Ep 22. The French Chef: The Potato Show

The French Chef with Julia Child season 1 episode 22, titled "The French Chef: The Potato Show," focuses on the versatile and beloved potato. Julia Child guides viewers through various potato dishes, including mashed potatoes, French potatoes, and potato latkes. Throughout the episode, Julia offers helpful tips and tricks for preparing potatoes, such as the importance of choosing the right type of potato for each dish and the proper way to peel and cut them.

The episode begins with Julia demonstrating how to make classic mashed potatoes. She emphasizes the importance of boiling the potatoes in their skins to prevent them from becoming waterlogged, which can result in soggy mashed potatoes. She also highlights the importance of using a ricer or food mill to achieve the perfect texture. For added flavor, Julia suggests adding butter and cream to the mashed potatoes.

Next, Julia moves on to French potatoes, a classic French dish that involves thinly sliced potatoes layered with butter, cream, and garlic. She demonstrates the proper way to slice the potatoes, discussing the importance of uniform thickness to ensure even cooking. Julia also shows viewers how to create a parchment paper lid to prevent the potatoes from drying out while cooking in the oven.

The episode then turns to potato latkes, a traditional Jewish dish made with grated potatoes, onions, and eggs. Julia stresses the importance of wringing out as much moisture from the grated potatoes and onions as possible to prevent soggy latkes. She also demonstrates the proper way to shape the latkes and fry them until golden brown for the perfect crispy texture.

Throughout the episode, Julia offers additional tips and tricks for preparing potatoes, such as the importance of using a sharp knife to ensure even slicing and the proper way to sear potatoes to achieve a crispy exterior. She also discusses the history and significance of potatoes in French cuisine, noting that they became popular in France in the late 18th century and are now a staple ingredient in many French dishes.

Overall, "The French Chef: The Potato Show" is a delightful episode that celebrates the versatility and deliciousness of potatoes. Julia Child's clear and engaging instructions make it easy for viewers to follow along and master these classic dishes in their own kitchens.