Warm potato salads are a fantastic option, and pair perfectly with grilled or roasted meats of all kinds. They add a whole new dimension to any backyard barbecue, and because they are served warm (room temperature is fine), and contain no mayonnaise, they are easily portable and make a great pot luck dish.
The vinegar and maple syrup in this dish combine with chopped onions, garlic, BACON and thyme to make a delicious vinaigrette poured over the warm potatoes. Anything with bacon is better, right?
Just like my Bavarian Potato Salad, the warm potatoes absorb some of the vinaigrette, making it a delicious, tasty side dish.
RECIPE
Ingredients
1 1/2-2 lbs small red or Yukon Gold potatoes (peeling optional)
2 tbls olive oil
6 slices bacon, chopped
1/2 medium onion chopped
1/4 cup apple cider vinegar
1/4 cup pure maple syrup
1/4 - 1/2 tsp garlic, minced
1/2 tsp fresh thyme removed from stem and chopped (or use dried thyme leaves)
Salt and pepper to taste
Method
Preheat oven to 400 degrees. Peel (if desired) and quarter potatoes (or cut into slightly smaller pieces) and place in a large bowl. Drizzle with olive oil and sprinkle evenly with salt and pepper, tossing to coat potatoes. Spoon potatoes onto a rimmed baking sheet, and bake for 25 minutes or until tender, turning potatoes half way through baking time to ensure even roasting.
While potatoes are baking, make the vinaigrette. In a medium pan, cook the bacon on medium-high heat until browned and crisp. Remove bacon with a slotted spoon and place on paper towel. Drain all but 1 tbls grease from the pan.
In the remaining bacon grease, sauté the onion until soft. Add the vinegar, maple syrup, garlic, thyme and half of the bacon and simmer over medium heat for 5-10 minutes, until slightly reduced. Set aside until potatoes are cooked.
When potatoes are cooked, toss with vinaigrette and garnish with remaining bacon and additional thyme if desired. Serve warm.
Yield: 4 servings
Recipe adapted from The Recipe Rebel
Also seen on Meal Plan Monday
Enjoy,
Mary
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