Swiss Rösti And Poached Eggs Recipes

Steps:

• Using the large holes of a box grater, shred the parboiled potatoes onto a baking sheet. (Try not to mash them.) Season with salt and pepper.
• Place a 9-inch cast-iron or nonstick skillet over medium-high heat and add 2 tablespoons butter. When butter is hot, use a spatula to transfer all the grated potatoes to the skillet. Let the potatoes begin to brown, then turn heat to medium. Press down lightly with spatula to form a thick cake. Let cake fry gently until bottom is golden brown and crisp, about 10 to 15 minutes. Shake the pan to be sure the cake isn't sticking; loosen with a spatula if necessary.
• Lay a plate over the uncooked side of the cake and carefully invert the cake onto the plate, crisp-side up. Return the skillet to the stove, add a little more butter to the pan as necessary and slip the cake back in, uncooked-side down.
• Fry gently for another 10 to 15 minutes, until crisp on the second side. Remove from heat and slide the cake (or invert) onto a plate or cutting board. Sprinkle lightly with salt and pepper. Keep warm.
• Poach the eggs: Fill a wide skillet halfway with water. Add a good pinch of salt and bring to a gentle simmer. Break each egg into a teacup, then carefully slip it beneath the water's surface. Cook for 2 minutes, until eggs are barely set, then turn off heat. (Leave eggs in hot water to finish cooking as you prepare the plates.)
• Cut the rösti into wedges and divide among plates. Drape a slice of smoked salmon next to each wedge. Remove eggs one by one with a slotted spoon (holding a towel beneath spoon to catch excess water), and place on the other side of each wedge.
• Top each wedge with a dollop of crème fraîche. Garnish with a sprinkle of chives and a sprig of watercress.

Steps:

• To make the peperonata, heat the oil in a wide, shallow pan. Add the peppers, onions and garlic and cook gently for 15-20 mins. Season, then stir in the rest of the ingredients and continue to simmer gently for 25-30 mins until everything cooks down into a chunky ragout. Turn off the heat. Can be made up to three days ahead, chilled then reheated to serve.
• To make the rösti, cover the potatoes with cold water and add a good pinch of salt. Bring to the boil and simmer for 8 mins until half-cooked. When a knife is inserted they should still be raw in the middle. Strain and leave until cool enough to handle.
• Peel the potatoes and discard the peel, then coarsely grate into a mixing bowl and season. Heat half the butter in a non-stick frying pan until sizzling, then add the grated potato, spread out evenly and press down with a spatula. Cook over a low-medium heat for 10-15 mins then, once browned, place a plate on top and flip over. Add the rest of the butter to the pan and, once melted, put the rösti back in the pan and repeat until brown on both sides.
• While the rösti is cooking, put a large pan of water on to boil and add the vinegar. Once the water is at a rolling boil, crack in the eggs and poach for 3 mins, then remove with a slotted spoon and place on kitchen paper to absorb any excess water. To serve, divide the rösti into four, top with a good spoonful of warm peperonata and an egg, then finish with some torn basil leaves and a drizzle of olive oil.