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Mexican-Spiced Pommes Pavé (Crispy Layered Potatoes with Chipotle Mayo)

Crispy Mexican-spiced pommes pavé made by layering thinly sliced potatoes with butter (or leftover taco fat), baking until tender, pressing overnight, and frying until golden and crisp. Served with a smoky chipotle mayo, this dish combines classic French technique with subtle Mexican flavours for an impressive potato side dish.
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Prep Time 30 minutes
Cook Time 1 hour 30 minutes
Chilling Time 6 hours
Total Time 7 hours 50 minutes
Course: Appetizer, Side Dish, Snack
Cuisine: French, Mexican
Ingredients Method

Ingredients
  

Potatoes
  • 1.5-2 kg starchy potatoes Russet or Sebago in Australia, roughly 6–8 large potatoes or 10–12 medium
Fat & seasoning
  • Option 1 – Taco mince fat
  • 200 g rendered taco mince fat
  • Option 2 – Taco butter substitute
  • 200 g butter melted
  • 1½ tsp chilli powder
  • 1 tsp ground cumin
  • 1 tsp garlic powder
  • 1 tsp paprika or smoked paprika
  • ½ tsp dried oregano
  • ¾ tsp salt
  • Alternatively use 1½–2 tbsp pre-made taco seasoning.
For frying
  • Butter or neutral oil
Chipotle Mayo
  • ½ cup mayonnaise
  • 1-2 tsp chipotle in adobo finely chopped
  • 1 tsp lime juice
  • ½ small garlic clove grated
  • Pinch salt

Method
 

Prepare the potatoes
  1. Peel potatoes and slice very thinly (1–2 mm) using a mandoline.
Season the fat
  1. Warm taco fat until liquid, or mix melted butter with the spices.
  2. Toss the potato slices until thoroughly coated.
Layer
  1. Line a loaf tin or baking dish with baking paper.
  2. Layer potatoes tightly, pressing down frequently to remove air gaps.
Bake
  1. Cover with baking paper and foil.
  2. Bake at 160°C for about 90 minutes until completely tender.
Press and chill
  1. Place a tray on top and add weight.
  2. Refrigerate at least 6 hours (preferably overnight) until fully compressed.
Portion
  1. Remove from the tin.
  2. Trim edges and cut into neat rectangles or squares.
Crisp
  1. Pan-fry in butter or deep fry at 170°C until deeply golden and crisp.
  2. Serve with chipotle mayo.