This is a very famous dish in Central New York (CNY), and it’s said to be around since 1800. According to Syracuse history, this dish is attributed to salt miners in the area, many of whom were Irish and with a propensity towards potatoes, known to throw a few spuds into the boiling brine for a quick, warm, and filling lunch. You may think it is just some ordinary boiled potato recipe, but that’s the catch; there IS a difference. In the cooking process, the salty water forms a crust in the salt potato’s skin and seals it which prevents potatoes from tasting waterlogged as ordinary boiled potatoes sometimes do; as result salt potatoes have a unique texture very similar to that of a baked potato. This dish is so common you can even find it in bundles, a sack of potatoes that comes with a salt packet with the right amount for that amount of potatoes.
This dish is very easy to infuse as you can serve these potatoes drenched in a nice compound butter made with infused butter or just plain infused butter. Is not until you’ve drained the potatoes and watched as the sparkly, salty crust developed; then dunked or doused them in butter and herbs and bitten into their tender centers that you realize that Syracuse Salt Potatoes are so much more than just salty potatoes. They’re the absolute perfect version of boiled potatoes.
Ingredients:
3 pounds of potatoes (I use creamer or baby potatoes)
1 cup of kosher salt
4 tbsp unsalted butter
1 gallon of water
Fresh chopped herbs of your preference
Method:
Mix the salt and water in a big pot. Mix until the salt completely dissolves.
Add the potatoes.
Bring to a boil in HIGH heat and then let simmer until potatoes are fully cooked (fork tender) and about a quarter of the water has evaporated, approx 25-30 minutes.
Drain the water and place them on a plate to let cool and make a salty crust, then pour the melted butter on top. Pairs perfect with a Chardonnay by themselves or really anything you want. I can’t think of something this does not go well with, that’s how good they are.
Enjoy!
The author shall not be liable for any damage or injury alleged to be caused, directly or indirectly, by the information provided here. Neither is responsible for any allergic reaction or adverse reaction to any ingredient (including infusions). No legal, nutritional, or medical advice is intended with this information, and under no circumstances should any infused product be given to children without professional medical guidance.