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Balsamic Pork Tenderloin

Balsamic Pork Tenderloin

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with Baby Potatoes & Broccoli

Sheet Pan Dinners

Yield: 4 to 6

Adapted from: Carlsbad Cravings

This Roasted Balsamic Pork Tenderloin recipe is buttery tender and seeping with double the flavor from a spice rub and tantalizing sweet and tangy balsamic, herb sauce. This recipe may look impressive but is deceptively easy to make AND a meal-in-one if you include the optional sheet pan potatoes and broccoli (or pick your favorite veggies!). This Balsamic Pork Tenderloin is prep ahead friendly, freezer friendly and makes fantastic leftovers. I’ve included detailed instructions, tips, tricks and everything you need to know to make the BEST Roasted Pork Tenderloin recipe! Serve it up with a Caesar Salad and breadsticks for a complete meal the whole family will gobble up.

Pork and veggies:

  • 1pkg. pork tenderloins, 2 pieces, 2 – 2½ lbs. total trimmed
  • 3cups broccoli florets (optional)
  • 1lb baby Dutch potatoes, quartered or halved if smaller (optional)
  • vegetable and olive oil
  • salt and pepper
  • 2-3TBS butter sliced into 6 pads

Pork brine:

  • ¼cup kosher salt
  • 4cups warm water
  • 3TBS balsamic vinegar
  • 2TBS brown sugar
  • 1cup ice cubes

Spice mix:

  • 1TBS chili powder
  • 1TBS garlic powder
  • 1tsp salt
  • 1tsp onion powder
  • ½tsp paprika
  • ¼tsp pepper

Balsamic sauce

  • ⅓cup balsamic vinegar
  • 2TBS honey
  • 1½TBS Dijon mustard
  • ½tsp dried oregano
  • ½tsp dried basil
  • ½tsp dried thyme
  • ¼tsp red pepper flakes

Prep:

Preheat oven to 400°F.

Line and spray a half-sheet pan with cooking spray.

Lay out two long pieces of foil that will be used to enclose each tenderloin separately after searing.

Brine:

In a gallon-size freezer bag (I prop it up in a larger bowl), mix salt with warm water until dissolved. Whisk in vinegar, brown sugar and ice then add the pork (make sure pork is submerged). Brine for exactly 20 minutes (meanwhile see steps below). Remove pork from brine, RINSE and pat very dry. The pork can become mealy if left in the brine any longer than 20 minutes.

Spice mix and sauce:

While the pork is brining, whisk together all of the Spice Mix ingredients in a small bowl. Remove 1 tsp to use on the vegetables. In a separate medium bowl, whisk together the Balsamic Sauce ingredients. Lastly, prepare the veggies:

Potatoes (optional):

Add potatoes to the prepared half-sheet pan. Toss with 1 TBS Balsamic Sauce, 1 TBS olive oil, ½ tsp reserved Spice Mix, ¼ tsp salt and ⅛ tsp pepper then spread into an even layer. Bake potatoes at 400°F  for 15 minutes then remove the pan from the oven.

Broccoli (optional):

Push the par-cooked potatoes to one side of the half-sheet pan (keep in a single layer). Add the broccoli and toss with ½ TBS Balsamic Sauce, 1 TBS olive oil, ½ tsp reserved Spice Mix, ¼ tsp salt and ⅛ tsp pepper. Push to the opposite side of the pan in a single layer. Set aside.

Spice and sear pork:

Evenly rub the dried pork all over with spice mix. Heat 2 TBS vegetable oil in a large cast-iron skillet over medium-high heat. When oil is very hot and just smoking, add pork tenderloins, you may need to work in batches. Sear each side of pork until golden, then transfer to prepared foil.

Add balsamic sauce:

Fold up the foil around the sides of the tenderloins. Pour half of the balsamic sauce over each tenderloin, then top each tenderloin with 3 pads of butter. Bring up the sides of the foil and completely enclose each tenderloin (see photos in post). Transfer pork pouches to the middle of the baking sheet in between the vegetables.

