Cartofi Scăzuți (Traditional Romanian Braised Potatoes)

A comforting, home-style Romanian classic featuring tender potatoes slowly braised in a flavorful tomato and onion base. This rustic dish is balanced with fresh herbs and served as a hearty main or side dish.

Prep: 15 min · Cook: 45 min · Yield: 4 · Method: Stovetop

Ingredients

• 2.5 lbs yukon gold potatoes
• 2 medium yellow onions
• 3 tbsp tomato paste
• 2 cups vegetable broth
• 3 tbsp sunflower oil
• 3 cloves garlic
• 1 tsp paprika
• 0.25 cup fresh parsley
• 1 tsp salt
• 0.5 tsp black pepper

Cooking instructions

1. Peel the potatoes and cut them into 1-inch chunks. Finely dice the onions and mince the garlic. Roughly chop the fresh parsley.
2. Heat the sunflower oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add the diced onions and cook until softened and translucent. (about 8 min)
3. Stir in the tomato paste and paprika, cooking for 1 minute to bloom the spices and deepen the flavor. (about 1 min)
4. Add the potato chunks to the pot and stir to coat thoroughly in the onion and tomato mixture.
5. Pour in the vegetable broth until the potatoes are mostly submerged. Season with salt and black pepper, then bring to a gentle simmer.
6. Cover the pot and simmer over low heat until the potatoes are fork-tender and the liquid has reduced into a thick, clinging sauce. (about 30 min)
7. Stir in the minced garlic and half of the chopped parsley. Cook for an additional minute to meld the flavors, then remove from heat. (about 1 min)
8. Garnish with the remaining fresh parsley before serving warm.