Pommes dauphine


Pommes dauphine are crisp potato puffs made by mixing mashed potatoes with savoury choux pastry, forming the mixture into dumpling shapes, and then deep-frying them at 170° to 180 °C.
Pommes dauphine typically accompany red meats or chicken. They are normally found in restaurants, although in France they can also be bought in most supermarkets. The home variety can be oven cooked to avoid the use of oil, which makes them drier.

Etymology

The dish is named after the Dauphine, the title given to the wife of the Dauphin, or heir to the French throne.

Comparison with similar side dishes

Similar potato sides that can be used instead of pommes dauphine include pommes noisette, pommes duchesse or pommes soufflées. Pommes dauphines are unique, however, in that they are made from choux pastry, which gives them a lighter density. Pommes noisette have a similar round shape but are only made of potato and are significantly smaller.