Everyone on Ansalon has heard of the Inn of the Last Home, or at least of the famous Otik’s Spiced Potatoes served there. A regional favourite that’s been served at the Inn in Solace for as long as Otik has been its owner.
I mentioned before that I grew up reading the Dragonlance novels. As a child, they were my gateway into everything geeky. I genuinely despised reading until I discovered them. My favourite hobby (tabletop roleplaying) developed through them. The Dragonlance series is responsible for so many of the most memorable characters, stories… even food… to this day.
The story began at an Inn… the Inn of the Last Home… where the main characters reunited around a table and enjoyed a serving of Otik’s famous Spiced Potatoes. The recipe for these potatoes has since been included in multiple Dungeons and Dragons cookbooks… and has been perfected over the decades by numerous fans each adding their own touch to the famous dish.
My wife made it for me originally using the recipe out of the Leaves from the Inn of the Last Home Dragonlance companion. Each time we’ve made it since we tweaked the recipe a bit. It’s become one of my favourite side dishes to make… and I thought I’d share it with anyone else interested.
Equipment
- Skillet (preferably Cast-Iron, Tika would approve of nothing else)
Ingredients
- 4 red or yukon gold potatoes (approx 1.5lbs cubed)
- 1 medium onion (diced)
- 2 tbsp oil (vegetable)
- 1 tbsp butter
Spice Blend
- 1 tbsp chives (optional)
- 1 tsp salt
- 1 tsp dill (optional, but so good!)
- ½ tsp cayenne
- ½ tsp smoked paprika (best spice ever!)
- ½ tsp crushed red pepper (optional)
- ½ tsp garlic powder
- ½ tsp onion powder (optional)
- ¼ tsp pepper
Instructions
- Scrub potatoes, remove all eyes, and cut into 1/2 inch cubes. Do not peel.
- Soak potatoes for at least 30mins in ice cold water and pat dry.
- While potatoes are drying preheat oil and butter in skillet.
- Fry potatoes, turning every ten-ish minutes, until crisp (approx 20 minutes).
- Add onion and spices, fry for approx 10 more minutes.
- Garnish with a dash of chives or parsely to give it some colour and serve.
Nutrition
While I have listed dill, chives, onion, and bacon as optional ingredients, they’re pretty much mandatory in my house. I often keep the spice blend ready and have used it to season just about everything I cooked. And I’ve included fried ham, bacon, and bologna if some meat is wanted.
Of course, if you have any suggestions on how it could be made better, please share in the comments below!
Excellent! I’ve been searching for this recipe, thank you from one Dragonlance fan to another!
Well I see this comment was left two years ago, but you’re welcome. 🙂
My first introduction to fantasy was The Dragonlance Chronicles. I was 12 years old and I’m sure you know how important it was to me at that age.
I too have been at this recipe for sometime. Your version and mine have many similarities. Though I prefer to use an oven for convenience. Here I offer my adjustments.
I like to begin quartering Yukon gold potatoes. Then simmering them for twenty minutes in heavily salted water ( 1/4 cup) with a teaspoon of sodium bicarbonate (this helps to create a potato slurry for extra crunchy bits.)
After draining the potatoes in a colander and allowing them to dry for a few minutes, I swirl them about to help develop the potato slurry that will form the crunchy crust bits.
Then they are placed in a bowl with olive oil and a blend of spices (much like yours). I also like to add a teaspoon of powdered chicken bouillon or MSG to the spice blend. All is tossed and then transferred to a foil lined sheet pan that has been heated in 400F preheated oven. This helps promote crisping.
Cook for 30 to 40 minutes and make sure to flip and toss half way through.
I hope you try it out!
That sounds delicious and I will definitely try it. I do love the idea of all the crispy bits. haha
Also; like you my introduction to Dragonlance was quite young. I had to do a book report in grade school, hated reading at the time, saw Winter Night in my school library and loved the cover, and became addicted. Dragonlance made me an avid reader and will always hold a special place on my bookshelf. I’m excited to grab the new Anniversary Edition when it comes out early next year!