Mom’s Braised Potatoes is a simple, comforting dish that’s been passed down through generations. With tender, braised potatoes cooked together with juicy pork or chicken, and enhanced by carrots and onions, this dish is all about homey flavors and ease. The potatoes absorb the rich broth, resulting in a dish that’s both hearty and flavorful, perfect for a cozy family meal or when you’re in need of a quick, satisfying dinner.

Full Recipe:

Ingredients

For the Braised Potatoes:

• 1 ½ – 2 pounds Pork shoulder (Boston butt), cut into ¾ – 1-inch cubes (or boneless skinless chicken thighs)

• 1-2 Onions, chopped

• 1-2 Carrots, peeled and shredded (or cut into circles or matchsticks)

• 4-6 Garlic cloves, minced

• 2 pounds Yukon Gold potatoes, cut into 1 ½ – 2-inch cubes

• Butter or oil, for sautéing

• Salt and pepper, to taste

• 1-2 Tablespoons dry herbs (e.g., thyme, rosemary, paprika, etc.)

• 2-2 ½ cups Water

• Fresh herbs (e.g., parsley, chives) for garnish

• 1 Dry bay leaf

Directions

1. Brown the Meat:
   Heat 1 tbsp of oil in a large pot. Brown the meat on both sides over high heat. Work in batches so the meat gets a good sear. Once browned, set the meat aside.

2. Sauté the Vegetables:
   In the same pot, melt 1 tbsp of butter and add the chopped onions. Cook until softened, about 3 minutes. Add the carrots, cook for 3 more minutes, then add the garlic and cook for another 30 seconds.

3. Combine Meat and Vegetables:
   Return the meat to the pot, stirring to combine. Season with salt, pepper, and your chosen herbs. Add the cubed potatoes to the pot, but place them on top of the other ingredients without mixing them.

4. Cook the Potatoes:
   Pour in enough water to barely cover the potatoes. Add the bay leaf, bring to a boil, reduce to a simmer, and cover. Cook for 25-30 minutes, until the potatoes are tender.

5. Serve:
   Gently stir the potatoes into the broth. Garnish with fresh herbs and serve hot.

Estimated Nutritional Value (per serving)

• Calories: 400-500 kcal

• Carbohydrates: 45-55g

• Protein: 30-35g

• Fat: 10-15g

• Saturated Fat: 3-5g

• Cholesterol: 60-80mg

• Sodium: 450-600mg

• Potassium: 800-1000mg

• Fiber: 4-5g

• Sugar: 6-8g

• Vitamin A: 700-1000 IU

• Vitamin C: 15-25mg

• Calcium: 60-100mg

• Iron: 3-4mg

These estimates depend on the specific cuts of meat, potatoes, and oil used. You can adjust the quantities or specific ingredients to better fit your dietary preferences. For a more accurate breakdown, I suggest using a nutrition calculator or app with the exact ingredients you use.

The Comfort of Braised Potatoes

What makes braised potatoes so comforting is the way they absorb the rich, flavorful broth while staying soft and tender. Yukon Gold potatoes are ideal for this dish because of their buttery, smooth texture, which holds up well during the braising process. As the potatoes cook, they take on the savory flavors from the meat and broth, becoming infused with warmth and comfort in every bite.

The addition of carrots, onions, and garlic enhances the natural sweetness of the potatoes, making each spoonful a perfect blend of flavors. The vegetables are sautéed to release their natural sweetness before being combined with the meat and potatoes, creating a symphony of textures and tastes.

The Meat: Pork or Chicken?

One of the best things about Mom’s Braised Potatoes is its versatility when it comes to the protein. Traditionally, this dish is made with tender pork shoulder (Boston butt) that’s cut into small cubes, but boneless skinless chicken thighs are a great alternative if you prefer a lighter protein. Both options work beautifully in this dish, with the pork offering a richer, more savory flavor, while the chicken provides a leaner, milder taste.

The key is to brown the meat first, which helps develop a deep, caramelized flavor that infuses the rest of the dish. Whether you choose pork or chicken, the result will be tender, juicy meat that pairs perfectly with the flavorful potatoes.

