Name: Mary Berry Lyonnaise Potatoes
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 40 min
Total time: 55 min
Yield: 4
Cuisine: French
Ingredients: Potatoes (1 kg, thinly sliced): Waxy potatoes like Maris Piper or Yukon Gold work best for this dish.; Onions (2 large, thinly sliced): Add a sweet, caramelized flavor to balance the potatoes.; Butter (50g): Used to sauté the onions and potatoes, adding a rich, golden finish.; Olive oil (2 tablespoons): Helps the potatoes crisp up without burning.; Fresh parsley (1 tablespoon, chopped): Adds a fresh, herbal note to the dish.; Salt and pepper (to taste): Essential for seasoning and enhancing the flavors.

Mary Berry’s Lyonnaise Potatoes is a simple yet elegant dish that combines tender, thinly sliced potatoes with sweet, caramelized onions, all sautéed to golden perfection. This French-inspired side dish is perfect for pairing with roast meats, grilled fish, or even as a standalone vegetarian meal. Mary Berry’s take on Lyonnaise Potatoes is light, flavorful, and a great addition to any meal, bringing a touch of classic French cuisine to your table.

What is Mary Berry Lyonnaise Potatoes?

Mary Berry’s Lyonnaise Potatoes is her version of the traditional French dish, which layers soft, sautéed onions with thinly sliced potatoes. The dish is cooked slowly until the potatoes are crispy on the outside and tender on the inside. The onions add a sweetness that balances the earthiness of the potatoes, making this a simple yet sophisticated side. Mary Berry’s version focuses on achieving the perfect balance of textures, ensuring that the potatoes are both crispy and creamy.

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Why You Should Try This Recipe

Simple and flavorful: Uses basic ingredients like potatoes and onions to create a deeply flavorful side dish.
Light and versatile: The dish is not overly rich, making it a perfect complement to heavier main dishes.
Elegant presentation: Lyonnaise Potatoes look impressive on the plate, with their golden-brown edges and caramelized onions.

Perfect for any meal: Whether served with a roast or a lighter protein like fish, this dish fits any occasion.
Easy to prepare: With just a few ingredients and simple steps, it’s a dish anyone can master.

Ingredients Needed to Make Mary Berry Lyonnaise Potatoes

Potatoes (1 kg, thinly sliced): Waxy potatoes like Maris Piper or Yukon Gold work best for this dish.

Onions (2 large, thinly sliced): Add a sweet, caramelized flavor to balance the potatoes.
Butter (50g): Used to sauté the onions and potatoes, adding a rich, golden finish.
Olive oil (2 tablespoons): Helps the potatoes crisp up without burning.

Fresh parsley (1 tablespoon, chopped): Adds a fresh, herbal note to the dish.
Salt and pepper (to taste): Essential for seasoning and enhancing the flavors.

Equipment

Mandoline or a sharp knife for slicing the potatoes and onions evenly

Large skillet or frying pan for sautéing the ingredients
Wooden spoon or spatula for turning the potatoes and onions

Step-by-Step Instructions to Make Mary Berry Lyonnaise Potatoes

Step 1: Preheat the oven

Preheat your oven to 180°C (350°F) if finishing the dish in the oven.

Alternatively, the dish can be cooked fully on the stovetop.

Step 2: Slice the potatoes and onions

Peel the potatoes and slice them thinly using a mandoline or sharp knife.
Slice the onions thinly to ensure they caramelize evenly.

Step 3: Sauté the onions

In a large skillet, heat the butter over medium heat.
Add the onions and sauté for 10-12 minutes, stirring occasionally, until they are golden and caramelized.
Remove the onions from the skillet and set them aside.

Step 4: Cook the potatoes

In the same skillet, heat the olive oil and add the thinly sliced potatoes.
Cook the potatoes over medium heat, turning them occasionally to ensure they brown evenly and become tender.
Season the potatoes with salt and pepper as they cook.

Step 5: Combine the potatoes and onions

Once the potatoes are tender and golden, return the caramelized onions to the skillet.
Toss the potatoes and onions together gently to combine.
If desired, transfer the skillet to the preheated oven to finish cooking for an additional 10-15 minutes.

Step 6: Garnish and serve

Once the potatoes are crispy and the onions are fully caramelized, remove the skillet from the oven or stovetop.
Garnish with freshly chopped parsley and serve hot as a side dish to roast meats, fish, or a fresh salad.

