Ingredients

  • 1 cup extra-virgin olive oil
  • 2 thyme sprigs
  • 1 garlic clove
  • 3/4 pound Yukon Gold potatoes, peeled and cut into 1/2-inch dice
  • Salt
  • 1 fennel bulb, cut into 1/4-inch dice, fronds reserved for garnish
  • 1 medium red onion, diced
  • 1 medium red bell pepper, diced
  • 2 tablespoons red wine vinegar

Method

  • In a saucepan, combine the oil, thyme and garlic.
  • Add the potatoes and heat slowly until they begin to sizzle.
  • Cook over moderate heat until the potatoes are barely cooked, 5 minutes.
  • Remove from the heat and let stand for 10 minutes.
  • Using a slotted spoon, transfer the potatoes to a plate and season with salt.
  • Discard the garlic and thyme; reserve the oil.
  • Transfer 2 tablespoons of the reserved oil to a large skillet.
  • Add the fennel, onion and red pepper and season with salt.
  • Cover and cook over low heat, stirring, until the vegetables are softened, 10 minutes.
  • Add the vinegar and cook until evaporated, 2 minutes.
  • Scrape the vegetables into a bowl.
  • Wipe out the skillet.
  • Add 2 tablespoons of the reserved oil and heat until shimmering.
  • Add the blanched potatoes and cook over moderately high heat, stirring once or twice, until crisp, 5 minutes.
  • Return all of the vegetables to the skillet and cook over moderately high heat, stirring, for 2 minutes.
  • Season with salt.
  • Transfer the vegetables to a bowl, garnish with fennel fronds and serve.