Bake:

Bake at 400°F until pork registers between 145 and 150°F at the thickest part of the tenderloin, 15-25 minutes depending on thickness. This means the pork will be juicy and slightly pink in the middle. To check the temperature, insert a digital probe thermometer through foil as it bakes or check with an instant read thermometer. Note, you may need to remove one tenderloin from the oven before the other. Your vegetables should be done at the same time as the pork, but if not, remove the pork and continue roasting vegetables an additional 5-10 minutes or until tender.

Rest:

When pork is done, transfer it to a heat proof surface and open the top of the foil (be careful, a lot of steam will escape), let stand 10 minutes before slicing. Spoon the accumulated balsamic butter sauce in the bottom of the foil over top the sliced pork. Season with additional salt and pepper to taste.

Pork Tenderloin with Giardiniera Vegetables

Pork Tenderloin with Giardiniera Vegetables

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Yield: 4 to 6 Servings

Adapted from: theKitchn

This sheet pan pork and veggies combines quick-cooking pork tenderloin with tons of colorful vegetables that can be served straight-up or over a super-simple salad. And, thanks to a bottle of Italian dressing, it’s packed with easy flavor.

  • 21-1½-lb pork tenderloins
  • 1tsp kosher salt, divided
  • ¼tsp freshly ground black pepper
  • 2TBS Italian dressing, plus more for serving
  • 1medium head cauliflower (about 1 lb)
  • 3-6stalks celery
  • 8oz mini bell peppers (about 16)
  • 1zucchini (optional)
  • 1small red onion
  • 3cloves garlic
  • 2TBS olive oil, plus more for the half-sheet pan
  • 4oz feta or goat cheese
  • 5oz baby arugula


Prep:
Arrange a rack in the middle of the oven and heat the oven to 425°F. Lightly coat a half-sheet pan with olive oil.

Wash and trim the vegetables.

Cut 1 medium head cauliflower into 1-inch florets. Thinly slice celery stalks. Halve and seed 8 oz mini bell peppers. Slice the zucchini into 1/2-inch slices. Dice 1 small red onion, mince 3 garlic cloves.

Season the pork all over with salt and pepper.

Brown Pork:

Heat a skillet over medium high heat. Add a drizzle of oil and brown pork, turning occasionally for 4 to 5 minutes. Remove from skillet and place in the middle of the prepared sheet pan.

Brush browned pork with 2 TBS of the Italian dressing.

Roast the Pork & Vegetables:

Add the vegetables to a large bowl and drizzle with 2 TBS olive oil, season with salt and pepper, and toss to combine. Add the vegetables in an even layer all around and in between the tenderloins.

Roast until the pork is cooked through and the vegetables are tender, 15 to 20 minutes .

Transfer the pork to a clean cutting board and let rest for 5 minutes. Meanwhile, crumble 4 oz of feta or goat cheese into a large bowl. Add 5 oz baby arugula and toss with more Italian dressing as desired.

Slice the pork crosswise and serve with the vegetables over the salad.

Storage: Leftovers can be refrigerated in an airtight container for up to 4 days.

Pork Cutlets with Baby Potatoes & Asparagus

Pork Cutlets with Baby Potatoes & Asparagus

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Yield: 4 Servings

A sheet pan meal. This looks good.

  • ¼cup olive oil, divided
  • 3cups diced new potatoes
  • 3cups cut fresh asparagus (1-inch pieces)
  • ¼tsp salt
  • ¼tsp pepper
  • 1large gala or Honeycrisp apple, peeled and cut into 1-inch wedges
  • 2tsp brown sugar
  • 1tsp ground cinnamon
  • ¼tsp ground ginger
  • 4boneless pork loin chops (1 inch thick and about 6 oz each)
  • 2tsp Southwest seasoning

Preheat oven to 425°F. Line a half-sheet pan with foil, brush with 2 tsp olive oil.

In a large bowl, toss potatoes with 1 TBS olive oil. Place in 1 section of prepared half-sheet pan. In same bowl, toss asparagus with 1 TBS olive oil, place in another section of pan. Sprinkle salt and pepper over potatoes and asparagus.

In same bowl, toss apple with 1 tsp olive oil. In a small bowl, mix brown sugar, cinnamon and ginger, sprinkle over apples and toss to coat. Transfer to a different section of pan.

