LA CRIQUE

a classic potato dish from Ardeche, France, a variation on a type of coarse potato pancake found in most parts of Europe.

INGREDIENTS

1 lb. potatoes
1 clove garlic, crushed
1 tablespoon finely chopped parsley salt
extra virgin olive oil for shallow frying

Peel the potatoes and grate them into a bowl. Add the garlic, parsley and salt and mix well.

Heat a little oil in a frying pan until very hot. Put tablespoons of the mixture in the pan, making three or four flat heaps. Cook until golden brown on both sides. Drain well on paper towels and serve immediately.

The alternative method is to pile the mixture into the pan and make one large potato cake, turning it over once. Serve cut into wedges.

SERVES 3-4