Lactose Free Rösti
Crispy on the outside, tender and yielding within, this Swiss potato cake is one of those dishes that feels far more impressive than the effort it requires. The technique is everything here — a quick par-boil followed by a thorough chill draws out excess starch and moisture, setting you up for that signature shatteringly golden crust. Squeezing the grated potato in a kitchen towel before it hits the pan takes things even further, ensuring you get a proper sear rather than a soggy steam. Butter and a neutral oil work together in the skillet to deliver rich flavor and a high enough smoke point to build real color on both sides. The confident flip halfway through is the only moment that asks anything of you, and once you nail it, the second side cooks up just as beautifully. Because the ingredient list is so clean — just potatoes, seasoning, butter, and oil — there are no hidden dairy fillers or cream-based binders to worry about, making this naturally easy to enjoy for anyone managing lactose. Serve it straight from the board in wedges while it's still crackling hot.
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Learn more →Ingredients
4 servings
- 2 lbs (about 4 medium) waxy or all-purpose potatoes (such as yukon gold)
- 1 tsp kosher salt, plus more to taste
- ¼ tsp black pepper, plus more to taste
- 2 tbsp unsalted butter, divided
- 1 tbsp neutral oil (such as canola or sunflower oil), divided
Instructions
- 1
Place the potatoes in a large saucepan, cover with cold water by 1 inch, and bring to a boil over high heat. Cook until a skewer meets firm resistance about halfway through — the potatoes should be just barely tender at the outer edge but still raw at the center, about 10–12 minutes. Drain and let cool to room temperature, then refrigerate uncovered for at least 30 minutes (or up to overnight) until completely cold.
- 2
Peel the cold potatoes and coarsely grate them on the large holes of a box grater into a large bowl. Season with 1 tsp salt and 1/4 tsp black pepper and toss gently to distribute. Spread the grated potato onto a clean kitchen towel, roll it up, and squeeze firmly over the sink to remove as much moisture as possible.
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