Brush pork chops with remaining olive oil, sprinkle both sides with Southwest seasoning. Place chops in remaining section of pan. Bake until a thermometer inserted in pork reads 145° and potatoes and apples are tender, 20-25 minutes. Let stand 5 minutes before serving.

Chicken, Pot Pie All-Crust

Chicken, Pot Pie All-Crust

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Yield: 4 Servings

Adapted from: Food Network

If your favorite part of the chicken pot pie is the crust, we’ve got you covered. This creamy version is topped with acres of light and flaky pastry and takes less than a half hour of hands-on time, making it easy enough for a weeknight and fun enough for a crowd.

  • Nonstick cooking spray, for the pan
  • 3TBS unsalted butter
  • 2tsp fresh thyme leaves, chopped
  • ⅓cup AP flour, plus more for dusting
  • 3cups low-sodium chicken broth
  • Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper
  • 1rotisserie chicken, skin discarded, and meat shredded (about 3 cups)
  • 114-oz bag frozen pearl onions, thawed
  • 2large carrots, sliced into thin half-moons
  • 2stalks celery, finely diced
  • 217.3-oz packages puff pastry (4 sheets)
  • 1large egg, beaten with a splash of water

Preheat the oven to 400°F. Line and spray a half-sheet pan with cooking spray or coat lightly with vegetable oil.

Melt the butter with the thyme in a small saucepan over medium heat. Whisk in the flour and cook, stirring, until a sandy consistency, about 1 minute.

Pour in the chicken broth, whisking constantly until smooth. Stir in 2 tsp salt and a few grinds of black pepper and bring to a boil.

Lower the heat and simmer gently until thickened and the flour flavor is gone, about 10 minutes.

Meanwhile, add the chicken, onions, carrots and celery to the prepared sheet pan and toss to combine, set aside.

Stack 2 puff pastry sheets on top of each other on a lightly floured surface. Roll the puff pastry out to a 15-by-15-inch square. Cut the pastry into 1-inch strips so you have 15 strips total. Repeat with the remaining 2 puff pastry sheets.

Pour the gravy over top of the chicken mixture on the sheet pan. Arrange the pastry strips over the filling crosswise, overlapping them slightly so most of the filling is covered. Trim any overhang from the edges of the pan. Brush the pastry with the egg wash and bake until deep golden-brown, 35 to 40 minutes.

Let sit 5 to 10 minutes and serve.

Chicken, Pears and Arugula

Chicken, Pears and Arugula

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Yield: 4

Adapted from: NY Times

In this hearty sheet-pan meal, thick pear wedges and chicken thighs seasoned with earthy, warming spices are roasted until soft and tender. During the last five minutes, crunchy sunflower seeds are scattered on the pan to sizzle in the pan juices, gaining a salty flavor that balances out the sweetness of the pears. A final topping of arugula soaks up any lingering juices and turns this into a full-on meal. Using firm, not-quite-ripe pears prevents them from becoming mushy and falling apart during the cooking process. Swap baby spinach for the arugula and sherry vinegar for the lemon juice, depending on what you have on hand. Serve any leftovers on a bed of fresh arugula, dressed with lemon and olive oil.

  • 6skin-on, bone-in chicken thighs (2½ to 3 lb)
  • Kosher salt and black pepper
  • ½tsp red-pepper flakes
  • 1tsp cumin
  • 1tsp coriander
  • 1TBS grated fresh ginger from a 2-inch piece
  • 3TBS olive oil
  • 2firm, semi-ripe Bartlett or Bosc pears, cored and quartered lengthwise
  • 2TBS raw, unsalted sunflower seeds
  • 2packed cups baby arugula
  • 1lemon, halved
  • ¼cup fresh cilantro leaves and tender stems, roughly chopped (optional)

Heat the oven to 450°F with a rack in the center.

Pat the chicken dry and trim excess fat and skin.

Sprinkle all over with 2 tsp salt, and season with pepper.

In a small bowl, mix the red-pepper flakes, cumin, coriander, ginger and oil.

On a sheet pan, rub the chicken and pears all over with the mixture. Arrange chicken skin-side up and pears skin-side down. Cook until the chicken is cooked through (165°F at the thickest part) and the pears are tender, 25 to 30 minutes.

