POTATOES IN CHEESE SAUCE

A mere pinch of smoked paprika gives more than enough colour and flavour to this delicious potjie that makes an excellent side dish.

Ingredients

(serves 6)

1 kg baby potatoes

200 g bacon bits

1 heaped tablespoon butter 2 tablespoons flour a pinch smoked paprika 1ℓmilk

1 cup grated cheddar cheese crispy onion sprinkles (optional)

Here’s how

the potatoes in brine until soft. Drain and set aside. You can keep the potatoes whole or cut in half so that a larger surface can come into contact with the sauce.

the bacon in the butter until crisp. Spoon it out, but retain the fat and whisk in the flour and paprika. Gradually beat in the milk with a balloon whisk – this way you get rid of any lumps – and cook the sauce for about 5 minutes until it starts to thicken.

the sauce, make sure you don’t taste any more flour, and season it to taste with salt and pepper.

all the cheese into the sauce until it melts and the sauce is nicely smooth. Pour it over the potatoes, sprinkle the bacon over and finish with onion flakes for a crunch.

this side dish is at its best when it is