Skillet-Fried Potatoes

Directions

1. 1
   Cut potatoes, peeled or not, into large chunks no more than two inches across.
2. 2
   Salt a pot of boiling water and cook potatoes until just done.
3. 3
   (A sharp knife should easily glide in, but potato should not slide off knife immediately.)
4. 4
   Drain.
5. 5
   This step can be completed in the cool of the morning; cover potatoes and refrigerate until ready to use.
6. 6
   Heat half an inch of olive oil in a large cast-iron skillet.
7. 7
   When hot, add potatoes and garlic cloves and fry, nudging now and again, until crisp and golden, 15 to 20 minutes.
8. 8
   Shower with salt and, if desired, chopped herbs and black pepper.
9. 9
   Serve immediately.