During the last 5 minutes, add the sunflower seeds to the pan.

If there’s a lot of fat when finished cooking, tilt the pan and spoon it off until there’s a light coating on the surface of the pan.

Scatter the arugula on top and squeeze the juice of ½ lemon over the pan. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Top with herbs, if using.

Cut the remaining lemon half in quarters and serve.

Chicken Fajitas with Peppers and Onions

Chicken Fajitas with Peppers and Onions

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Yield: 4 Servings

Adapted from: Simply Recipes

Chicken fajitas are made even simpler and easier with this sheet pan recipe! A quick marinade makes the chicken tasty and tender. Serve it right from the pan for an easy Tex-Mex family favorite.

For the marinade:

  • ¼cup freshly squeezed lime juice (from 1 to 2 limes)
  • ¼cup freshly squeezed orange juice (from 1 small orange)
  • 2TBS pickling juice, from a jar of pickled jalapeños (optional)
  • 1TBS ancho chili powder (or chili powder blend)
  • 2tsp dried oregano
  • 1tsp ground cumin
  • ¾tsp salt
  • 3TBS olive oil

For the chicken and vegetables:

  • 1large, red or yellow onion, cut into ¼-inch thick slices
  • 2large, sweet bell peppers (red, yellow or green, or a combination), cut into ¼-inch thick slices
  • 2skinless, boneless chicken breast halves (about 1 ¼ lb), cut into 1-inch strips
  • 8-12corn tortillas

For garnish:

  • 1avocado, sliced
  • handful of fresh cilantro leaves
  • 1lime, quartered
  • Cooked rice and/or beans

Preheat the oven to 450ºF:

Line and lightly oil a half-sheet pan.

Make the marinade: In a medium bowl, whisk together the lime juice, orange juice, pickling juice, chili powder, oregano, cumin, and salt. Whisk in the olive oil. Pour half of the marinade into a separate bowl or cup and set aside.

Marinate the chicken: Add the chicken to the bowl with the marinade. Toss to coat and set aside to marinate while the peppers and onions are roasting (about 15 minutes).

Cook the peppers and onions: In the center of a sheet pan, mound the onions and peppers. Drizzle the reserved half of the marinade over them and toss to coat.

Spread them in one layer and roast for about 15 minutes, or until they begin to soften.

Cook the chicken with the peppers and onions: Add the chicken strips to the pan with the softened vegetables, distributing them among the peppers and onions. Drizzle any excess marinade over the pan.

Bake for 15 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through (at least 165ºF when measured with an instant read thermometer).

Broil the chicken and vegetables to char them: Set a rack 3 to 4 inches from the broiler and turn on the broiler. Broil for 2 to 3 minutes, or until the chicken and vegetables are lightly charred.

Warm the tortillas: Wrap 1 to 3 tortillas in a damp paper towel and microwave for 30 seconds, or until hot.

Wrap the warm tortillas in a napkin and set them on a plate.

Serve the fajitas: Transfer the chicken and vegetables to a warm platter. Bring the platter and the warm tortillas to the table for people to help themselves. Serve with lime wedges, cilantro, and avocado. If you like, you could serve it with rice and beans, too.

Cashew Chicken

Cashew Chicken

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Yield: 4 Servings

adapted from: recipecritic

Sheet Pan Cashew Chicken is an easy weeknight meal with all the amazing flavors of the popular takeout dish. Tender chicken surrounded by crisp and tender veggies with crunchy cashews and an incredible sweet and savory sauce.

For the sauce:

  • 6TBS low sodium-soy sauce
  • 1TBS hoisin sauce
  • ¾TBS apple cider vinegar
  • 2TBS honey
  • 1tsp toasted sesame oil
  • ½tsp fresh minced ginger
  • 2cloves garlic minced
  • 2TBS cornstarch
  • ½cup water plus more as needed to thin out sauce

For the chicken and vegetables:

  • 2medium skinless boneless chicken thighs or breasts cut into 1-inch cubes
  • salt and pepper
  • 1½cups broccoli florets
  • 1red bell pepper cut into chunks
  • ½green bell pepper cut into chunks (optional – for extra color)
  • ½red onion cut into narrow wedges (optional)
  • ⅔cup roasted unsalted cashews

Optional garnishes:

  • toasted sesame seeds and chopped green onions


For the sauce:

In a medium saucepan over medium heat, whisk together soy sauce, hoisin sauce, vinegar, honey, sesame oil, garlic, ginger, cornstarch and water until combined. Bring to a simmer, stirring frequently, until sauce thickens and bubbles. Remove from heat and set aside.

