Potato gems

Method

• step 1

  Cook the potatoes in a large pan of lightly salted boiling water for 10 minutes or until almost fully cooked but not completely tender. Drain and leave to cool slightly, then peel.

• step 2

  Finely grate the potatoes into a large bowl. Add the butter, potato flour and 1 tsp of salt. Line a 22cm x 14cm dish (we used a 900g loaf tin) with baking paper, then tip in the mixture. Push it into the corners, then smooth the surface so there are no air pockets. The layer should be 3-4cm thick. Put a same-sized dish on top to weigh it down, then chill overnight.

• step 3

  Set a colander lined with muslin (or a thin tea towel or some kitchen paper) in the sink and pour in the buttermilk. Leave until some of the whey has drained away, then chill for 3-4 hours until slightly firm. Tip the buttermilk into a clean bowl, season lightly and add some Tabasco to taste. Chill until ready to serve.

• step 4

  Turn the potato layer out onto a board. Cut into 24 cubes, roughly 4cm x 4cm. Fill a pan no more than a third full with oil and heat to 180C or until a cube of bread browns in 30 seconds. Fry the cubes in small batches for 2-3 minutes per batch until deeply golden. Remove with a slotted spoon and drain on kitchen paper. Season with sea salt. Keep warm in a low oven.

• step 5

  To serve, spoon a dot of buttermilk over each potato cube, followed by ½ tsp of salmon roe, a snip of chive and a pinch of sea salt.