Peasant-Style Potatoes

Directions

1. 1
   Peel and thinly slice the potatoes; if you have a mandoline, use it, but on its thickest settingyou want slices about 1/8 inch thick.
2. 2
   Put the oil in an 8- or 10-inch nonstick skillet and turn the heat to medium; 3 or 4 minutes later, drop in a slice of potato.
3. 3
   When tiny bubbles appear around the edges of the potato, the oil is ready; add all of the potatoes along with a fair amount of salt and pepper.
4. 4
   Gently turn the potatoes occasionally, keeping the heat at medium until, 15 to 20 minutes later, they are tender.
5. 5
   At that point, turn the heat up so the potatoes brown a bit.
6. 6
   Add the garlic, if youre using it, during the last 5 minutes of cooking.
7. 7
   Taste and adjust the seasoning, then garnish and serve hot.