For the chicken and vegetables:

Preheat oven to 400°F.

Line a half sheet pan with parchment paper or foil coated with cooking spray and set aside.

Season chicken with salt and pepper then drizzle spoonfuls of sauce over the chicken coating well on both sides. Reserve at least half of the sauce for later.

Cook in preheated oven for 8 minutes then remove the pan.

Arrange the broccoli florets, bell peppers, onions, and cashews in a single layer around the chicken. Season the vegetables with salt and pepper and drizzle spoonfuls of the sauce and toss everything to coat. Return to the oven and cook for another 8-12 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through and juices run clear.

Remove pan from oven and drizzle with remaining sauce.

Serve over rice and garnish with green onions and toasted sesame seeds, if desired.

Salmon, Provençal

Salmon, Provençal

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with Fingerling Potatoes & Cherry Tomatoes

Yield: 4

Adapted from: CKBK

Simple cooking from Southeast France is distinguished by fresh flavors and seasonal ingredients. Feel free to use any herbs you have on hand for this recipe, including dried ones. This dish is also wonderful, served at room temperature for an outdoor buffet or a picnic.

  • 1cup cherry tomatoes, preferably a mix of colors
  • 2TBS plus 2 tsp olive oil
  • Kosher salt and freshly ground pepper
  • 4center-cut salmon fillets (about 6 oz each)
  • 2TBS chopped fresh rosemary
  • 2TBS chopped fresh tarragon
  • 1lb fingerling potatoes
  • 1TBS chopped fresh flat-leaf parsley
  • 1TBS fresh lemon juice


Prep:
Set a rack to the top position of the oven and preheat the oven to 450°F.

Line a half sheet pan with a Silpat, foil or parchment paper. If using foil or parchment, spray with cooking spray.

In a small bowl, toss together the cherry tomatoes and 1 tsp of the oil, and season with salt and pepper. Brush the salmon with 1 tsp of the oil and season with the rosemary, tarragon, salt, and pepper. Set it aside.

Cut the potatoes in half lengthwise and cut any large ones in half crosswise as well. (You want them to be about the same size.)

In a bowl, toss together the potatoes and the 2 TBS oil.

Start potatoes:
Place, cut side down, on the prepared pan and season with salt and pepper. Roast for 8 minutes, then stir the potatoes.

Roast salmon and tomatoes:
Place the tomatoes and salmon on the pan and continue roasting until the potatoes are fork-tender, the tomatoes just begin to burst, and the salmon is opaque throughout, 10–15 minutes longer.

Finish and serve:
Sprinkle the parsley over the vegetables and pour the lemon juice over the salmon. Serve right away.

Thighs with Cauliflower, Carrots and Onions

Thighs with Cauliflower, Carrots and Onions

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Yield: 4 to 6 Servings

Adapted from: Food52

This is a great, fairly simple, meal. I added carrots to the recipe. Would be great for a group.

  • cooking oil, for greasing
  • 1large head cauliflower 
  • 2onions
  • 4-6carrots, red, yellow or sweet
  • 5TBS olive oil, divided
  • Kosher salt and fresh pepper, to taste
  • 1TBS whole cumin seeds or ground cumin, see note above
  • 1TBS whole coriander seeds or ground coriander, see note above
  • 2tsp smoked paprika
  • ¼-½tsp cayenne, to suit your heat tolerance
  • 2cloves garlic, minced
  • 6-8boneless, skinless chicken thighs, about 2 lbs.

Special Equipment:

  • Mortar and pestle or spice grinder

Prep:

Preheat the oven to 425ºF and position one rack in the center and another at the top.

Line and oil two half-sheet pans.

