. Ideal for pairing with meats, fish, or vegetarian dishes, it’s simple, versatile, and perfect for both beginners and seasoned cooks wanting to master authentic Nordic flavors.

Ingredients

Scale

Potatoes

  • 600g waxy or new potatoes

Caramel Sauce

  • 3 tbsp unsalted butter
  • 4 tbsp granulated sugar
  • 2 tbsp water
  • Salt, to taste

Instructions

  1. Prepare and Boil the Potatoes: Wash the potatoes thoroughly. Boil them whole with skins on in salted water for 15-20 minutes until just tender but not falling apart. This will give you a firm yet fluffy texture inside.
  2. Cool and Peel: Drain the potatoes and let them cool sufficiently to handle. Peel the skins off gently, keeping the potatoes mostly intact for even caramelisation.
  3. Rough Up the Surface: Gently shake or toss the peeled potatoes in a colander to roughen their surface. This creates more texture for the caramel to cling to, helping crispiness.
  4. Prepare the Caramel Sauce: In a frying pan, melt the butter over medium heat. Sprinkle the sugar evenly and add a small amount of water. Stir continuously until the sugar dissolves and turns golden brown, forming a sweet caramel coating.
  5. Caramelise the Potatoes: Add the potatoes to the pan and gently turn them to coat each piece with the bubbling caramel. Cook until deep golden and crispy on all sides, turning frequently to prevent burning.
  6. Season and Serve: Sprinkle with salt to balance the sweetness and toss gently. Serve immediately to enjoy the best texture and flavor.

Notes

  • Use waxy potatoes for better shape retention and creamy texture.
  • Cooling potatoes before peeling keeps them firm and easier to handle.
  • Maintain medium heat to caramelise sugar evenly without burning.
  • Toss gently to avoid breaking the potatoes.
  • Add salt at the end to preserve the caramel’s shiny finish and enhance flavor.
  • Potatoes can be stored refrigerated for up to 3 days; reheat in oven or skillet to restore crispiness.
  • Freezing is not recommended as it affects the caramel coating.

Nutrition

Keywords: Nordic caramelised potatoes, Scandinavian potatoes, caramelised potatoes recipe, crispy caramel potatoes, side dish, vegan option