What Goes Well With Mary Berry Lyonnaise Potatoes

Roast chicken: The crispy, savory potatoes complement the juicy flavors of roast chicken.

Grilled fish: The lightness of the fish pairs beautifully with the caramelized onions and crispy potatoes.
Steak: Lyonnaise Potatoes are a perfect side for a juicy steak, adding texture and flavor to the plate.
Pork chops: The sweet onions and crispy potatoes work wonderfully with pork.

Vegetarian mains: Serve alongside roasted vegetables or a hearty salad for a balanced vegetarian meal.
Green beans: A side of steamed green beans adds a fresh, bright contrast to the rich potatoes and onions.

Expert Tips for Making the Best Mary Berry Lyonnaise Potatoes

Use waxy potatoes: Waxy potatoes hold their shape better during cooking, ensuring they don’t become mushy.

Slice evenly: Thin, even slices ensure that both the potatoes and onions cook uniformly.
Cook low and slow: Sautéing the onions over medium heat brings out their sweetness without burning them.
Crisp the potatoes: Make sure the skillet is hot enough when adding the potatoes to achieve a golden, crispy finish.

Finish in the oven: For an extra crispy top layer, transfer the dish to the oven to finish cooking.

Easy Variations of Mary Berry Lyonnaise Potatoes

Garlic twist: Add minced garlic to the onions as they caramelize for a more robust flavor.
Herb-infused: Add fresh thyme or rosemary to the skillet for a fragrant twist.

Cheesy finish: Sprinkle-grated gruyère or parmesan cheese over the potatoes before finishing in the oven.
Bacon addition: Fry crispy bacon lardons and toss them into the potatoes for a heartier dish.
Vegan option: Replace the butter with olive oil or a plant-based alternative for a dairy-free version.

Best Practices to Store Mary Berry Lyonnaise Potatoes

Refrigeration: Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
Freezing: You can freeze the cooked dish in portions. Reheat in the oven to regain the crispy texture.
Reheat once: Reheat gently on the stovetop or in the oven to maintain the crispiness of the potatoes.

Best Practices to Reheat Mary Berry Lyonnaise Potatoes

Oven method: Reheat the dish in the oven at 180°C (350°F) for 15-20 minutes until warmed through and crispy on top.
Stovetop method: Reheat in a hot skillet with a little oil to regain the crisp texture.
Microwave method: While quicker, this may result in softer potatoes, so the oven or stovetop is recommended.

How Can I Make Mary Berry Lyonnaise Potatoes Healthier?

Reduce the butter: Use half butter and half olive oil for a lighter dish.
Use less oil: Opt for a light olive oil spray instead of a full amount of oil to reduce fat content.
Add vegetables: Layer in thinly sliced zucchini or bell peppers for added nutrients and flavor.

Swap for sweet potatoes: For a healthier alternative, swap regular potatoes with sweet potatoes.

Nutrition Value (per serving):

Calories: 250
Fat: 12g

Carbohydrates: 30g
Protein: 3g

FAQs

Can I make Mary Berry Lyonnaise Potatoes ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare Lyonnaise Potatoes ahead of time. Cook the potatoes and onions, then cool and refrigerate. When ready to serve, reheat in the oven at 180°C (350°F) until warmed through and crispy.

What type of potatoes are best for Lyonnaise Potatoes?

Waxy potatoes like Maris Piper or Yukon Gold are ideal for Lyonnaise Potatoes. They hold their shape during cooking and have a creamy texture inside while still getting crispy on the outside.

Can I freeze Lyonnaise Potatoes?

Yes, Lyonnaise Potatoes can be frozen after cooking. Allow the dish to cool completely, then freeze in portions. Reheat in the oven for the best texture, restoring the crispiness of the potatoes.

How do I stop the onions from burning while cooking Lyonnaise Potatoes?

Cook the onions on medium heat and stir them occasionally to prevent burning. If they start to brown too quickly, lower the heat and continue cooking until they caramelize evenly.

Final Words

Mary Berry’s Lyonnaise Potatoes is a beautifully simple and flavorful dish that’s perfect for any occasion. With its crispy, golden potatoes and sweet caramelized onions, this recipe brings out the best in classic French cuisine while remaining approachable and easy to prepare.

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