Spices:

If you have them, toast whole cumin and coriander seeds in a small skillet over medium-high heat until they turn light brown and smell fragrant, 3 to 5 minutes. Grind in a mortar and pestle or spice grinder. Add to a small bowl and mix with the smoked paprika and cayenne.

Peel and slice carrots into ¼-inch thick diagonal slices.

Peel and half onions. Either slice ¼-inch thick, or cut into ½-inch wedges.

Cut cauliflower into florets, large florets halved or quartered as necessary to bite sized pieces.
Place cauliflower florets, carrots and onion on a half-sheet pan. Season all over with a tsp of kosher salt and pepper to taste, and a large drizzle of olive oil.

Sprinkle half of the spice mixture over the vegetables. Use your hands to toss the vegetables evenly with the oil and spice mix. Transfer pan to the top shelf of the oven and roast for about 15 minutes.

Chicken:

Place chicken thighs in a large bowl. Season generously all over with salt. Add sprinkle on the remaining spice mix, 1-2 TBS of oil, and minced garlic. Toss to coat. Let sit at room temperature while vegetables roast.

Roast:

After the 15 minute roast of the vegetables, remove the half-sheet pan and mix the vegetables. Return to the center rack of the oven.

Lay the chicken thighs on the second half-sheet pan. Roast for 15 minutes—if thighs are large, they may need 5 to 10 minutes more. Thighs should be 185ºF in center of thickest part. Remove the vegetable pan after the second 15 minutes and cover loosely with foil.

Remove the chicken pan from the oven, cover loosely with foil and let rest for 5 to 10 minutes.

The chicken can be served as is, or cut into 1-inch pieces (best for a group), about the same size as the cauliflower. Return chicken to sheet pan or to a serving platter along with the vegetables  and any juice from the chicken pan. Toss everything together.

Meanwhile, stir together the yogurt sauce, warm up some bread, cut the lemons, etc.  Taste and adjust seasoning and squeeze a lemon over everything, if desired.

Note: The cauliflower does not freeze well. Should not be frozen!

Patatas A La Importancia

Patatas A La Importancia

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Yield: 4 Servings

Spain on a Fork

Spain
The name Patatas a la Importancia translates to Important Potatoes. The reason for this kind of a weird name? The potatoes are treated like a main ingredient here. Really taking this potato dish to the next level in deliciousness.

  • ⅓cup extra virgin olive oil
  • 2medium sized Yukon gold potatoes
  • 2cage-free organic eggs
  • ¼cup AP flour
  • ½onion finely diced
  • 3cloves garlic finely minced
  • 1TBS corn starch
  • ½tsp sweet smoked Spanish paprika
  • ½cup white wine
  • 3cups vegetable broth
  • handful freshly chopped parsley
  • sea salt
  • black pepper

Slice 2 Yukon gold potatoes into rounds that are a ¼ inch thick, crack 2 large eggs into a bowl, season with sea salt & black pepper and whisk together, in another bowl add in a ¼ cup of AP flour, season with sea salt & black pepper and mix.

To coat each slice of potato, start with the flour mixture and then into the egg wash, making sure to shake off any of the excess flour and egg wash.

Heat a large fry pan with a medium heat and add in ⅓ cup extra virgin olive oil, after 2 minutes start adding the coated potatoes, cook in batches to not over-crowd the pan, after 3 minutes flip to cook the other side, after another 3 minutes remove the potatoes from the pan and transfer to a plate with paper towels, continue to cook until all the potatoes are done.

Using the same pan with the same heat, add in ½ finely diced onion and 3 cloves garlic finely minced, mix with the olive oil, after 3 minutes add in 1 TBS of corn starch and a generous ½ tsp of sweet smoked paprika, mix until well combined, then add in ½ cup white wine and continue to mix until you form a thick sauce, then add in all the slices of potato (it´s ok if they are stacked around each other) and pour in 3 cups of vegetable broth (or just enough to cover all the potatoes), turn up the heat to a medium-high, at this point you don´t have to mix anything, but do give the pan a quick shake once in a while.

After about 25 minutes and almost all the broth has been incorporated into the potatoes and they are fully cooked through, remove from the heat, serve directly out of the pan garnished with freshly chopped parsley, enjoy!