Sautéing the Vegetables: Layers of Flavor

While the meat is browning, you’ll sauté the vegetables to build layers of flavor. Onions, carrots, and garlic are the foundation of this dish, with each ingredient bringing something unique to the table. The onions soften and release their natural sweetness, while the carrots add a subtle earthy flavor. The garlic provides a fragrant base note that elevates the overall dish.

Cooking the vegetables in the same pot where the meat was browned allows all the delicious bits left behind to be incorporated into the broth, giving the dish even more depth of flavor. The vegetables are cooked in butter or oil, creating a perfect balance of richness and savoriness.

The Broth: A Simple Yet Flavorful Base

The broth for Mom’s Braised Potatoes is simple but packed with flavor. Vegetable stock provides a savory base, while soy sauce adds depth and a bit of umami. The seasonings—salt, pepper, and dry herbs like thyme, rosemary, or paprika—are key to bringing out the natural flavors of the ingredients.

Adding the potatoes to the pot and covering them with broth creates the perfect cooking environment. The potatoes absorb the savory broth as they cook, becoming infused with all the delicious flavors. The bay leaf adds an earthy, aromatic element that rounds out the dish beautifully.

How to Make Mom’s Braised Potatoes: A Step-by-Step Guide

Making Mom’s Braised Potatoes is a simple, straightforward process that requires only a few ingredients. Here’s how to make this comforting dish from start to finish:

Step 1: Brown the Meat

Start by heating 1 tablespoon of oil in a large pot over high heat. Brown the pork or chicken on both sides, working in batches if necessary to ensure that the meat gets a good sear. Once browned, set the meat aside. This step is crucial as it develops the rich, savory flavors that will infuse the entire dish.

Step 2: Sauté the Vegetables

In the same pot, add 1 tablespoon of butter and sauté the chopped onions until softened, about 3 minutes. Add the shredded carrots and cook for another 3 minutes before adding the minced garlic. Cook for another 30 seconds, allowing the garlic to release its aroma.

Step 3: Combine the Meat and Vegetables

Return the browned meat to the pot, stirring to combine with the sautéed vegetables. Season with salt, pepper, and your choice of dry herbs. Add the cubed Yukon Gold potatoes, but don’t mix them into the vegetables—just place them on top.

Step 4: Cook the Potatoes

Pour enough water into the pot to barely cover the potatoes. Add the bay leaf, then bring the mixture to a boil. Once boiling, reduce the heat to a simmer, cover the pot, and cook for 25-30 minutes, or until the potatoes are tender. The potatoes should soak up all the delicious flavors from the broth, meat, and vegetables, creating a perfectly seasoned dish.

Step 5: Serve

Once the potatoes are tender and the dish is fully cooked, gently stir everything together. Serve the Mom’s Braised Potatoes hot, garnished with fresh parsley or chives for a pop of color and freshness. A dash of cracked black pepper and a sprinkle of chili flakes can also be added for extra flavor and heat, if desired.

Why This Dish Is Perfect for Any Occasion

Mom’s Braised Potatoes is a great option for any meal. Whether you’re cooking for a busy weeknight, a cozy family gathering, or a weekend dinner, this dish is sure to please. The hearty, comforting flavors make it perfect for cold weather, while the simple ingredients and straightforward preparation make it easy to whip up on short notice.

It’s also a versatile recipe that can be customized to fit your preferences. You can switch out the meat (chicken, pork, or even beef) and experiment with different herbs and spices to make it your own. The dish can be easily scaled to feed a crowd or made in smaller portions for a quiet family meal.

Conclusion: A Heartwarming Family Favorite

Mom’s Braised Potatoes is the epitome of comfort food—simple, hearty, and full of flavor. It’s a dish that brings family together and fills the home with warm, savory aromas. Whether you’re craving a nostalgic meal or looking for a quick, satisfying dinner, this braised potato recipe is sure to hit the spot. With its rich, tender potatoes and savory meat, it’s the kind of dish you’ll want to make over and over again.

Give this recipe a try and enjoy the warmth and goodness of Mom’s Braised Potatoes—a dish that’s bound to become a favorite in your kitchen!