Saveur

Photo: Laurie Smith

SERVES 4 - 6

At the Lazy H Smokehouse, cook Velma Willett uses russets—what she calls ''choppers''—for this dish, though she admits that new potatoes are real good too, when you can find them.

6-8 medium russet potatoes
1/2 lb. margarine
2 minced, peeled garlic cloves
Salt and freshly ground black pepper
1/2 cup cold water

1. Peel 6-8 medium russet potatoes, cut lengthwise into thick wedges, and set aside. Melt 1/2 lb. margarine in a large cast-iron or heavy-bottomed skillet over medium-low heat. Add potatoes and 2 minced, peeled garlic cloves, and stir until potatoes are well coated with margarine and garlic. Season to taste with salt and freshly ground black pepper.

2. Pour 1/2 cup cold water over potatoes, cover skillet with a tight-fitting lid, and smother-fry, stirring occasionally, until potatoes are very tender when pierced with a fork, but not falling apart, 45-60 minutes.

This article was first published in Saveur in Issue #43