Sautéed Quince, Apples, and Potatoes

Step 1

Preheat the oven to 400°F.

Step 2

Toss the potatoes with 1 tablespoon olive oil, the garlic, thyme sprigs, bay leaf, and 1 teaspoon salt. Place in a roasting pan, cover with aluminum foil, and cook about 45 minutes, until tender when pierced. (Depending on the size, age, and variety of potatoes, cooking time will vary.)

Step 3

When the potatoes have cooled, peel them. Cut the potatoes in half lengthwise, and then place them, cut side down, on a cutting board. Cut each half crosswise into four or five wedges.

Step 4

While the potatoes are cooking, heat a large sauté pan over high heat for 2 minutes. Swirl in 1 tablespoon olive oil and wait 1 minute. Carefully place the apples in the pan, flat side down. Add 2 tablespoons butter, and season with 1 teaspoon thyme leaves, 1 teaspoon salt, and a pinch of black pepper. Turn the heat down to medium, and cook about 5 minutes, until the apples are a beautiful deep golden brown. Turn the apples over, and continue cooking until they’re golden on the second side. They should be tender and cooked through. Transfer them to a plate to cool.

Step 5

Repeat this process with the quince. (They will take a little longer to cook.)

Step 6

Heat a large sauté pan over high heat for 2 minutes. Swirl in 2 tablespoons olive oil and wait 1 minute. Place the potato wedges carefully in the pan, and season with the remaining teaspoon thyme leaves, 1/4 teaspoon salt, and some freshly ground black pepper. Cook the potatoes about 8 minutes, until they are crispy on one side. (Don’t try to move them or turn them if they are stuck to the pan; they will eventually release themselves if you’re patient.)

Step 7

Turn the potatoes over, add another tablespoon olive oil to the pan, and season the second side with 1/4 teaspoon salt. Cook another 3 to 4 minutes, and then add the apples and quince. Cook a few more minutes, tossing well to combine. Taste for seasoning, and add the parsley.